The Mobile Obstetric Emergencies Simulator (MOES) is a lifesaving technology developed by LTC Shad Deering, M.D., at the U.S. Army Medical Department's Madigan Army Medical Center (MAMC).

It is a comprehensive package of simulator technology, scenario-based training, and performance measurement and debriefing tools combined to build medical staff competencies in obstetric (OB) emergencies and to promote patient safety. MOES™ blends traditional classroom learning with state-of-the-art simulation training methods.

The Army-patented MOES™ courseware system integrates a full-size, full-body birthing mannequin with a carefully designed OB training curriculum developed to improve medical responses to complicated, stressful situations in labor and delivery. Obstetric emergencies are infrequent high-risk situations that can occur in settings where medical teams have had little hands-on experience with that scenario. The transferred MOES™ system greatly improves opportunities to ensure positive outcomes in a wider range of OB cases.

He also routinely shared that knowledge as an educator and clinician, and regularly suggested product improvements to Gaumard

Miami-based Gaumard Scientific was the recipient of the nominated technology transfer, which was facilitated by the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC). Granted a worldwide exclusive Army patent license in December 2010, the company quickly supplemented its existing birthing mannequin/simulator products with the Army courseware system, enhancing its products' effectiveness in teaching hospitals and medical centers. The programmable system creates an impressively flexible learning environment. Simulated OB emergencies include breech vaginal delivery, eclampsia, neonatal resuscitation, operative vaginal delivery, postpartum hemorrhage, prolapsed umbilical cord, and infant shoulder dystocia.

The unique aspect of the MOES™ transfer 'that the technology's advantages as a commercial product were already validated prior to executing the licensing agreement is a direct result of Dr. Deering's conviction that MOES™ would be a valuable contribution to obstetric medicine. He began developing it in 2001, making clinical training prototypes that utilized Gaumard mannequins. He also routinely shared that knowledge as an educator and clinician, and regularly suggested product improvements to Gaumard. During 2007 through 2009, Dr. Deering used his prototypes to train 300 to 400 people from 53 institutions to be MOES-simulator trainers. He essentially built a market for the future product before the patent agreement was signed.

Through Dr. Deering's efforts, the MOES™ learning package is integral to an off-the-shelf commercial product sold by Gaumard that is being used in every hospital with a labor and delivery ward across the military health system - Army, Navy, and Air Force hospitals in 14 countries and 41 states.