CHICAGO – Becker’s Healthcare has recognized Valley Children’s Healthcare for its extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) program, naming it among hospitals and health systems nationwide with outstanding simulation and education programs.
Becker’s annual list highlights organizations using innovative, immersive training environments that allow healthcare professionals to practice clinical skills in realistic scenarios.
These programs help improve patient outcomes, enhance safety and reduce healthcare costs by giving providers a controlled space to prepare for high‑risk situations, Becker’s says.
Valley Children’s ECMO program stood out for its extensive simulation‑based training, according to Becker’s. Each year, between 25 and 30 specialists complete more than 1,400 hours of simulation to maintain advanced proficiency.
The organization was the first in California’s Central Valley to offer ECMO support, which provides life‑saving heart and lung assistance for critically ill patients.
“Recognition like this reflects the extraordinary commitment of our ECMO team to excellence in every moment of care,” said Dr. Harry Kallas, medical director of the Extracorporeal Life Support (ECLS) Program at Valley Children’s. “What makes this program truly special is our dedication to simulation – creating a safe space to practice the uncommon, the complex and the critical – so that when it matters most, we deliver with precision, confidence and compassion.”
Becker’s noted that the 93 honored organizations share a commitment to high‑quality, high‑fidelity simulation that prepares clinicians for challenging real‑world scenarios.
“This honor belongs to a team that never stops preparing, never stops learning and always puts patients and families at the center of everything we do,” Dr. Kallas said.
Valley Children’s ECMO team has earned international recognition from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) for its strong focus on quality care, staff training and patient outcomes.
It is the only ECMO program for infants and children in the Central Valley, and its results rank among the top 10% to 20% of ELSO centers worldwide.
Valley Children’s continues to expand its simulation capabilities as part of its broader mission to elevate pediatric care across the region. To learn more about simulation at Valley Children’s, click here.
To see the entire list from Becker’s, click here.
