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COLUMBUS, Ohio – A gift from Dr. LeRoy J. Essig of Stafford, Va., has established the Ohio State University College of Medicine’s Ann Crowe Essig Patient Simulation Learning Lab Fund in honor of his late wife, Ann Crowe Essig. LeRoy is a 1969 graduate of Ohio State’s College of Medicine.

The learning lab features 14 patient encounter rooms, similar to the examination rooms trainees will eventually use in their professional practice. In the laboratory setting, students and medical residents engage in interactions with specially trained actors, known as “standardized patients,” a practice that helps them develop the interpersonal skills that are vital to diagnosing and treating patients successfully.

The $1 million Ann Crowe Essig Fund will work to strengthen educational tools and resources for tomorrow’s practicing physicians and provide critical financial support to promote the success of the laboratory.

Ann Crowe Essig led a life dedicated to caring – from her chosen field of nursing to her extensive philanthropic work. As a practitioner working alongside her husband in their internal medicine and hematology-oncology practice in Fredericksburg, Va., Ann served in many functions, but her most treasured role was as a nurse interacting with patients.

As a cancer survivor, Ann decided to use her experiences to inspire and help others. She began by redesigning their practice to offer a more serene and welcoming atmosphere for cancer patients and their families. Ann became active in many philanthropic organizations and activities including the Komen Cancer Walk, the Salvation Army’s Women’s Auxiliary and the Christian Women’s Club.

The Essigs’ son, Dr. LeRoy W. Essig, is an Ohio State faculty member and clinical professor who teaches in the patient simulation lab and works in the pulmonary care and critical care units. He is a recipient of the OSU Department of Internal Medicine’s 2008 Teacher of the Year Award.

Dedication of the Ann Crowe Essig Patient Simulation Learning Laboratory will take place 1:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, in the fifth floor Medical Heritage Center of the Prior Health Sciences Library.

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