New vision for simulation inspires philanthropic investment

No one can deny the tremendous value that simulation education and training bring to our medical and dental curriculums. According to Dr. Bertha Garcia, vice-dean Education, "its value is unmatched, as it allows students to experience scenarios that mirror real-life situations they will encounter with patients and health care teams in the clinic, operating room and even the waiting room."

Dr. John Denstedt, special advisor to the Dean on Internationalization, Globalization and Simulation, firmly believes that simulation represents the future of health care training. It is this belief that has helped to form the basis of a new plan to harness the knowledge and expertise in simulation education that currently exists across Schulich Medicine & Dentistry to create an international, leading centre in simulation. The vision for this new centre and a new Chair in Simulation &Technology Development who will lead the Centre, very quickly inspired support from some the community's most respected philanthropists and business leaders.

Mitch Baran, chief executive officer, Trudell Medical International, wanted to get in on the ground floor of the new centre and "get the ball rolling" for the simulation platform by supporting the Chair. He believes simulation will make a significant impact on the way medical education and physician training is delivered.

His support has been followed by that of others including the late Don Smith, Mr. Andy Spriet and Mr. James Thompson.

Spriet and Thompson, who are very well known in the London community and beyond for their tremendous commitment to health care, were keen to support a project that would directly impact the care people receive. The patient experience and an eye to continuous improvement in patient safety are at the heart of simulation training and education, so this project certainly fit the bill.

Denstedt values the extraordinary support received to-date to fund this ambitious plan. "I am tremendously grateful to the many community members who have directed their support to the Chair in Simulation & Technology Development," said Denstedt. The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry has a goal of being a world leader in this exciting field. This Chair position will solidify our leadership by facilitating recruitment of an international leader in simulation training who will form the nidus of an expanding the cadre of Schulich based simulation educators and researchers. Their support and that of others will ensure our success in achieving this."

London has a rich history of business leaders coming together to push the boundaries of health care delivery and research. From the building of University Hospital, to the establishment of Robarts Research Institute - and many projects within the city's other health care organizations, they have worked closely with medical leaders. "I am proud and honoured to have been able to play a role in assisting with this new innovation - the development of a world-class simulation centre," said Baran.

In addition to providing leadership to the Centre, the new Chair will greatly enhance the educational simulation platform and the world-renowned expertise at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, while testing new technologies for teaching in a simulated environment.

The Chair in Simulation Training and Development is a key project within Western University's Be Extraordinary fundraising campaign. To date, more than $700,000 has been donated.