Since at least high school, Jataya Jackson dreamed of becoming a doctor. But she never imagined her journey would bring her full circle, from an undergraduate sitting in the audience of a guest lecture to standing beside that very same speaker as a colleague and a future physician.
Jackson was still an undergraduate student in the Judy Genshaft Honors College when she first crossed paths with Haru Okuda, MD, chief executive officer and executive director of the Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS). At the time, she was pursuing dual degrees in biomedical sciences and public health and working as a teaching assistant under Tricia Pennicook, MD, PhD, associate professor of community health sciences in the ±«Óătv College of Public Health (COPH).
One day, while attending the Backstage Pass to Health Professions course, Dr. Okuda spoke as a guest lecturer about the power of simulation in medical training.
“I didn’t know much about simulation before that talk,” Jackson said. “But something about the way Dr. Okuda described it — the innovation, the impact on patient safety — it just lit a spark.”
Following the lecture, Jackson began to connect with the CAMLS team, eventually joining them part-time after completing her undergraduate degrees. By 2023, she had also earned a master’s degree in medical sciences and stepped into a full-time role as a simulation operations specialist.
In that position, Jackson has been an integral part of the CAMLS team and played a crucial role in elevating the learning experience of health care professionals, whether setting up complex scenarios, coordinating high-fidelity simulations or representing ±«Óătv Health abroad. Most recently, Jackson taught third-year medical students how to place an IV and guest lectured in the ±«Óătv College of Public Health, teaching students who are now walking the same path she once did.
And now, after years helping train future physicians, Jackson is becoming one herself. This fall, she will begin medical school at Nova Southeastern University, bringing with her a rich background in simulation and a unique, first-hand perspective on medical education.
“I’ve learned so much from the faculty here at CAMLS,” said Jackson. “Working alongside some of the best experts in their fields and the wealth of knowledge and experience they bring to medical education has pushed me to become the best version of myself.”
In recognition of her remarkable journey and contributions to medical simulation, Dr. Okuda recently honored Jackson as a ±«Óătv Health Culture Champion, awarding her a ±«Óătv Health Culture Coin.
For Dr. Okuda, Jataya’s journey from an undergraduate student and a medical simulation trainer to becoming a medical student herself is a shining example of commitment, growth and purpose.
“I get chills just thinking about it,” Dr. Okuda said. “When I met Jataya for the first time, I knew she was such a unique gem. Now, she’s on her way to becoming my colleague as a physician. It’s a really powerful moment and I get choked up just thinking about it.”
