On January 12, 2026, Sharon Dunnivan-Mitchell, PT, DPT, DHSc’ 22 showcased her research at the International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare in San Antonio, Texas. Her study demonstrates the transformative impact of simulation-based learning for healthcare students in acute care settings.
Developed in collaboration with Dr. Joyce Maring of the George Washington University (GW) DHSc program, and Dr. Kristin Curry-Greenwood, the research provides a roadmap for faculty looking to modernize their curricula.
“My goal is to encourage other programs and faculty to implement simulation by providing a tangible framework supporting this transformational learning activity.”
Dunnivan-Mitchell, is an assistant professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch, a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist, and a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE). Her educational philosophy centers on training clinicians who are not only technically proficient but also empathetic and patient-centered. Furthermore, her framework for simulation-based learning addresses all three critical learning domains: cognitive, affective, and psychomotor.
“I am so very grateful for the training and high-quality coursework that I received at GW.”
Reflecting on her time in the GW Doctor of Health Sciences program, Dunnivan-Mitchell credits her doctoral training with expanding her professional perspective. “The GW DHSc program provided the perfect blend of leadership in clinical application, education, and innovation. I learned not only to design high-quality research with rigorous scientific inquiry, but also to examine challenges through a much broader lens. Completion of the program has opened doors to numerous opportunities I could not have imagined when I first began,” said Dunnivan-Mitchell.
“Sharon pursued and refined her already strong leadership skills and professional interests during her time in the Doctor of Health Sciences program. She is a passionate advocate for the profession of physical therapy and for the education of aspiring therapists,” said professor Joyce Maring, EdD, DPT.
Dunnivan-Mitchell’s findings are published in the Journal of Acute Care Physical Therapy under the title: “Exploring the Addition of Simulation-Based Learning Experiences to Prepare Student Physical Therapist Assistants for Inpatient Clinical Experience: A Case Report.”