CMEI Experience

Explore Possibility. Experience the CMEI.

In spring 2020, Kansas City University completed the Center for Medical Education Innovation (CMEI)
just as the world went into lockdown. But now, the doors to the future are open.

It’s time to see how KCU is changing health care for good.


On March 25, 2022, an open house event launched the CMEI to our donors, partners and supporters. The open house provided attendees an opportunity to experience manikin simulations, AV/VR learning tools and patient exercises with real humans! Our Facebook post and photo album best tells the story.

Tour the CMEI in a New Dimension

Keep exploring the possibilities of the CMEI from anywhere using our 360° campus tour, including access to spaces within the CMEI.

Click here to access the Virtual 360° Campus Tour

For a new perspective on how KCU is changing health care for good. Use your VR glasses and the virtual tour VR option to access an immersive, 3D viewing experience.

Instructions for using VR glasses:

  • Using your mobile device, open the virtual tour from the link above.
  • Click on the icon showing VR goggles in the upper right area of the screen.
  • Turn your mobile device and place it within the VR glasses with the screen facing the glasses lenses.

KCU-provided VR glasses have an adjustable lens width and should be held with both hands while using. Prescription glasses wearers: some users achieve a better viewing experience by removing existing prescription eyewear prior to use, though both regular and VR glasses can be used simultaneously.

Consider where we’ve been. Imagine where we can go.

During your time exploring the CMEI, watch for historical markers. Each one shows a unique moment from KCU’s past that illustrates how far we’ve come in medical education. Then, think about the potential for future innovation made possible by the capabilities of the CMEI.

Download the signs in one PDF.

The Cutino Building, 1916

Education at KCU began in 1916 on the fourth floor of an office and warehouse building at the corner of 7th and Wyandotte. With limited ventilation, no elevator and steep, narrow stairwells shared with other tenants, KCU’s first home was a sharp contrast to the campus environment of today’s student experience.

The Cutino Building, 1916

Education at KCU began in 1916 on the fourth floor of an office and warehouse building at the corner of 7th and Wyandotte. With limited ventilation, no elevator and steep, narrow stairwells shared with other tenants, KCU’s first home was a sharp contrast to the campus environment of today’s student experience.

Theatre of the Mind, 1944

In the past, student doctors could watch physicians perform procedures but could not gain hands-on practice, outside of the anatomy lab, because of the risk to real patients. Today, the CMEI’s virtual & augmented reality tech allows for extensive, high-fidelity practice with zero risk to real patients.

Theatre of the Mind, 1944

In the past, student doctors could watch physicians perform procedures but could not gain hands-on practice, outside of the anatomy lab, because of the risk to real patients. Today, the CMEI’s virtual & augmented reality tech allows for extensive, high-fidelity practice with zero risk to real patients.

More than a Manikin, 1993

Since at least the 17th century, medical education has included the use of anatomical models, but today’s are more than positionable figures. By the 1990s, early medical manikins could be used as cardiology patient simulators. Complex for his time, “Harvey” would be considered limited in capability and fidelity today.

More than a Manikin, 1993

Since at least the 17th century, medical education has included the use of anatomical models, but today’s are more than positionable figures. By the 1990s, early medical manikins could be used as cardiology patient simulators. Complex for his time, “Harvey” would be considered limited in capability and fidelity today.

Manipulating Time, 1979

Training in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) is a key part of becoming a DO, and it requires dedicated space and equipment to learn. OMM is integral to the history of osteopathic medicine, and the CMEI’s loft space uses modern technology to advance this foundational concept to serve future generations.

Manipulating Time, 1979

Training in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) is a key part of becoming a DO, and it requires dedicated space and equipment to learn. OMM is integral to the history of osteopathic medicine, and the CMEI’s loft space uses modern technology to advance this foundational concept to serve future generations.

The Reality of Simulation, 1993

Early medical manikins and other medical simulators changed the way student doctors learn, but they were far from lifelike. KCU student doctors now learn using high-fidelity manikins that realistically present symptoms and conditions, engage in conversation, respond to treatment and even simulate birth.

The Reality of Simulation, 1993

Early medical manikins and other medical simulators changed the way student doctors learn, but they were far from lifelike. KCU student doctors now learn using high-fidelity manikins that realistically present symptoms and conditions, engage in conversation, respond to treatment and even simulate birth.

The Keys to Discovery, 1996

In a matter of decades, computer technology has progressed in truly transformative ways. From running basic programs and calculations to creating entire simulations based in real-life scenarios and rendering those into responsive virtual reality patient experiences, technology powers much of the CMEI.

The Keys to Discovery, 1996

In a matter of decades, computer technology has progressed in truly transformative ways. From running basic programs and calculations to creating entire simulations based in real-life scenarios and rendering those into responsive virtual reality patient experiences, technology powers much of the CMEI.

Encounters Re-examined, 1994

Simulated Patient Encounters provide the opportunity for student doctors to practice clinical scenarios with human “actors” portraying patients. These are important training experiences that help to increase medical knowledge, communication skills and student doctors’ understanding of “whole person” patient care.

Encounters Re-examined, 1994

Simulated Patient Encounters provide the opportunity for student doctors to practice clinical scenarios with human “actors” portraying patients. These are important training experiences that help to increase medical knowledge, communication skills and student doctors’ understanding of “whole person” patient care.

A Lesson in Change, 1918

Early KCU classroom and lab spaces were said to be “admirably planned and equipped...for the thorough and complete instruction of each individual student...larger by far than required, splendidly lighted and with convenient sink, electric and gas equipment throughout” – a statement that is perhaps more accurate today.

A Lesson in Change, 1918

Early KCU classroom and lab spaces were said to be “admirably planned and equipped...for the thorough and complete instruction of each individual student...larger by far than required, splendidly lighted and with convenient sink, electric and gas equipment throughout” – a statement that is perhaps more accurate today.

Center for Medical Education Innovation Open House

 March 22, 2022

8 a.m.

CMEI Doors Open & Breakfast Refreshments Available

8:30 a.m.

Opening Remarks & Special Guest Speakers

Welcome: Jennifer Ingraham, Vice President, Philanthropy and Alumni Relations

Melissa Robinson, Councilwoman for the 3rd District of Kansas City, representing the Office of the KCMO Mayor

Dr. Marc B. Hahn, KCU President and CEO

Dr. Josh Cox, Executive Dean for the College of Osteopathic Medicine and Vice Provost for Academic Affairs

Charlotte Kemper Black, Kansas City’s Philanthropic Community

Dr. Randy Mitchem, KCU Class of 1987
Pulmonologist and Son of KCU Alumnus Kenneth E. Mitchem, DO (COM '55)

Dr. Mike Stanton, KCU Class of 1977
Anesthesiologist, Pain Intervention Specialist

Close: Marc Hahn/Jennifer Ingraham, President and CEO/ Vice President, Philanthropy and Alumni Relations

9 a.m.

Facility Tours & Technology Demonstrations Open
Demonstrations are available on the Garden (lower), First and Third Floors.

10 a.m.

Campus Tours
Student Ambassadors will provide tours for those interested.