Rosalind Franklin University Opens Innovative Virtual Health System
News related to:Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science · 2 min read
NORTH CHICAGO, Ill., Sept. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU) has unveiled its groundbreaking Virtual Health System (VHS), a state-of-the-art clinical training center designed to transform health education and prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals. Spanning more than 23,000 square feet, the facility is one of the Midwest's most modern, integrated, and interprofessional training hubs.
The VHS brings the experience of a hospital into the region's most advanced, interprofessional healthcare simulation environment. The one-of-a-kind center features a simulated emergency room, intensive care unit (ICU), operating room, and labor and delivery suite. Designed to mirror a real hospital, the VHS allows interprofessional student teams to navigate complex, real-time patient scenarios together before stepping into actual clinical environments.
Powered by the latest technology, including artificial intelligence, immersive technologies, and advanced 3D printing, the VHS features specialized clinical spaces like a six-room emergency department and trauma bay. Yet training extends far beyond digital simulation or technical clinical procedures. Using lifelike medical manikins alongside one of the country's only dedicated Empathy Labs, students actively hone vital soft skills, such as delivering difficult diagnoses, managing high-stress team dynamics, and navigating sensitive family discussions.
The university celebrated the VHS unveiling with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and live simulation demonstration at its North Chicago campus. Joining the event were RFU President Aron Sousa, MD, and Interim Provost James Carlson, PhD, PA-C, CHSE-A, alongside state and local officials and community partners.
Interprofessional education is central to RFU's mission. The VHS brings multiple health professions together so students learn from other disciplines. These dynamic team-based simulations, in which conditions change in real time, ensure students graduate fully prepared to lead across professions. Last year, approximately 1,500 students used RFU's simulation facilities, completing more than 47,000 simulation hours of hands-on, simulation-based learning. During the 2025-26 academic year, students and healthcare professionals participated in experiences ranging from multi-day clinical workshops to multi-week assessments designed to evaluate and strengthen their skills.
An early adopter of simulation-based training, RFU is a national leader and accredited center of excellence in healthcare education, an approach proven to improve patient outcomes, bolster learner confidence, and optimize healthcare team performance. In addition to training students, the VHS offers Chicagoland healthcare teams a high-tech simulation lab to sharpen advanced clinical skills in high-need specialties, including pediatric care, maternal health, nursing, and emergency medicine. The VHS also partners with local elementary, middle, and high schools to spark early interest in health professions, offering hands-on career exploration through programs such as Science Saturdays, Mini Medical School, and INSPIRE.
The VHS was made possible through significant investment from the state of Illinois and generous support from RFU donors. Founded in Chicago in 1912, RFU embodies the spirit of inquiry and excellence modeled by its namesake Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose Photo 51 was crucial to solving the structure of DNA. Recognized for its research in the areas of neuroscience, brain-related diseases, inherited disorders, diabetes, obesity, and gait and balance, the university includes Chicago Medical School, College of Health Professions, College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, and the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.