Why Simulation Training?
Simulation education bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world practice. When done purposefully, this method of instruction provides a safe, controlled environment for students to hone their skills, develop confidence, and make critical decisions without risking patient safety. UMKC School of Medicine leverages advanced simulation technologies to prepare students for modern healthcare complexities.
Our Basic Assumption
Our core belief is based on principles and the basic assumption derived from the Centers for Medical Simulation at Harvard University:
"All of our participants are intelligent, capable, dedicated to self-improvement, and committed to doing their best."
Though simulation education is labor- and time-intensive, we believe that the benefits of hands-on and immersive training are exponential for our learners. Simulation education helps us produce strong clinicians who are able to practice medicine in their specialties of choice in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
Simulation in Medical Schools: National Data
According to data from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) 2023 medical simulation survey*, 80% of respondent medical schools utilize simulation during preclinical courses; 98% during MS3 and 93% during MS4, primarily during core clinical clerkships. The 2023 AAMC data also shows that over 90% of respondents reported using simulation to educate learners, specifically via formative assessments. UMKC School of Medicine has dedicated formative and summative assessments across pre-clinical and clinical years of training for our students.
*Association of Medical Colleges. Advancing Simulation in Medical Education: Survey Findings and Opportunities for Innovation. Presented at AAMC 2023 Annual Meeting. Retrieved November 27, 2024.
What Our Learners Say
"I’ve found that simulation medicine at UMKC has been an amazing way to augment my learning. Getting to practice through hands-on training in a controlled environment has truly improved my clinical skills and allowed me to build confidence. I think it’s an essential part of medical school, and UMKC has given me many opportunities to think critically, work as a team, and strengthen my skills, all in a simulated setting. I’ve also been able to assist with complex procedures during my clinical rotations because of the practice I’ve received through simulation-based learning!"
- Shreevarsha Shreekumar, MSVI
"I admire UMKC Simulation because training in the Clinical Training Facility gives me hands-on experience with high-fidelity tools and helps me build real clinical confidence. Simulation has also given me meaningful teaching experiences, like working with high school students aspiring to go into medicine."
- Simren Mahajan, MSV
"I think simulation-based learning is essential to clinical training even outside of emergency medicine and ICU-based specialties because procedures like paracentesis and thoracentesis are common during residency, especially when practicing in resource-limited settings. My favorite thing about simulation at UMKC is that you get to learn, practice, and sometimes teach a wide variety of procedures in a supportive environment with your peers."
- Aratrika Pal, MSVI
"UMKC’s Simulation Center allows students to strengthen their procedural skills and clinical confidence in a low stress, supportive environment! I always look forward to simulation events throughout the academic year!"
- Abbie Poisson, M.D.
- Pooja Patel, D.O.
Medical Students in the Simulation Lab
