The CU Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine Center for Advancing Professional Exellence (CAPE) hosted groups of state legislators on two different occasions during the fall. The legislators visited CAPE as part of day-long “medical practice experiences” organized by Colorado-based COPIC Insurance Company. COPIC Chairman and CEO Ted Clarke, MD, (a CU School of Medicine alum) led the tour. CU Anschutz Medical Campus Chancellor Don Elliman and John J. Reilly, Jr., MD, Dean of the University of Colorado School of Medicine welcomed the groups.

While at CAPE, the legislators experienced simulated hands on, high-pressure situations encountered by practicing physicians. Playing the roles of physicians, nurses, or other providers, they worked in a delivery room, ER or surgical suite. CAPE, through its facility on the CU Anschutz Medical Campus as well as a traveling mobile unit, allows medical students and practicing physicians to learn from the experience of others. Legislators came away from the experience with a new appreciation for the role that discussions regarding the complications and challenges in medical practice play in improving patient safety. These “safe place” discussions will be the topic of legislation during upcoming sessions of the Colorado General Assembly.

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