From celebrating Norma’s 15-year VATA-versary to connecting with customers and educators at conferences across the country, we’ve had a busy first half of the year. We’re excited to share a few highlights with you.
Team Spotlight: Norma’s 15th VATA-versary!
This year marks an exciting milestone for Norma—15 years with VATA! As part of our small but mighty production team, Norma helps create the products used by healthcare professionals around the world.
What was your first job at VATA? What is your job today? My first job at VATA was making Peter PICC line’s skin. Today, my job includes making a variety of products, pouring and demolding castings, training new employees, and being flexible to help wherever needed.
What are you most proud of from your 15 years at VATA? Doing my job with love and dedication, knowing that the products I make help people learn how to take care of health issues. That makes me feel proud.
What do you enjoy most about working at VATA? VATA is a very small company where everybody knows each other. I feel welcome here, and over the past 15 years, my coworkers have become like family to me. I also really enjoy the flexibility of my schedule, the motivation we receive during our annual reviews, and our annual Christmas lunch.
Thank you for 15 wonderful years, Norma!
On the Road: Trade Show Highlights
We’ve spent the first half of the year connecting with nurses, educators, simulation professionals, and industry partners at some of healthcare simulation’s leading events. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth, shared feedback, and let us learn more about the challenges and opportunities shaping healthcare education today.
IMSH
We kicked off the year in San Antonio at IMSH, one of our favorite annual events. It was a great opportunity to reconnect with industry partners and meet simulation professionals from around the world.
SAWC Spring
In Charlotte, we connected with healthcare professionals dedicated to advancing wound care and wound healing. We enjoyed introducing attendees to our wound care training models and discussing how simulation supports skill development and patient outcomes.
INS
Even after attending for decades, INS remains a highlight for our team. Along with sharing trusted favorites like Chester Chest™ and our Advanced Venipuncture Training Aids, we gathered valuable feedback on several new products currently in development.
ONS
Back in San Antonio for ONS, we showcased newer products including our Wearable Two-Vein IV Access Trainer™ and the prototype for our new Wearable Port Trainer™. We also heard plenty of stories about trusted Chester models that have been serving classrooms and simulation labs for years. If your Chester is showing its age, don’t forget that our refurbishing program can help restore it to like-new condition.
WOCN
We enjoyed connecting with healthcare professionals dedicated to wound and ostomy care and sharing the training tools that help support their work. As always, our mini chocolate Seymour Butts were a huge hit at the booth!
INACSL
We wrapped up the first half of the year at INACSL, one of the few conferences dedicated entirely to simulation. We enjoyed connecting with passionate simulation professionals, hearing from longtime customers, and welcoming our newest team member, Matt, to his first VATA trade show. Look out for an introduction to Matt in our fall newsletter.
What’s Next?
Catch us at SAWC Fall, October 15–18, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. We look forward to seeing many of you there!
There’s a New Call in Town!
This spring, Andrew and his wife welcomed a baby boy, Charlie. Pictured here are three generations of Calls: Tom, who founded VATA nearly 40 years ago, Andrew, and Charlie.
