UC Health and the U.S. Air Force Launch State-of-the-Art Medical Simulation Center
UC Health and the U.S. Air Force Open Expanded C-STARS Simulation Center
On March 11, 2026, UC Health and the U.S. Air Force proudly announced the launch of the expanded Center for Sustainment of Trauma and Readiness Skills (C-STARS) Simulation Center located in Cincinnati, Ohio. This cutting-edge, 30,000-square-foot facility not only aims to redefine military and civilian trauma training but also significantly enhances medical readiness and research initiatives.
The impressive $10 million investment in the facility was made possible through a partnership with the 711th Human Performance Wing of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). This center is specially designed to prepare Air Force medical teams to provide life-saving care in various high-pressure scenarios including combat zones, humanitarian missions, and intricate civilian emergencies.
Key Features of the C-STARS Simulation Center
The newly expanded simulation center includes several state-of-the-art features that mirror the complexities of modern trauma care. Among these are:
- - High-Fidelity Full-Scale Simulation Technology: Realistic training missions using advanced simulation techniques to provide authentic experience.
- - Immersive Virtual and Augmented Reality Environments: These technologies create engaging training scenarios, allowing participants to practice in lifelike settings.
- - Configurable Spaces Replicating Real-World Settings: The facility boasts different zones that simulate battlefield, transport, and healthcare environments.
- - Data-Informed Performance Tools: These facilitate timely clinical decision-making backed by real-time data analysis, crucial for trauma interventions.
Brig. Gen. Robert K. Bogart, commander of the 711th Human Performance Wing, emphasized the facility’s significance by stating, “With this state-of-the-art facility, we ensure our medics are prepared to meet the challenges of any environment.” He further noted that this partnership is setting a global benchmark for trauma training and medical research.
Colonel Ric Speakman, commander of the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine, also remarked on the transformative nature of the center, saying, “From expanding opportunities for cutting-edge training to researching new medical intervention techniques, every effort is driven by a single mission—saving lives.”
A Vision for the Future
The C-STARS Simulation Center stands as a testament to over two decades of collaboration. It will not only be the most advanced C-STARS facility globally but will also serve as a national hub for operationally relevant, data-driven research. This ensures that innovative medical technologies, autonomous systems, and treatment models are assessed under realistic operational conditions.
Jim Lehman, UC Medical's research site lead, encapsulated the purpose of the facility by stating, “Every time we step into this simulation center, we're reminded our research isn't about equipment - it's about saving lives.” The mission is clear: if this work enables medics to successfully return just one more service member home, then every moment spent in training will be worthwhile.
The center is also expected to influence future doctrine and capability development within the Department of the Air Force. By adopting an integrated research-and-training approach, the C-STARS facility is set to bring forth rapid, evidence-based advancements that improve the survivability of warfighters.
Since its inception in 2002, C-STARS Cincinnati has successfully trained over 5,000 Air Force medical professionals. Through joint training and advanced simulations, the facility prepares military medics and civilian first responders, ultimately contributing to safer communities.
For more details on C-STARS, visit UCHealth.com/C-STARS.
About UC Health
UC Health serves as Greater Cincinnati's adult academic health system, merging world-class care with groundbreaking research. Their mission is to transform health and improve life within the community. To find out more, visit UCHealth.com.
About the Air Force Research Laboratory
The AFRL plays a pivotal role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of innovative technologies for air, space, and cyberspace forces. With a broad scientific portfolio, the AFRL continually advances research that fortifies national defense. For more insights, visit afresearchlab.com.
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