Simulation community participates in major paradigm shift in healthcare education at the 2014 SIM Expo
Building on the success of the 2013 Ontario Simulation Exposition, the simulation community once again came together at the 2014 SIM Expo. More than 300 people attended to celebrate the community’s achievements, partake in immersive networking and educational simulation as well as experience advances in techniques and technologies.
“Again, this year’s SIM Expo did not disappoint. It was a spectacular event that included interesting keynote speakers, a variety of hands-on workshops, networking opportunities and a large display of the latest simulation equipment,” according to Louise Moir, a Nursing Technologist from the Nipissing/Canadore collaborative BScN program and the Canadore Practical Nursing program. “It was great to meet new people in the field and learn what they are doing in the world of simulation. Can’t wait for next year’s event!”
The 2014 SIM Expo took place on December 4 and 5 at the InterContinental Toronto Centre Hotel.
Integrating Communication & Simulation
“Simulation & Communication”—the event’s theme—is integral in simulation.
“It was great to see the theme of communication come to life in our community! The attendees were networking and learning from and with each other on all the amazing simulation activities in Ontario,” cites Dr. Bruce Ballon, SIM-one’s Director of Education and event emcee. “It is always great to see my colleagues gather, as well as embrace and acknowledge each other’s accomplishments.”
Inspiration inside and outside of Healthcare Simulation
Dr. Dominic Giuliano, an Educational Coordinator for the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College Sim Lab says, “Clearly, another SIM Expo success! The keynote speakers were totally leaders and supporters in the field of simulation and its promotion. I always feel so inspired to be involved with simulation after the Expo. Thank you SIM-one for another fantastic Expo and moving the torch forward another step.”
Colonel Rakesh Jetly, Mental Health Advisor to the Canadian Forces’ Surgeon General, highlighted the role and importance of simulation in the military balanced with the medical perspective.
Greg Krätzig, responsible for Training, Innovation and Research for the RCMP spoke about simulation in a police training environment focusing on the technological aspects.
Dr. Bob Bell, Deputy Minister of the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, reaffirmed the importance of interprofessional teams working together at the point of care. He delivered an inspirational discussion about health system change and transformation.
“Real” & Virtual Interactive Learning
The 2014 SIM Expo featured new interactive sessions such as the Virtual Simulation Showcase—showcasing advances in simulation techniques and technologies. A special plenary session about the landmark NCSBN SIM and clinical placement time study also discussed the Canadian perspective. Popular features from last year’s event made a comeback, including the immersive Simulation in Action series, the Workshops and the Morning Poster Crawl.
Lisa Satterthwaite, Senior Manager of the Surgical Skills Centre at the University of Toronto cites, “Fantastic poster crawl session! Really allowed posters to have a voice and create open discussion with the people that created them.”
A Showcase of the Latest Simulation Products and Services
SIM-one was fortunate to have some of the world’s leading simulation companies and organizations on site to demonstrate their products and services to curious participants. The latest manikins, task trainers and other useful gadgets were on hand as part of the exhibit, along with the latest in software, multi-media, gaming, mobile technology and other experiential systems designed for innovative simulation solutions.
The 2014 SIM Expo was sponsored by Laerdal Medical Canada, Georgian College, Gaumard Scientific, Turning Technologies Canada, CAE Healthcare, and HIROC.
A Tradition of Recognizing Simulation Excellence
This year’s SIM Student Award recipient was Murray Hudon from Conestoga College. Runners up Natasha Caroli from Algonquin College and Amanda Khan from the University of Toronto were also recognized for their submissions that focused on their use of simulation to further develop their professional roles.
The SIM Citizenship Award were given to Julie Rivers from Loyalist College and Cathy Smith from the University of Toronto. A new award—the Local SIM Champions—were bestowed on Lorraine Betts from George Brown College, Phoebe Lam from University Health Network and Debbie Rickeard from the University of Windsor.
Read more about the SIM Citizenship Award >
Thank you!
The 2014 SIM Expo celebrates the healthcare simulation community and this year’s success would not have been possible without your support. We’d like to thank all those individuals and organizations for your contribution. Together, we will further position Ontario as the global leader in healthcare simulation.
We hope to see you at the 2015 SIM Expo!