'Simulation Saturday' on March 11 to Introduce a New ASA-Sponsored Educational Opportunity

Keith J. Ruskin, M.D., Chair
Committee on Electronic Media and Information Technology

High-fidelity medical simulation has become an important part of graduate medical education around the globe. Medical simulators make it possible to practice the management of both common clinical problems and rare, but potentially fatal critical events such as malignant hyperthermia.

Traditionally simulation education in anesthesia has been limited to training programs at medical schools and teaching hospitals. As a result, many anesthesiologists in clinical practice have not yet experienced this valuable training experience. In order to introduce ASA members to simulator education, ASA, in cooperation with simulator centers around the country, has developed a “Simulator Saturday” that will occur on March 11, 2006.

The goal of this program is for simulation training centers in each state to offer a one-day training session for practicing clinicians. These programs will typically include a tour and introduction to the facility and a very enjoyable, dynamic and interactive learning session. Individual programs will vary according to each center’s expertise. The sponsoring institution, subject to Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and institutional guidelines, may grant continuing medical education credit. Space at individual centers will be limited, so anesthesiologists who wish to participate should enroll as quickly as possible. Simulation centers maintain strict confidentiality and do not report anyone’s performance to any organization or body without prior acknowledgement and permission.

The goal of Simulator Saturday is to provide ASA members a complimentary and enjoyable introduction to simulator-based education. It is hoped that Simulator Saturday and other planned promotions will ultimately raise awareness and increase the demand for simulation-based training. The success of Simulator Saturday depends upon the support of all ASA members to either become an enthusiastic participant or to spread the word to other interested anesthesiologists. Each participating center will provide the program free of charge.

For more information, follow the “Sim Saturday” link on the ASA Web site