Simulation.

Our Simulation Program has grown in recent years and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada accreditation of the simulation program was spearheaded by Dr. Ghazwan Altabbaa. The amazing growth of the program triggered obvious interest in simulation-based education by our residents in both the roles as learner as well as the teacher. In addition to the above, the newly added CanMED competencies of leadership and patient safety has led to a perfect opportunity for our simulation program to provide training of these unique competencies.

We are glad to report an expansion of our activities in simulation-based education for Internal Medicine residents that will start to include MTU groups. Also, the mentorship model that has been fostered in our simulation program between junior and senior residents with interest in simulation education has been successful in creating sustainability of the resident simulation educator role alongside faculty and RNs who are trained similarly in a multidisciplinary learning environment.

Simulation based training continues to be a priority and asset of the program.  Session topics included: PGY1 Nightmares SIM course, Social Intelligence drills, Patient Safety, diagnostic cognitive biases, PGY1 transition to senior training, an MTU Bootcamp and a formative SIM OSCE.  Dr. Altabbaa (Clinical Simulation Director of the Program) has disseminated knowledge around Simulation Training at the national and international levels.

"Our philosophy is rooted in our belief that simulation is a teaching technique with the ultimate purpose of having our learners live and experience the responsibility and commitments of clinical decision making in a safe and effective learning environment."

Ghazwan Altabbaa, MD MSc FRCPC
Clinical Simulation Director, Internal Medicine Residency Program
Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator
galtabba@ucalgary.ca