Advanced Technical Skills Simulation Laboratory (ATSSL)

Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary

About Us

The Advanced Technical Skills Simulation Laboratory (ATSSL) is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to advancing medical education and enhancing patient care through high-quality simulation training. Designed for medical trainees and practicing professionals, the ATSSL provides a safe environment for the acquisition, practice, and refinement of clinical and surgical skills.

By offering adaptive, risk-free learning experiences with detailed feedback, the ATSSL plays a critical role in improving patient safety and the quality of care. Collaborating with the University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine (CSM) and Alberta Health Services (AHS), the ATSSL develops comprehensive curricula focused on skill development, interprofessional collaboration, and patient safety.

As an integral part of the CSM's mission to "Create the Future of Health," the ATSSL equips healthcare professionals with the competence and confidence needed for excellence in medical practice.

Our Mission

The ATSSL is committed to providing innovative and interprofessional simulation-based medical education and research.

We continuously aim to produce effective, confident, and safe medical and surgical professionals while improving patient safety and quality of care.

Our Vision

Global leader in innovative simulated education and assessment for health professionals to improve patient outcomes and research.

Full RCPSC Accreditation

Maintain a high visibility, excellent reputation validated through retention of full accreditation.

The ATSSL received accreditation as a Simulation Program from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) in 2018 and will remain accredited until 2028.

Full Spectrum

Design and facilitate individual and team-based simulation-based medical education (SBME) for an inclusive community of diverse learners, offering a full complement of simulation modalities in a safe environment. Our resources include standardized patients (SPs), task trainers for skills practice, high-fidelity mannequins that simulate complex physiological responses, virtual reality (VR) for immersive learning and cadaveric materials for the development of anatomy and surgical skills, ensuring realistic, hands-on learning across diverse medical scenarios.

Evidence-based Approach

Effective design of appropriate quality simulation activities, incorporating a cost-effective, evidence-based approach.

Research and Scholarship

Support research and scholarship in simulation-based medical education (SBME) and assessment activities.

The ATSSL provides a high-fidelity environment for practical, hands-on simulation-based medical education and training. We host a wide range of sessions and bookings tailored to support the diverse needs of both internal and external users, and industry representatives.

External and Industry

The Advanced Technical Skills Simulation Laboratory (ATSSL) welcomes external users, including medical clinics, offices, and industry partners.

Our facility provides a professional environment for simulation-based education, product demonstrations, and procedural training. External users can benefit from our state-of-the-art simulation labs, which offer customizable setups for training sessions, workshops, and product testing.

We work closely with industry representatives to facilitate hands-on learning and innovation, supporting both medical professionals and healthcare companies in advancing their skills and technologies.

Internal (UCalgary affiliations)

The Advanced Technical Skills Simulation Laboratory (ATSSL) serves as a key resource for a wide range of internal users at the University of Calgary, including Undergraduate Medical Education (UME), Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME), and various other departments.

Residency programs, in particular, benefit from the advanced simulation and procedural skills training offered in our facility. Residents have access to high-fidelity simulation labs and hands-on procedural training designed to enhance their clinical and surgical expertise.