UC Health and U.S. Air Force Unveil Expanded Trauma Training Center

The $10 million expansion of the C-STARS Simulation Center in Cincinnati will advance military and civilian medical readiness.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:50pm

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UC Health and the U.S. Air Force have announced the opening of the expanded Center for Sustainment of Trauma and Readiness Skills (C-STARS) Simulation Center in Cincinnati. The new 30,000-square-foot facility represents the next generation of military and civilian trauma training, significantly advancing medical readiness, response, and research. The $10 million expansion, developed in partnership with the 711th Human Performance Wing of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), prepares Air Force medical teams to deliver lifesaving care in combat zones, humanitarian missions, and complex civilian emergencies.

Why it matters

The expanded C-STARS Simulation Center will serve as a national hub for operationally relevant, data-driven research to evaluate new medical technologies, autonomous systems, and care models under realistic operational conditions. This integrated research-and-training approach will help shape future doctrine and capability development within the Department of the Air Force, ensuring rapid, evidence-based advances that enhance warfighter survivability.

The details

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. Key features include high-fidelity, full-scale simulation technology, immersive virtual and augmented reality environments, and data-informed performance tools supporting real-time clinical decision-making.

  • The expanded C-STARS Simulation Center opened on March 11, 2026.

The players

Brig. Gen. Robert K. Bogart

Commander of the 711th Human Performance Wing.

Col. Ric Speakman

Commander of the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine.

Col. Valerie Sams, MD

Director of C-STARS Cincinnati, U.S. Air Force, and trauma surgeon at UC Medical Center.

Jim Lehman

UC Medical research site lead for the en route care section of AFRL's Human Effectiveness Directorate.

UC Health

Greater Cincinnati's adult academic health system.

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What they’re saying

“With this state-of-the-art facility, we ensure our medics are prepared to meet the challenges of any environment.”

— Brig. Gen. Robert K. Bogart, Commander of the 711th Human Performance Wing

“From expanding opportunities for cutting-edge training to researching new medical intervention techniques, every effort is driven by a single mission: saving lives.”

— Col. Ric Speakman, Commander of the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine

“UC Health, in partnership with the U.S. Air Force, is setting the standard for readiness, response, and resilience through the C-STARS Simulation Center.”

— Col. Valerie Sams, MD, Director of C-STARS Cincinnati, U.S. Air Force, and trauma surgeon at UC Medical Center

“Every time we step into this simulation center, we're reminded our research isn't about equipment – it's about saving lives.”

— Jim Lehman, UC Medical research site lead for the en route care section of AFRL's Human Effectiveness Directorate

What’s next

The expanded C-STARS Simulation Center will serve as a national hub for operationally relevant, data-driven research to evaluate new medical technologies, autonomous systems, and care models under realistic operational conditions.

The takeaway

The expanded C-STARS Simulation Center represents a significant advancement in military and civilian trauma training, preparing Air Force medical teams to deliver lifesaving care in combat zones, humanitarian missions, and complex civilian emergencies, while also serving as a hub for cutting-edge medical research to enhance warfighter survivability.