SimCast

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/
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What happens when simulated practice learning stops being seen as the “poor substitute” for placement and starts becoming one of the most powerful tools in healthcare education?  In this episode Tony Jermy and Lawrence Hill are joined by Joelle Salje to unpack “The Poison Apple of SPL”.
Drawing on Joelle’s pioneering work in simulated practice learning (SPL), this episode explores why simulation is not simply replacing clinical placement capacity, but creating entirely new opportunities for personalised, inclusive and emotionally intelligent healthcare education. From widening participation and diversity to learner-centred simulation design, this is a thought-provoking conversation for nurse educators, simulation faculty, practice educators and anyone interested in the future of healthcare training.  
Links to papers mentioned in the podcast:
Salje, J. (2025). Communities of Practice in Simulated-Practice Learning Placement: a large cohort study. The Journal of Practice Teaching and Learning, 23(2), 100-120. - https://bit.ly/3Pm1iYY
Salje, J. (2026). Transfer of a simulated practice learning framework from nursing to paramedicine. Journal of Paramedic Practice, 18(3), 104-113. - https://bit.ly/4nu58vN
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What does it take to make simulation truly meaningful in healthcare education? In this episode of SimCast, Tony Jermy and Lawrence Hill are joined by Linsey McLeish, Head of Skills and Simulation Practice at Buckinghamshire New University, to explore Simulated Practice Learning (SPL), curriculum design, and the growing evidence base linking simulation to patient safety. Drawing on Lindsay’s unique background in intensive care nursing, aeromedical retrieval in the Royal Air Force, and higher education leadership, this conversation unpacks how simulation can move beyond technical skills training to develop communication, leadership, professionalism and clinical judgement.  
From hybrid simulation models and virtual reality platforms to the hidden curriculum of teamwork, confidence and speaking up, this episode offers practical insight for simulation educators, nurse educators, healthcare academics and clinicians interested in designing impactful learning experiences. Whether you are curious about the future of simulated practice learning in nursing, integrating simulation into healthcare curricula, or how educational design can directly influence patient outcomes, this discussion is packed with ideas that challenge assumptions and push simulation practice forward.  
#SImCast #Podcast #Simulation #HigherEducation #ClinicalSimulation