David Hunt Wilks, MD, 70, of Dilliner, PA passed away on April 14, 2021 following a lengthy illness. He is survived by his husband of 25 years, Joseph B. Smith; and a niece, Mary Ellen Muir. He was preceded in death by his parents Leonard Wilks and Helen Skurko Wilks, and a brother, Hayden "Butch" Wilks. David was born on May 20, 1950 and grew up in Brackenridge, PA. After graduation from high school in 1968 he attended the University of Pittsburgh where he completed his undergraduate education, medical schooling, and an Anesthesia Residency. Following this he was employed by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine where he not only practiced clinically, but also served as Program Director for many years. In 1997, David and his husband moved to Albuquerque, NM where he became Program Director, as well as founder of the Basic and Advanced Training Computer Assisted Visual Experience (BATCAVE) Healthcare Simulation Program for The University of New Mexico School of Medicine. After nine years in New Mexico, David and his husband returned to the East Coast when he became employed by the West Virginia University School of Medicine to build and develop the David and Jo Ann Shaw Center for Simulation Training and Education for Patient Safety (STEPS). This 19,000 square foot instructional space currently includes 4 ICU setups for life-like manikins; two 10 bed open lab spaces for practicing nursing, basic life support and ultrasound skills; twelve patient exam rooms for physical diagnosis and communication; a room for OB and Pediatric practice; a large Surgical skills unit; and more. Following his retirement in 2016, David was able to spend time on the farm he shared with his husband, travel extensively, and most notably, enjoy his beloved Dobermans, Roxie and Gillis. He will be remembered and missed by many.
