The Sim Cafe~

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Are you prepared to step into the future of nursing education? We're thrilled to bring you an in-depth exploration of the Big 10 Practice Ready Nurse Initiative, an innovative project funded by an American Nurses Foundation grant. Joining us on this journey are the brilliant minds behind the initiative, Michelle Abersold and Cindy Bradley. They're here to share the transformative model they're developing to enhance nursing education through the use of virtual reality (VR) and debriefing techniques. Their work is not only altering the teaching landscape but also smoothing the transition for new nurses into practice.

How does the development process work for such a ground-breaking project? Michelle and Cindy offer a behind-the-scenes look at the technology and partnerships required. They discuss their experience navigating the grant's acquisition, managing contracts, and outlining a development timeline. Hear about the exciting plans they have for testing the program with a new nurse residency initiative. But remember, this isn't just about technology. It's about creating a more realistic and enriching experience for nursing students.

We also delve into the world of Immersive Virtual Reality Simulation (IVRS) and its profound impact on learners. With insights from Jeremy Balanson, a VR expert, we unpack how IVRS is being used to reduce pain, decrease discomfort, and even help with memory and dementia. We explore the unique partnership between Purdue, Michigan, and Minnesota that was formed for this Big Ten Project and discuss what this could mean for the future of nursing education. So, are you ready to reimagine what's possible in nursing education? Let's do it together. Tune in!

Innovative SimSolutions.
Your turnkey solution provider for medical simulation programs, sim centers & faculty design.

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Imagine unlocking the future of medicine with a single mathematical formula. That's what we're exploring with the brilliant Dr. Lex Van Loon, who has made an incredible impact in the realm of technical medicine. As a pioneer in this specialized field, Dr. Van Loon reveals how he uses mathematical modeling and artificial intelligence to transform biocomputation, and shares his experiences from the technical medicine program in the Netherlands. This unique course blends physics, mathematics, and medicine to equip doctors with the knowledge they need to embrace the latest techniques and technologies in healthcare.

The journey doesn't end there. Dr. Van Loon transports us to the sunny shores of Australia, where he ventured into the thrilling world of space medicine. Hear about his ground-breaking work in developing a model that predicts a person's fitness for space travel using patient data. This innovative approach has significant implications for space tourism, offering a safer and more personalized experience for future astronauts. 

As we soar into the final frontier, Dr. Van Loon delves into the physical impacts of space travel on the human body. He illuminates the process of creating personalized models of the cardiopulmonary system to assess an individual's health and fitness for space missions. We also explore the potential of using simulations for real-time health assessments of astronauts in space. And for all you young explorers out there, Dr. Van Loon shares some invaluable advice for those aspiring to make their mark in this incredible field. So, are you ready to launch into the future of space medicine? Tune in and let's embark on this extraordinary journey together.

Dr. Van loon's email: [email protected]

Innovative SimSolutions.
Your turnkey solution provider for medical simulation programs, sim centers & faculty design.

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Ever wondered what makes simulation education so impactful in the healthcare sector? Pull up a chair and join our enlightening conversation with two outstanding guests, Colette Laws Chapman and Kevin Stirling, from the United Kingdom who are making significant strides in this field. Hear first-hand from Colette, a registered nurse with a rich background in theatre and intensive care nursing, and Kevin, who transitioned from critical care nursing to simulation education. They share their inspiring journey into the field, along with their work and experiences with simulation teams across Europe and the UK. At the heart of their chat, is the power of simulation to improve practices and ultimately save lives.

There's more to this captivating chat as Colette and Kevin take us through the exciting details of the upcoming Sustainable Simulation Conference and Exhibition. Colette offers a glimpse into her role on the Executive Committee of ASPiE with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion in simulation. Kevin, on the other hand, reveals the three core activities that will be showcased at the Sustainability Forum. They also share their vision for the future and discuss their collaborations with industry, commercial, and academic partners to deliver high-quality, simulation-based care. Tune in for an episode loaded with insights on the impact and potential of simulation education.

Innovative SimSolutions.
Your turnkey solution provider for medical simulation programs, sim centers & faculty design.

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Have you ever wondered how a career in music can pivot into the healthcare and simulation sector? Our guest for today, Mark Cook, has an inspiring journey that shows just how possible it is. An entrepreneur from the UK, Mark started as an EMT and a clinical educator, eventually finding his niche in healthcare sales through his experience of teaching colleagues how to use a new defibrillator via simulation. His tale is one of resilience and adaptability, filled with insights into the mind of a leader navigating the challenging labyrinth of business growth.

We talk about the growth of his own company, SimSkills, discussing how his early experiences in leadership and customer care shaped his business philosophy. Mark’s journey, however, has not been without its share of hurdles. He shares the challenges he faced in taking on partners, relocating the business, and the struggle to create a company culture where everyone feels valued and appreciated. Mark offers honest insights into the fear of failure and the importance of recognizing achievements, even when success is not immediately visible. 

In the latter part of our conversation, we delve into Mark's reflections on how his company's direction was inspired by Simon Sinek's "Start With Why". We also discuss the power of collaboration and technology in healthcare, and how it can help under-resourced communities. Mark’s mission to provide a safe harbor in healthcare and help others find the right solution resonates throughout our discussion. Tune in to hear Mark’s fascinating journey, and understand the role of purpose and connection in entrepreneurship. His unique perspective is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration from a successful healthcare entrepreneur.

Innovative SimSolutions.
Your turnkey solution provider for medical simulation programs, sim centers & faculty design.

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Hang on to your headphones for an extraordinary journey with Dr. Michael Smith, a healthcare specialist and educator at the University of Nebraska. Unwrapping a Christmas gift of improv lessons, he found an unexpected treasure - a tool to foster communication, meaningful engagement and safety within healthcare teams! Dr. Smedt talks us through how he skillfully integrated these principles into faculty development, turning ordinary workshops into extraordinary sessions of learning and connectivity.

Venture into the second part of our discussion where the magic of 'yes, and' concept is unveiled. Uncover the potential of this technique in relationship building, understanding power dynamics and promoting effective listening. Learn from Dr. Smedt, as he shares invaluable advice on practicing active listening in your daily life. Want to apply these principles in your field? He recommends the Applied Improv Network as an excellent resource. So, get ready for an enlightening deep-dive into improv in healthcare with Dr. Smedt, it's more than just fun and games!

Innovative SimSolutions.
Your turnkey solution provider for medical simulation programs, sim centers & faculty design.

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At the Universities of Florida and Porto, and in close collaboration with CAE Healthcare, Willem van Meurs, PhD in control engineering, Toulouse, France (1991), designed simulators for medical student education, anesthesia, intensive care, emergency medicine, pediatrics, and labor and delivery. These and similar devices all but eliminated training of basic interventions and common critical incidents on live animals and real patients. Pedagogical conditions can be optimized without concern for patient safety. Total sales of the simulators developed by the teams Dr. van Meurs led or participated in now exceed 1 billion dollars. These simulators rely on mathematical models of cardiorespiratory physiology and pharmacology. He has a special interest in fetal and neonatal physiology. He is a past president of SESAM and the author of Modeling and Simulation in Biomedical Engineering, McGraw-Hill (2011), and of The Dolls' Engineer, a personal journey through three decades of medical simulation, SimEdita (2023). Recent work includes development of Explanatory Models in Acute Care in collaboration with the Radboud University.

Link to the book! 

https://www.shop.simzine.news/en/home/2-the-dolls-engineer.html

Innovative SimSolutions.
Your turnkey solution provider for medical simulation programs, sim centers & faculty design.

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Get ready for a thrilling conversation as we bring David Shablak, an industry expert with a passion for moulage in medical simulation, into the SimCafe. David's love for creating such lifelike injury scenes began during his tenure in the Civil Air Patrol, shaping his career in the medical simulation field ever since. Tune in as we peel back the layers on the SimGeeks podcast and explore how Billy's influence has carved out a unique niche in the industry.

As we move along, David delves into his journey within the sphere of emergency medicine residency, highlighting his engrossing work with moulage. Listen closely as he shares insights on crafting hyper-realistic moulage pieces that play a fundamental role in directing medical education objectives. Gain a newfound appreciation for mannequins as we discuss their varied types, the importance of knowing their material composition, and the recent advent of a more diverse range of mannequin skin tones. David also imparts practical advice on developing makeup looks that respect learners' goals while being cost and time-efficient.

As we wrap up, the importance of maintenance plans for mannequins and simulators takes the spotlight. Understand more about warranties, the dos and don'ts with mannequins, and the critical role of operations specialists during the purchasing process. David insists on the need for regular checks on mannequins and simulators, and we also delve into the intricacies of firmware updates and the need to keep up-to-date with software levels. Let David's expertise guide you through the fascinating intricacies of the medical simulation world.

Innovative SimSolutions.
Your turnkey solution provider for medical simulation programs, sim centers & faculty design.

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From a medical student pioneering a peer education simulation-based program to President-elect of the European Society for Simulation, our guest Pier Luigi is a force to be reckoned with in the world of clinical education. Prepare for an engaging conversation where he outlines his ambitious vision for the society, focusing on making membership more valuable, advocating for the widespread use of simulation in healthcare, and strengthening relationships between European and national simulation societies.

Expanding on his mission, Pier Luigi shares his goals for the Centro de Simulation (CeSi) of CPS - MT  in Lugano . Hear about his plans to foster a stronger sense of community and credibility within society by championing the use of simulation among the healthcare community. He also emphasizes the crucial role of increased regulation on simulation education and safety, which he believes can significantly transform the world of simulation. This enlightening discussion delves into a unique perspective on the role of simulation, and is a must-listen for anyone interested in clinical education and healthcare.

LinedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ingrassiapierluigi/
Simzine: https://www.linkedin.com/company/simzine/

Innovative SimSolutions.
Your turnkey solution provider for medical simulation programs, sim centers & faculty design.

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Dive into the dynamic world of healthcare simulation with our guest, Billy Pichelle, who made the remarkable journey from stay-at-home mom to simulation education program manager at the University of North Texas Health Science Center. What if you could find a career where your mom skills are useful, and your passion for learning and innovation are constantly satiated? Billy's story is just that - a testament to the exciting opportunities that simulation in healthcare education presents. We probe into her most impactful simulation story that marries the world of academia with the practicalities of a hospital setting.

We then switch gears to discuss something that's often overlooked – the role of a sim tech. Ever wondered what goes into being a sim tech beyond just pushing buttons and voicing mannequins? Billy breaks down these misconceptions with her intriguing hashtag #simtechmorethanbuttons, giving us a glimpse into the many hats a sim tech wears. Billy doesn't stop there; she opens up about her experiences with networking and mentoring in the industry, underscoring the importance of tribal knowledge. Prepare for a stimulating dialog that sheds light on the unique blend of mom skills, technical know-how and passion that creates success in healthcare simulation.

Twitter: @ TXSIMTCH
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billie-paschal/
Sim GHOSTS email: Billie@simghostorg.

Innovative SimSolutions.
Your turnkey solution provider for medical simulation programs, sim centers & faculty design.

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Get ready to embark with us on a fascinating journey into the world of simulation, guided by our special guest, Tom Lamaster. Tom's adventurous spirit led him to an unexpected encounter with a human patient simulator at an EMS conference in Florida, igniting his passion for this revolutionary field. With the support of Dr Mary Patterson and Jen Manos, he played a pivotal role in developing a thriving simulation program at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. His story is a powerful testament to the potential of trade shows in shaping our future, offering us a glimpse into the boundless possibilities of simulation.

In our thought-provoking conversation with Tom, we delve into the transformative impact of simulation in the healthcare industry. Imagine a world where systems function seamlessly, safety events are anticipated and prevented, and performance is consistently optimized. How? Through Simulation! We also venture into the exciting realm of virtual and augmented reality, underscoring the importance of demystifying these technologies for everyone. The pandemic has brought about some valuable lessons, changing the trajectory of simulation training, and Tom shares his unique insights on this shift.

As we conclude our discussion, we dig deep into the essence of accreditation in simulation education. Tom, with his wealth of expertise, elucidates the power of the accreditation process in building a resilient program. He stresses the importance of persistence and patience in attaining that "aha moment" and shares the profound joy of seeing a program flourish through accreditation. From our enlightening discussion with Tom, you'll realize that the journey of successful simulation is not about dividing the pie but expanding it. So, buckle up and join us in this enlightening exploration of the ever-evolving world of simulation!

Innovative SimSolutions.
Your turnkey solution provider for medical simulation programs, sim centers & faculty design.