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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 <www.ASAhq.org>.
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