The new, state-of-the-art, 30,000-square-foot facility represents the next generation of military and civilian trauma training, significantly advancing medical readiness, response, and research on a global scale.
The $10 million expansion, developed in partnership with the 711th Human Performance Wing of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), marks a major milestone in preparing Air Force medical teams to deliver lifesaving care in combat zones, humanitarian missions, and complex civilian emergencies, allowing training to expand from 100 teams to 300.
Designed to mirror the realities of modern trauma care, the expanded simulation center includes a fully equipped command center, enhanced education and training suites, dedicated research space, and an immersive virtual reality environment. These capabilities allow Air Force personnel to train in true-to-life operational scenarios, including stabilizing critically injured patients during aeromedical transport.
Key features of the expanded facility include:
- High-fidelity, full-scale simulation technology
- Immersive virtual and augmented reality environments
- Data-informed performance tools that support real-time clinical decision-making
- Configurable spaces replicating battlefield, transport, and hospital settings
“With this state-of-the-art facility, we ensure our medics are prepared to meet the challenges of any environment — whether stabilizing patients midflight or delivering care on the battlefield,” said Brig. Gen. Robert K. Bogart, commander of the 711th Human Performance Wing. “It is because of this remarkable partnership between UC Health and the U.S. Air Force that we are setting a global standard for trauma training and medical research.”
That standard is built upon a singular, shared mission to save lives.
“From expanding opportunities for cutting-edge training to researching new medical intervention techniques, every effort is driven by a single mission: more lives saved,” said Col. Ric Speakman, commander of the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine. “This facility represents our unwavering commitment to ensuring the men and women who serve are equipped to deliver expert medical care anywhere in the world.”
Building on more than two decades of collaboration between UC Health and the U.S. Air Force, the expanded simulation center will be the most advanced C-STARS facility worldwide. The enhancements ensure Air Force Critical Care Air Transport (CCAT) teams are fully prepared to care for the most critically injured patients in austere, high-stress and rapidly evolving environments.
“UC Health, in partnership with the U.S. Air Force, is setting the standard for readiness, response and resilience through what will become the most impactful C-STARS simulation center in the world,” said Col. Valerie Sams, MD, director of C-STARS Cincinnati, U.S. Air Force, and trauma surgeon at UC Medical Center. “Together, we are ensuring the lessons learned here save lives — on the battlefield and at home.”
In addition to its advanced training mission, the expanded CSTARS Simulation Center will serve as a national hub for operationally relevant, datadriven research that accelerates innovation across the en route care continuum. The center’s dedicated research infrastructure enables researchers and clinicians to rigorously evaluate new medical technologies, autonomous systems and care models under realistic operational conditions. ‑STARS Simulation Center will serve as a national hub for operationally relevant, data‑driven research that accelerates innovation across the
"Every time we step into this simulation center, we’re reminded that our research isn’t about equipment — it’s about saving lives," said Jim Lehman, UC Medical research site lead for the en route care section of AFRL’s Human Effectiveness Directorate. "If our work helps medics bring one more service member home safely, then every hour spent here is worth it."
Through this integrated research-and-training approach, the center will help shape future doctrine, staffing strategies and capability development within the Department of Air Force, ensuring rapid, evidence‑based advances that directly enhance the survivability of the warfighter.
The expanded C-STARS program will also serve as a national hub for medical innovation, bringing together military leaders, UC Health researchers, emergency medicine experts, and frontline clinicians to advance trauma care techniques, emergency preparedness, and rapid response strategies.
Established in 2002, C-STARS Cincinnati, part of the UC Institute for Military Medicine within the Department of Surgery at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, has trained more than 5,000 Air Force medical professionals. This longstanding partnership has strengthened Air Force medical readiness while elevating emergency preparedness across Greater Cincinnati and beyond.
Through joint training, shared research and advanced simulation, initially funded by Congress, C-STARS prepares military medics, and the simulation center supports civilian first responders, helping create safer communities and greater peace of mind.
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About UC Health
UC Health is Greater Cincinnati's adult academic health system—where world-class care, groundbreaking research and the next generation of medicine come together to transform health and improve life within our community.
About AFRL
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is the Department of the Air Force’s primary scientific research and development center and one of six centers within Air Force Materiel Command. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace forces. With a workforce spanning across nine technology areas and 40 other operations around the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit afresearchlab.com.
AFRL’s Human Effectiveness Directorate is part of the 711th Human Performance Wing, a unique combination of two mission units. While the Human Effectiveness Directorate is science- and technology-focused, the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine is a center for aerospace medical learning, consultation, medical investigations and aircrew health assessments. This synergy of research and development with aerospace medical expertise helps ensure Airmen and Guardians are available, ready and performing at their peak
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