Vanessa Padron, MSW
IPE Simulation Coordinator
(405) 271-8001, Ext. 30674
vanessa-padron@ou.edu
Vanessa Padron, MSW, is the Interprofessional Education Simulation Coordinator at the University of Oklahoma Health Campus, where she plays a central role in designing, implementing, and evaluating the university’s robust interprofessional simulation curriculum. Trained as a social worker, Ms. Padron brings a unique expertise in communication, team dynamics, and person‑centered care to the development of immersive learning experiences that prepare future healthcare professionals for effective collaborative practice.
Ms. Padron leads simulation‑based education for more than 2,500 learners annually across all health professions disciplines. She coordinates the full lifecycle of simulation activities, including curriculum design, instructional material development, logistics management, faculty support, and even as lead facilitator. Her work includes recruiting and training standardized patients and facilitators, operating and managing simulation platforms, and overseeing student enrollment, assessment, and evaluation processes. She is recognized for her ability to create psychologically safe, equitable learning environments and for facilitating high‑impact small‑group debriefings that reinforce interprofessional communication and collaborative decision‑making.
An accomplished educator and simulation specialist, Ms. Padron contributes significantly to the instructional design of interprofessional learning experiences within the learning management system (LMS), ensuring alignment with course objectives, competency frameworks, and evidence‑based educational practices. She manages data systems supporting educational outcomes reporting and collaborates with faculty and administrators to refine courses through continuous quality improvement. Her leadership extends to campus‑wide communication and training initiatives, where she helps faculty and students integrate simulation‑enhanced learning into didactic, clinical, and community‑based educational settings.
Grounded in her social work training and passion for interprofessional collaboration, Ms. Padron’s work strengthens the university’s commitment to preparing practice‑ready graduates equipped for teamwork, equity-focused care, and real‑world healthcare challenges.