Simulation as a Career Path
During the third year of my emergency medicine residency, I began to consider a career in academic medicine. I considered several fellowships, including Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Toxicology, and Critical Care. When I took a step back, and considered what I truly love; I love the look on a learner’s face when something clicks. I also feel very passionate about patient safety and I appreciate how simulation allows the safe practice of procedures and critical situations with no potential patient harm. I was also very fortunate to have several simulation mentors that inspired and guided me on my path towards becoming a simulation educator.
Emergency medicine can be a scary field. We’re tasked with taking care of the very youngest, to the oldest, in critical situations. There are many situations that are rare, but this does not justify being ill-prepared. Simulation allows the practice of the low frequency, high risk events in a safe way. As a simulation educator, I am immersed in these events, and because I teach them frequently, I feel more comfortable with high stakes procedures and resuscitations. I also get the benefit of watching, now at this point, hundreds of physicians do different procedures and resuscitations. I have learned so much from observing and learning from my students and colleagues. I still learn tips and tricks that improve my own practice.
The majority of healthcare associated errors are related to communication breakdowns. I have found team-based simulations to be some of the most rewarding educational endeavors. In team-based simulations, we explore communication, teamwork, and leadership best practices. I have watched newly formed teams stumble through a resuscitation, and after a few simulations, become a well-oiled team, all in the safe setting of a simulation lab.
The best part of being a simulation educator is when a learner comes up to me, and says, “Dr. Austin, do you remember that sim we did? That case happened to me after the sim! I knew what to do and it went so much better. Thanks.” It is also very rewarding when a learner comes to me struggling with a procedure or a particular skill during resuscitations. We develop a strategy to improve via simulation education, and universally, every learner has improved. I have watched residents progress from shaken and unsure of their abilities after missed intubation to confident and more prepared through deliberate practice.
My goal at the end of residency was to do a simulation fellowship. Following residency, I was in the Navy, and a fellowship was not a possibility for me. Instead, the Navy gave me a lot of simulation related responsibilities, and I learned through self-study, attending conferences, a network of mentors and later a faculty development certificate and becoming Certified in Healthcare Simulation Education (CHSE). Simulation fellowship programs are an excellent route to becoming a simulation educator, and I would recommend exploring fellowship opportunities. Simulation educators can be from any medical professional background, but some fellowships are only open to certain specialties, while others are multidisciplinary. Additionally, certificate programs, courses and Master’s Degree programs all other pathways to expanding simulation knowledge and expertise.
While I mentioned that I gravitate towards academic medicine, medical simulation career paths can intersect with a variety of professions and settings. Simulation is well recognized as part of a comprehensive strategy for high reliability organizations that value patient safety. Simulation educators work in academic, community, and government medical settings. Additionally, there are many opportunities in simulation sales, consulting, product development and entrepreneurial endeavors. Simulation involves technology, innovation, and collaboration. I enjoy the intersection of these fields, and also the opportunity to work with multidisciplinary teams to meet the unique needs of my learners and hospital systems.
Little known secret to a career in simulation; there are very few simulation emergencies! Most simulation centers have normal business hours. As an emergency physician that works nights, weekends and holidays, I look forward to the day (in the far future) that I have a more predictable schedule as a full-time simulation educator. I can foresee my simulation endeavors continuing well into my advanced years. When I began medical school, I had no idea that this other career path would so marvelously and harmoniously intertwine with being a physician. I feel very fortunate to have two professional callings that are so complimentary.
I recommend the resources below to expand your simulation knowledge:
Podcast:
Simulation Association:
SSH (Society for Simulation in Healthcare) - This is the society for simulation; they have an annual conference that is AWESOME. I'd wait to go until it's back to being in person; part of going is the exhibitor hall and seeing all the different simulators available.
Simulation cases - never start from scratch! Always see what is already out there and expand and adapt for your situation:
Comprehensive simulation information including job descriptions, SOPs:
Moulage and simulation tips/tricks:
For Simulation Fellowship information:
Simulation Certification:
Master’s Degree in Simulation:
Simulation Courses:
