From a Kitchen Table to Classrooms Around the World
VATA’s story began in November 1986, when founder Tom Call set out to make healthcare training safer and more effective. As a medical sales representative, Tom saw firsthand that clinicians had limited opportunities to practice IVAD (Implanted Venous Access Device) access before working with real patients—a challenge that carried real risks for both learners and those in their care.
With help from his wife Kathy, a nurse, Tom developed Chester Chest™—a lifelike, repeatable training model that gave healthcare professionals a better, safer way to build skill and confidence. The response was immediate, and what started as a small project in the Call family garage quickly grew into something much larger: a company dedicated to improving how clinicians and students learn essential skills.
Today, VATA’s products are trusted by medical students, clinicians, and educators in more than 75 countries, and our purpose remains the same—to design realistic, durable models that help healthcare professionals train effectively and deliver better patient care.
Here’s a look back at how we’ve grown—and the people, products, and milestones that have shaped our story:
November 1986 — Development of Chester Chest™ begins on the Call family kitchen table.
May 1987 — VATA is Founded. Chester Chest™ makes its debut at the INS Trade Show in Nashville, where it’s an instant hit with infusion nurses. That same year, Tom establishes VATA, driven by the mission to empower healthcare professionals through hands-on simulation.
1991 — Operations move from the Call garage to Oregon City. Reid (below) joins the VATA team as Production Manager, helping shape early operations and manufacturing processes.
1994 — Nita Newborn joins the product lineup, supporting neonatal training and broadening VATA’s reach in medical education.
1996 — Launch of the 365 Venipuncture Training Aid—laying the foundation for future advancements with the 1365 and today’s 2365 Advanced Venipuncture Training Aid™ (below left). We also start our weekly treats meeting—a Team VATA tradition still going strong nearly 30 years later!
2003 — The first Seymour Wound Care Model (below right) launches, setting a new standard for realism in wound simulation.
2004 — To meet growing demand, Alfredo (below left) joins VATA’s production team, helping maintain the craftsmanship and quality that define our models.
2005 — Andrew joins VATA full-time, soon followed by Pat (below right), marking a new generation of innovation in design and development.
2007 — VATA relocates to a facility in Canby, Oregon, where we continue to operate today. That same year, Seymour II, the next generation of Seymour, launches.
2008 — Mary (below right) joins as Office Manager—a role she still holds today—keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. New wound care product launches include the Stan Stage 4 Pressure Injury Model and Wilma Wound Foot (below left).
2010 — Sue (below left) joins VATA, bringing artistic expertise and detail to our lifelike, hand-painted wound care models.
2011 — We celebrate Reid’s 20th VATA-versary, honoring decades of dedication and craftsmanship.
2012 — “Vinnie” Venous Insufficiency Leg and “Annie” Arterial Insufficiency Leg expand our wound care product line.
2014 — Our first Vascular Access Ultrasound Model (above right) debuts.
2015 — Miriah joins as Accounting & Purchasing Specialist, and Bonnie Bone Marrow launches—enhancing hematology training capabilities.
2017 — In collaboration with Dr. Michael Zenn, VATA debuts the Suture Skills Trainer, our first model designed specifically for suturing practice.
2018 — Founders Tom and Kathy Call retire. Andrew Call carries forward their commitment to innovation, integrity, and quality as VATA President.
2019 — Brandi (below right) joins as Inside Sales & Account Manager.
2021 — Kyle (below left) joins as Product Design Manager, fueling continuous innovation and product excellence.
2024 — Launch of Penny Pediatric IO—the most advanced pediatric intraosseous model on the market.
2025 — VATA unveils a new website, making it easier than ever for customers worldwide to access our training tools and resources. We also debut our IV Wearable, expanding simulation possibilities even further.
Looking Ahead
Nearly four decades later, our purpose remains the same—to design lifelike training models that empower healthcare professionals to learn with confidence and care. Guided by clinician feedback and a dedication to quality, we continue to advance hands-on education that strengthens skills and improves patient outcomes.