digital-pulse-april-2026

JANUARY 2026 - MARCH 2026

NOTABLE ACTIVITY

Students on UNMC's UNK campus experienced their first simulation activities in the brand-new Health Science Education Center II. From the College of Allied Health Professions, College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy & more, these learners are off to a fantastic start at iEXCEL's Kearney location.

iEXCEL in the News

UNMC Today: iEXCEL honors innovators advancing simulation technology

KETV: New technology transforms medical education at UNMC

Beckers Hospital Review: 93 hospital and health system simulation and education programs to know | 2026

BREAKTHROUGHS

Trach Videos Statewide Impact

In collaboration with iEXCEL, Dr. Jayme Dowdall developed a virtual tracheostomy care training tool. This provides hands-on, lifesaving education to rural communities across Nebraska by equipping patients, families & health care providers with the skills & confidence to safely manage complex care in the home.

a visualization of a man in a hospital bed with a tracheostomy tube

Live Holobox Lecture with Dr. Dexter – A First!

iEXCEL delivered a multi-campus lecture using holographic technology to "beam" Dr. Dexter as a full-size hologram to students in both Omaha & Kearney simultaneously. This immersive teaching experience fostered strong student engagement while demonstrating the potential of connecting immersive learning experiences across Nebraska – in real time!

holographic box displaying a man lecturing to a class with a presentation to the side of him

President Gold goes AI

iEXCEL has created an AI-powered President Gold avatar that communicates through holographic technology, creating a dynamic & scalable teaching presence across multiple locations. This groundbreaking innovation expands the use of AI by opening new possibilities for accessible, interactive learning experiences.

WEBSITE ANALYTICS

6,490

Users

4,997

New Users

9,148

Total Pageviews

ACTIVITY OVERVIEW

January 1 - March 31, 2026

472

Activities

8,499

Attendance

$112,350

Value

two pie charts; chart 1: Activity by Department - tours, 8.4%; meetings, 12.0%; education/training, 79.6%; and planning sessions, 0.4%. chart 2: activity by type - CAHP, 36.1%; COM, 14.5%; GME, 10.5%; CON, 9.5%; NM, 6.9%; COP, 4.3%; COPH, 0.2%; Other UNMC, 12.83%; External, 5.2%

A table displaying educational activites by activity and learner number. Medicine: 61 events, 971 learners; Allied Health: 152 events, 911 learners; Nursing: 40 events, 188 learners; Pharmacy: 18 events, 406 learners; Public Health: 1 event, 3 learners; Dentistry: 0 events, 0 learners; Nebraska Medicine: 29 events, 4,883 learners; GME: 44 events, 78 learners; External: 22 events, 24 learners; Other UNMC: 54 events, 181 learners; Total: 421 events, 7,645 learners

COMMUNITY & BUSINESS

854

Total Attendees (On & Off-site)

51

Tours/Events

CONTENT CREATION

8

Holographic & Video Projects

21

3D Projects in Progress

RESEARCH & PRESENTATIONS

7

Abstracts Presented

2

Research Sessions Hosted

ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

Auditory Hallucination

iEXCEL’s “Hearing Voices” simulation experience immersed learners in auditory hallucinations, demonstrating how conducting routine tasks can become complex challenges. This powerful teaching tool builds empathy, strengthening patient-centered care by engaging students in a virtual experience of cognitive & communication barriers in mental health.

a student wearing headphones concentrating on making baby formula in a bottle

Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric Dentistry residents engaged in immersive emergency simulations, including anesthesia overdose, allergic reactions & airway obstruction scenarios. Hands-on experiences using simulation strengthen skills in rapid decision-making & teamwork, as well as address patient safety in high-stakes situations.

a student placing an air mask on a manikin

Orthopaedic Month

iEXCEL kicked off a month-long series of Orthopedic Surgery rotations with a knee lab, where surgeons demonstrated key surgical techniques to residents. This launched a new season of immersive training, reinforcing skills through expert-led & real-world instruction.

a surgeon practicing a procedure as people watch