SimCast

Explore the launch of a new, inclusive simulation journal designed to bring together the real-world practice of simulation across healthcare professions. In this episode, we are joined by Aby Mitchell and Sophie Gardner to discuss why this journal was created, how it differs from traditional academic publications, and why there is a need for a more practical, accessible home for simulation scholarship. The conversation explores the gap between valuable work happening in practice and what is often accepted in more traditional journals, particularly for educators, technicians, and clinicians whose insights may be highly relevant but not always framed as formal research.  
We also discuss the realities of academic publishing, including rejection, confidence, collaboration, and the challenges faced by those trying to publish without strong institutional research support. The episode makes a strong case for a journal that is supportive, multidisciplinary, and interested not only in polished success stories, but also in the messy realities of simulation practice. It is a useful conversation for anyone involved in simulation who has ever considered writing about their work and wondered where it might belong.  
https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/journal/sihe

What happens when simulation goes wrong… before it even begins? In this candid and reflective episode of SimCast, we turn an unexpected error, forgetting to send a guest invitation, into a rich discussion on human factors, complexity, and the realities of simulation-based education. Drawing on real experience, we explore why error is inevitable in complex systems and how educators can reframe mistakes as opportunities for learning, growth, and system improvement.
Using the SITE model (Space, Information, Team, Equipment), we unpack where and why things fail in simulation, from communication breakdowns to equipment issues and organisational pressures. This episode blends humour with critical insight, offering practical reflections for simulation educators, healthcare professionals, and anyone working in complex learning environments.
#SimCast #SImulaiton #Podcast #ClinicalSimulaiton #HiugherEducation

In this episode of SimCast, we explore how AI-powered virtual placements are reshaping healthcare simulation. Joined by Abby Mitchell and Behnam Jafari from King’s College London, Tony and Lawrence examine how co-design, representation, and technology intersect to create authentic, scalable learning experiences.
This conversation moves beyond the hype of AI and asks deeper questions about access, authenticity, and the realities of implementing large-scale simulation. From working with marginalised communities to managing 280 students in a single day, this episode offers a candid and practical look at what it really takes to innovate in simulation education.
#SimCast #Podcast #ClinicalSimulation #highereducation #simulation

In  this episode of SimCast, Tony and Lawrence are joined by Phil Purver and Alex Clark from iRIS to explore a cloud-based scenario design and management platform that’s changing the way simulation is created, governed and delivered. From AI-generated scenarios to importing legacy Word documents and accessing a global library of over 1200 shared cases, iRIS is tackling the three pressures every simulation team recognises: time, quality and capacity.
We dig into the live demo, governance safeguards, student-led scenario design, interprofessional collaboration and the bigger question of whether AI can democratise simulation without compromising clinical rigour. If you design, deliver or manage simulation, this episode will give you plenty to think about.
- Learn more at the platform here: www.iris-sim.com
- Phil Purver  - https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-purver-686254/
- Alex Clark - https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarkalexandra/
#SimCast #Podcast #Simulation #HigherEducation #ClinicalSimulation

In this episode of SimCast Tony and Lawrence are joined by Craig Dores, NHS Simulation Technician, former British Army Combat Medic, host of the SimTech Podcast and founder of the National Simulation Technician Awards,
Craig shares how a gap in the simulation podcast landscape led him to create a platform dedicated to the technician voice. The conversation explores professional identity, the evolving role of simulation technicians, the growth of a national community, and why “just the tech” is a phrase that needs retiring.
If you are involved in healthcare simulation, higher education, NHS workforce development, or technical simulation support, this episode offers insight into one of the most important and often under-recognised roles in our field.
Links 🔗
The SimTech Podcast - Hosted by Craig Dores
https://open.spotify.com/show/5URzrrB1udHmjyroSDWIrk?si=e84132ff9e364d66
Nominations form for the National Simulation Technician Awards (closes end of April 2026)
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=slTDN7CF9UeyIge0jXdO41-Rc9rlzghGs2SKWvYkKHZUNlYyRDdTSlJZWUY5RTZNNlIzS1I3WExOTi4u&route=shorturl
National Simulaiton Technician Symposium 2026
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf6lBhic--G9cnXGWxckF4wuOJpHi-S5WM58TC9F-s-gHJJEg/viewform?pli=1
#SimCast #Simulation #Podcast #HigherEducation #clinicalsimulation 
Chapters
00:00 – Welcome and guest introduction
03:00 – Why Craig created the SimTech Podcast
07:00 – The evolving identity of the simulation technician
12:00 – Diverse backgrounds and what makes a great SimTech
16:20 – National Simulation Technician Awards explained
21:00 – The SimTech Symposium and building community
26:00 – Podcasting, vulnerability and imposter syndrome
32:00 – Advice for starting a podcast
35:00 – Professionalisation, banding and future direction
39:00 – “Just the tech” and recognition of invisible work
45:00 – Final reflections and how to get involved