By Raga Bjarnadottir
The team at FloGatorAI is dedicated to showcasing important work and highlighting expertise, particularly related to the application of Artificial Intelligence-driven projects that improve clinical care. A key aspect of improving care is successfully navigating the fast-evolving landscape of health care education and how we incorporate AI-driven tools. In this space, one UF College of Nursing faculty member is a clear pioneer, standing at the intersection of nursing practice and cutting-edge technology. Dr. Michael Bumbach, a clinical assistant professor with 15 years of experience as a board-certified family nurse practitioner, is transforming nursing education through innovative applications of AI tools.
From Personal Experience to Educational Innovation
When Dr. Bumbach began his career as a nurse practitioner in the emergency room, he faced a challenge many new graduates encounter every day: the intimidating task of consulting with specialists. His formative experiences inspired him to create learning environments that better prepare advanced practice nursing students for real-world practice. Over the past four years, Dr. Bumbach has partnered with colleagues from dentistry, interprofessional education, computer science and engineering to develop and implement an AI-powered tool that combines virtual reality and simulation technology to enhance interdisciplinary communication skills.
Leveling Up with AI-Powered Simulations
This AI-powered tool, the Interprofessional Communication Simulation Program, allows students to practice clinical scenarios in a risk-free environment through interactions with lifelike AI patient avatars. The AI-powered tool evaluates students’ diagnostic approaches, measures levels of empathy, and assesses quality, offering real-time feedback. Following the clinical scenario, nursing, along with other discipline students, e.g., dental students, engage in interdisciplinary consultations mirroring the interdisciplinary teamwork that is essential in clinical practice. This approach to simulations is particularly innovative, allowing clinically relevant simulation to be offered almost anywhere, limiting the need for costly physical space and equipment.
Expanding Opportunities
Dr. Bumbach is also integrating AI into classroom learning in other innovative ways. He recently led a faculty team in a publication describing the development of an assignment for DNP students to create patient care tools using generative AI chatbots. The goal of this assignment was to help future advanced practice nurses build the understanding and the skills necessary to responsibly use AI technology in their practice. In another project, he examined how generative AI applications can be leveraged for nursing education, providing educators with frameworks for incorporating these tools into their teaching practices.
Looking Ahead
As AI continues transforming health care education and practice, Dr. Bumbach’s work offers a glimpse into a future of nursing education where technology enhances, rather than tries to hinder or replace, the human elements of care.
Through his research and teaching innovations, Dr. Bumbach ensures that tomorrow’s nurses will enter the profession not just practice-ready but also technologically empowered and collaboration-ready.