In this episode of SimCast, Tony and Lawrence sit down with James Pathan and Kiran Virk to explore the remarkable origins of Maudsley Learning⁠, the UK’s first dedicated mental health simulation centre. From a single mannequin in a box to a nationally recognised centre of excellence, James and Kiran share how they pioneered mental health simulation, developed immersive actor-led scenarios, and built a sustainable simulation programme within the NHS.

The conversation explores the unique challenges of simulating mental health care, the use of professional actors rather than standardised patients, and the creative techniques used to create authentic learning experiences on limited budgets. We discuss psychological realism, sensory immersion, multidisciplinary learning, human factors, simulation technology, debriefing, and why people matter more than expensive equipment when building successful simulation programmes. This is the first episode of a three-part series examining the past, present and future of mental health simulation with Maudsley Learning.

For more information about Maudsley Learning and the Mental Health Simulation Conference, visit:

https://maudsleylearning.com/courses/mental-health-simulation-conference/?courseId=27935cf0-c910-f111-8341-7c1e5204b760

#SimCast #Podcast #ClinicalSimulaiton #HigherEducation #Simulation #MentalHealth

How realistic are our patient simulators, really? In this episode of SimCast, Tony and Lawrence sit down with Professor Willem van Meurs, one of the pioneers of physiological modelling in healthcare simulation. Willem takes us behind the development of some of the world’s first model-driven patient simulators and challenges a major assumption within simulation-based education: why are many modern healthcare simulators less physiologically sophisticated than their predecessors? We explore the science behind model-driven simulation, fidelity, validation, simulation technician workflows, and the future of personalised digital twins in healthcare education.

From flight simulators and anaesthesia training to neonatal physiology and AI, this conversation examines what makes simulation truly authentic and why physiology matters. Whether you’re a simulation technician, educator, researcher, clinician, or healthcare student, this episode offers a fascinating insight into the past, present, and future of simulation technology.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

* The Doll’s Engineer - https://bit.ly/4vF05vg
* Modeling and Simulation in Biomedical Engineering - https://bit.ly/3S18tqn

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In this episode of SimCast, Lawrence Hill and Tony Jermy are joined by Russ Sinclair, Matt Clark and Hannah May to explore the emerging identity and future direction of the healthcare simulation technician community.

The discussion centres around the development of SimTechSym, a new national symposium designed by simulation technicians for simulation technicians. The conversation explores technician identity, professional recognition, sustainability, networking, communities of practice, and the growing movement behind the glass in healthcare simulation. The guests also discuss technician-led innovation, barriers to recognition, the importance of collaboration, and how SimTechSym aims to create a sustainable national network for simulation technicians across healthcare and higher education.

If you want to attend SimTechSym, get involved in workshops or submit and abstract, please follow the link below to the official website

https://www.simtechsym.org/

#simcast #simulation #podcast #clinicalsimulation #highereducation