Keynotes and Workshops

Opening Keynote

Looking to the Future of Simulation (Paul E. Phrampus)

In this forward-looking keynote, Dr. Paul Phrampus will explore the evolving landscape of healthcare simulation and its expanding role in education, clinical practice, and patient safety. Drawing on his extensive experience as a leader in the field, Dr. Phrampus will highlight key trends, technological innovations, and strategic priorities that are shaping the future of simulation-based learning. Attendees will gain insights into how simulation centers and educators can adapt to emerging needs, harness new tools, and drive meaningful change across healthcare systems. This session will inspire participants to think critically and creatively about what lies ahead for simulation and their role in leading its advancement.

Learning objectives

• Discuss emerging trends and innovations shaping the future of healthcare simulation.
• Analyze the evolving role of simulation in enhancing clinical education, patient safety, and systems-based practice.
• Identify strategic opportunities for simulation programs to adapt and thrive in the changing landscape of healthcare education and delivery.

Morning Workshops

Creating Sticky Learning: Introduction to Debriefing (Paul Phrampus and Geoff Miller)

Debriefing is a cornerstone of effective simulation-based education, transforming experiential activities into lasting, meaningful learning. This session introduces participants to the foundational principles and practices of debriefing, with a focus on creating "sticky" learning that resonates beyond the simulation environment. Attendees will explore a few debriefing models, core facilitation strategies, and techniques for fostering reflection and critical thinking in learners. Designed for those new to debriefing or seeking to enhance their foundational skills, this session will provide practical tools and guidance for leading impactful post-simulation discussions.

Learning objectives

• Describe the role of debriefing in reinforcing key concepts and promoting reflective learning in simulation-based education.
• Identify foundational debriefing models and techniques suitable for healthcare learners.
• Apply basic strategies to structure and facilitate effective debriefing sessions that enhance learner retention and engagement

Where the Rubber Meets the Road: Simulation Specialists Collaborating with Faculty to Create Amazing Programs (Tom Dongilli)

Simulation specialists play a vital role in the success of simulation-based education, bringing technical expertise and operational insight to support faculty and enhance learner outcomes. This session will explore strategies for effective collaboration between faculty and simulation teams, highlighting communication practices, planning tools, and workflow models that lead to high-impact programs. Participants will learn how to align simulation activities with educational objectives, streamline development processes, and foster innovation through strong partnerships. Real-world examples and practical tools will be shared to help teams optimize both the design and delivery of their simulation experiences.

Learning objectives

• Describe the roles and responsibilities of simulation specialists in supporting the design and execution of simulation-based education.
• Identify effective strategies for fostering collaboration between simulation specialists and faculty to enhance program quality and learner outcomes.
• Apply communication and workflow practices that optimize the co-development of simulation activities and ensure alignment with educational objectives.

Needs-Based Curricular Design (Advait Kothare)

Designing simulation-based education around clearly defined needs ensures relevance, effectiveness, and impact. This session will guide participants through the principles and processes of needs-based curricular design, from conducting assessments to defining learning objectives and measuring outcomes. Emphasis will be placed on aligning simulation activities with learner and institutional priorities. Attendees will leave with practical tools to create targeted, meaningful curricula that drive real-world improvements in performance and patient care.

Learning objectives

• Describe the key principles of needs-based curricular design in simulation-based education.
• Conduct a basic needs assessment to identify gaps in knowledge, skills, or systems relevant to learner or institutional goals.
• Apply a structured approach to align simulation curriculum with identified needs, learning objectives, and outcome measures.

Impactful Moulage for Manikins and Task Trainers (David Shablak)

Join us for a fast-paced, hands-on class focused on bringing your simulations to life through effective moulage techniques tailored for manikins and task trainers. We’ll cover core differences in applying makeup to synthetic surfaces versus human skin, and explore time-saving tricks that still deliver high visual impact. Whether you’re brand new to moulage or looking to sharpen your skills, this session offers practical tips that also translate to standardized patients and role players—making it valuable for all experience levels.

Learning objectives

• Identify appropriate materials for use on manikins and task trainers, and differentiate those that may cause long-term damage.
• Demonstrate quick application methods for creating realistic bruises, scrapes, and minor injuries using cream-based, alcohol-activated, and other common moulage products.
• Explain the unique challenges of working with silicone skin surfaces and apply techniques to safely secure and remove moulage without causing harm to the equipment.

Engage and Attract: Using Media to Market your Sim Center (Bianca Caruso)

Discuss the different purposes of media as a way to market your simulation center and engage your audience. We will review the media creation strategy of an academic simulation program process and work through the strategies of conveying different topics that you may focus on when creating content.

Learning objectives

• Describe the various purposes of media in promoting a healthcare simulation center to different stakeholder audiences.
• Identify key elements of an effective media creation strategy used by academic simulation programs.
• Develop a content strategy tailored to highlight specific themes or capabilities of a simulation center through multimedia formats.

Afternoon Opening Keynote

Simulations in Low Resource Settings: From Africa to Pennsylvania: Matching Resources, Learners, and Needs, with Simulation Curriculum Design (Advait Kothare)

This keynote address explores how simulation-based education can be successfully implemented in low-resource environments, ranging from global settings in Africa to underserved areas in the United States. Through real-world examples, the speaker will illustrate how thoughtful curriculum design, creative resource utilization, and alignment with learner needs can overcome logistical challenges. Participants will gain insights into how simulation can remain both practical and powerful, regardless of setting, and how adaptability and innovation are key to educational success. This session will challenge traditional assumptions and inspire participants to think globally and act resourcefully in their simulation practice.

Learning objectives

• Discuss the principles of adapting and evaluating the quality of simulation-based education to meet the needs of learners in low-resource settings.
• Identify strategies for designing and delivering effective simulation curricula with limited infrastructure or equipment.
• Analyze case examples demonstrating how aligning learner needs, local context, and available resources leads to impactful simulation outcomes.

Afternoon Workshops

Tough Stuff! Debriefing Strategies for Challenging Learners (Paul Phrampus and Geoffrey Miller)

Debriefing is a critical component of learning, but what happens when your learner is disengaged, defensive, or just plain difficult? In this interactive 50-minute workshop, Tough Stuff! Debriefing Strategies for Challenging Learners, participants will explore the common barriers that make debriefs tough—and walk away with practical, evidence-based strategies to navigate them with confidence. Through discussion, real-world examples, and role-play practice, you'll learn how to foster reflection, manage resistance, and maintain psychological safety, even in high-stress teaching moments. Whether you're a seasoned educator or new to facilitation, this session will equip you with tools to turn even the most challenging debriefs into growth opportunities.

Learning objectives

• Identify common challenges in debriefing with select learner groups
• Apply at least two strategies to support effective debriefing with learners who present challenges.
• Practice framing feedback in ways that promote learner reflection and accountability.

Critical Concepts in Simulation Center Operations (Tom Dongilli)

Effective simulation center operations are the foundation of successful educational programming. This session will highlight critical components such as staffing models, scheduling systems, equipment maintenance, and resource management. Participants will explore strategies to ensure safety, standardization, and quality across simulations, while also addressing common operational challenges. Real-world examples and practical frameworks will support attendees in strengthening their center’s infrastructure and optimizing daily performance.

Learning objectives

• Identify key operational components necessary for effective simulation center management, including staffing, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Describe strategies for maintaining quality, safety, and standardization in day-to-day simulation operations.
• Evaluate common challenges in simulation center operations and apply solutions to support efficient and sustainable program delivery.

Considerations for Low-Resource, Successful Simulations (Advait Kothare)

This interactive workshop will explore practical approaches to delivering effective simulation-based education in low-resource environments. Participants will examine common challenges and discover adaptable strategies for scenario design, equipment substitution, and space utilization. The session will emphasize creativity, flexibility, and intentional planning as tools for maximizing impact without high-cost infrastructure. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas and examples to support high-quality simulation experiences, regardless of budget or setting.

Learning objectives

• Identify key factors that influence the success of simulation-based education in low-resource settings.
• Apply creative strategies for adapting simulation scenarios, equipment, and spaces to meet educational goals with limited resources.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of low-cost simulation solutions in achieving desired learning outcomes.

Introduction to Silicone & Beyond: Materials of Innovation (David Shablak)

Curious about crafting custom task trainers or launching creative projects in your sim lab? This energetic, fast-moving course is your gateway to the world of fabrication materials—from silicones and clays to 3D printing and urethane plastics. We’ll break down intimidating terminology like shore hardness, pot life, and cure time, and give you a foundational understanding of how to safely work with these materials. Whether you’re an aspiring maker or looking to start an innovation center, this course will give you the confidence to dive in—just be ready to take notes!

Learning objectives

• Describe essential terminology and apply safety best practices when working with platinum-cure silicone for creating custom effects and task trainers.
• Recognize the basic properties and potential uses of various fabrication materials including clays, urethane plastics, and other foundational components used in innovation labs.
• Identify compatible 3D printing materials for integration with silicone and plastics and discuss common challenges and troubleshooting tips when combining these mediums.

Bridging the Gap: Effective Curricular Support for Simulation-Based Learning (Bianca Caruso)

Review the ways that an academic simulation centers curriculum team leverages media and resources to support simulation faculty and strives to deliver meaningful and engaging course content to its learners. Demonstrating the importance of collaborating with subject matter experts to ensure that the materials meet the stated objectives while offering interactive didactics and supplemental course work.

Learning objectives

• Explain how simulation center curriculum teams use media and educational resources to support faculty and enhance simulation-based learning.
• Describe strategies for collaborating with subject matter experts and simulation operation technicians to align course materials with learning objectives.
• Identify methods for integrating interactive didactics and supplemental coursework to increase learner engagement and educational impact.