Medical Education & Research Institute

MEDICAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH INSTITUTE (MERI) EARNS ACCREDITATION FROM THE SOCIETY OF SIMULATION IN HEALTHCARE (SSH) AND FROM THE COUNCIL FOR ACCREDITATION OF HEALTHCARE SIMULATION PROGRAMS

MEMPHIS, TN (January 13, 2012)- On December 31, 2011, The Medical Education & Research Institute became the first program in Tennessee to earn accreditation in the area of Teaching/Education from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH) and from the Council for Accreditation of Healthcare Simulation Programs. MERI will be internationally recognized for this achievement at the 12th Annual International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare (IMSH) held on January 27, 2012 in San Diego. MERI is the only non-transplant whole body donor organization also accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB). Accreditation is a voluntary test of the excellence of an organization. SSH promotes improvements in patient care and safety throughout the world through enhanced simulation technology, educational methods, health care student and practitioner continuing education outcomes assessment and research.

About MERI
The Medical Education & Research Institute (MERI) is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit medical training and research school located in Memphis, TN. The MERI supports hands-on training and research in all medical specialties for physicians, nurses, CRNAs, physicians’ assistants, paramedics, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, EMTs and other healthcare professionals and first responders from across the USA and around the world.

MERI’s state-of-the art “ Medical Simulation Center of Excellence” assists in the formulation and delivery of an educational strategy that supports enhanced patient caregiver competence and confidence by combining anatomic, physiology and simulation training. MERI is unique in that it can provide hands-on training and research using both anatomic donors and high fidelity human patient simulators.

Dr. Kevin Foley, MERI Medical Director and Board Chairman congratulates the MERI team on this important step in achieving MERI’s vision to “be the leading hands-on medical education and training institute in the world.”

For more information on the Medical Education & Research Institute (MERI), please call Diana Kelly at 901-786-8004 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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Governor Phil Bredesen signed resolution #794 designating MERI as a Simulation Center of Excellence in the State of Tennessee. The resolution was introduced by Senator Mark Norris and signed on April 30, 2010.

“Tennessee is fortunate to have such an excellent resource as the MERI, which has distinguished itself as a pioneer in the field of simulation technologies and its employees and physicians continue to strive to exceed their students’ expectations by providing the highest quality medical education possible”

According to Norris, the General Assembly recognizes organizations that strive to improve the quality of life for Tennessee’s citizens.

Specifically, the MERI Simulation Center of Excellence provides hands-on medical education training and research to enhance patient safety, which results in saving lives and better patient outcomes. The MERI simulations create the best-practice hands-on training environment to develop and demonstrate individual and team care skills in all areas of medical care, emergency and disaster training. MERI’s Simulation Center of Excellence is partially funded by a donation from the Assisi Foundation of Memphis.

According to Norris, “MERI strives to provide the best-possible training experience for Tennessee’s Health Care professionals by supporting research in all specialties of medicine, introducing health care providers to the latest innovations in medicine, and providing all of its students with the opportunity to learn about the most up-to-date medical techniques and technologies. “

MERI being designated as a Simulation Center of Excellence reinforces Tennessee’s standing as the best place to live and work for health care professionals and for patients. MERI uses its resources to bring Homeland Security, Department of Defense, EMS and National Guard training to Tennessee, making Tennessee the best-prepared state for disasters.

“Tennessee is fortunate to have such an excellent resource as the MERI, which has distinguished itself as a pioneer in the field of simulation technologies and its employees and physicians continue to strive to exceed their students’ expectations by providing the highest quality medical education possible,” Norris said.