The Sim Tech Podcast: Clinical Simulation

In this Community Interview, we sit down with Sajedah Alqudah, a Clinical Simulation Specialist, to explore her journey into simulation and the experiences that have shaped her career.

We discuss the role simulation plays in healthcare education, the value of creating meaningful learning experiences, and the challenges and opportunities facing the profession today. Sajedah also shares insights from her own career, the lessons she's learned along the way, and her thoughts on where simulation is heading in the future.

Whether you're a simulation technician, educator, clinician, or simply interested in healthcare education, this episode offers an honest conversation about the people behind simulation and the impact they have on developing safer, more confident healthcare professionals.

If this is for The Sim Tech Podcast, I can also make it sound a little more conversational and aligned with your usual episode descriptions.

Sponsored by Scotia SMOTS - https://www.scotiauk.com/smots/

In this Supplier Showcase episode of The Sim Tech Podcast, we're joined by Martien to explore the future of accessible, digital simulation.

Martien shares the vision behind the Digital Resus Room—a remote, multi-user simulation platform where teams can manage a shared patient in real time, with every clinical decision directly influencing the patient's physiology. We also discuss the growing role of microlearning and scenario-based training, enabling learners to build confidence through high-frequency, repeatable practice, from quick decision-making exercises to full team simulations.

The conversation explores how digital simulation can complement traditional simulation, expand access to training, and help develop clinical reasoning, teamwork, and performance under pressure. Whether you're a simulation technician, educator, clinician, or simply interested in where healthcare simulation is heading, this episode offers an insightful look at the next generation of immersive learning.

Sponsored by Scotia SMOTS - https://www.scotiauk.com/smots/

What happens when healthcare professionals don't have access to clinical simulation?

In this episode of The Sim Tech Podcast, we're joined by Ali and Sarah for a Behind the Scenes podcast to explore the real-world impact of limited access to simulation-based education.

Drawing on personal experience, Ali shares how the absence of clinical simulation can affect confidence, learning, and preparedness in practice. Together, we discuss why simulation matters, the barriers that still exist, and how expanding access can help develop safer, more confident healthcare professionals.

This episode offers an honest perspective on the value of simulation from someone who has experienced life without it, highlighting why creating meaningful learning opportunities is more important than ever.

🎧 Join us for an insightful conversation about experience, education, and the role simulation plays in shaping modern healthcare.

Sponsored by Scotia SMOTS - https://www.scotiauk.com/smots/

What really goes into running a modern simulation centre?

In this episode of The Sim Tech Podcast, we sit down with the team from Simuhealth to explore how technology is transforming the operational side of healthcare simulation.

From scheduling learners and managing equipment to tracking compliance, reporting, and streamlining day-to-day workflows, we take a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges simulation teams face and how digital platforms are helping centres become more efficient and scalable. Simuhealth is designed as an all-in-one simulation operations platform, bringing together scheduling, resource management, reporting, and analytics into a single system.

Whether you're a simulation technician, centre manager, educator, or simply interested in the future of simulation operations, this episode offers practical insights into reducing administrative burden, improving visibility across your programme, and creating more time for what matters most—delivering high-quality simulation.

🎙️ Topics include:

• The biggest operational challenges facing simulation centres
• Moving away from spreadsheets and disconnected systems
• Scheduling learners, faculty, rooms, and equipment
• Reporting, compliance, and accreditation
• Improving efficiency without increasing workload
• The future of simulation centre management

If you're involved in healthcare simulation, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Sponsored by Scotia SMOTS - https://www.scotiauk.com/smots/

In this episode of The Sim Tech Podcast, Craig is joined by Mike, Hami and Sebastian from Innov2Learn to discover how the company began, the challenges it set out to solve and why collaboration with the simulation community remains central to everything it creates.

We showcase the Innov2Learn Euro Kit, explore how new products progress from an initial idea through testing and development, and discuss what makes a genuinely useful simulation product.

The team also shares what is happening behind the scenes, the emerging technologies that excite them and their ambitions for the future of Innov2Learn.

What if students could borrow clinical skills equipment as easily as they borrow a library book?

In this episode of The Sim Tech Podcast, Craig is joined by Sarah and Mary to discuss SkillShare—an innovative, student-centred initiative designed to give healthcare students greater access to clinical skills equipment outside of timetabled teaching and clinical placements.

Together, they explore the educational challenge that inspired SkillShare, how students helped shape the project, and how a partnership with Library Services has created a scalable and sustainable model for independent practice. The conversation also covers the practicalities of running the service, the impact on student confidence and placement readiness, and what the future could hold for flexible clinical skills education.

Whether you're a simulation technician, clinical skills educator, academic or healthcare educator, this episode offers practical insights into improving access to learning and supporting students beyond the classroom.

In this episode:

• Why SkillShare was created
• Co-designing the initiative with students
• How the equipment lending model works
• Supporting independent and peer-led practice
• Implementation challenges and lessons learned
• Early student feedback and future plans

If you enjoy the episode, don't forget to follow The Sim Tech Podcast for more conversations on simulation, technology and innovation in healthcare education.

In this episode, Craig and Sarah dive deep into Last Light, the immersive boardgame they designed together.

Having now played it multiple times with different groups, they step back from the design table to reflect on how the experience actually plays out in the real world — what’s working, what’s evolved, and what continues to surprise them.

They explore what it really means to call it an “immersive boardgame,” how it compares to other immersive formats like VR and escape rooms, and how players are interacting with the systems, story, and environment in unexpected ways.

This is a candid, design-focused conversation about iteration, player behaviour, emotional impact, and the balance between mechanics and experience in Last Light.

A reflective deep dive from the creators, after seeing the game truly come to life.

In this episode of The Sim Tech Podcast, Elliot and Thomas take a technician-focused deep dive into Laerdal’s SimMan Live.

The team opens the hood on the system to explore what’s actually inside, how it works behind the scenes, common faults and failures, maintenance tips, and practical fixes that simulation technicians may come across during day-to-day use.

From troubleshooting and servicing to sharing real-world experiences, this episode is packed with technical insight for anyone working hands-on with simulation equipment.

In this quick 5-minute tutorial, we show you how to use AI to create realistic, immersive backgrounds for simulation-based education. Whether you're designing scenarios for VR, projection, escape rooms, or simulation spaces, AI can help you produce high-quality environments in minutes rather than hours.

We'll cover the basics of writing effective prompts, generating realistic scenes, and practical tips for getting the best results—even if you've never used AI image generation before.

Perfect for simulation technicians, educators, and anyone looking to enhance immersion without needing advanced design skills.

The Sim Tech Podcast brings you practical tips, technical tutorials, and behind-the-scenes insights from the world of simulation technology.

In this episode of The Sim Tech Podcast, Craig is joined by Jonathan to explore the challenge of building a brand-new simulation centre at George Fox University as the institution expands its Doctor of Nursing Practice programmes. From launching a nurse anesthesia programme to preparing for future PMHNP training, Jonathan shares the exciting opportunities and challenges involved in creating a simulation service from the ground up.

The conversation also dives into Jonathan’s experience at Stanford Medicine Catalyst, discussing innovation in simulation, developing prototypes, working with industry partners such as Laerdal and Simulab, and how simulation professionals can turn ideas into scalable products or businesses.

A fascinating episode for anyone interested in simulation centre development, innovation, and the future of healthcare education.

In this episode of The Sim Tech Podcast, Craig is joined by Sophie and Sarah to explore the world of serious games in clinical simulation.

From escape rooms and board games to immersive learning experiences, the discussion looks at how game-based learning can improve engagement, teamwork, communication, and decision-making in healthcare education.

The episode also covers the challenges of designing serious games, balancing fun with learning outcomes, and how simulation teams are using creativity to deliver memorable educational experiences.

Whether you’re a simulation technician, educator, or simply interested in innovative approaches to simulation, this episode is packed with ideas and inspiration from the world of serious games.

In this episode of The Sim Tech Podcast, Craig is joined by Stuart from CSKILLS by Cameron Communications to explore the world of video recording solutions in clinical simulation.

They discuss the importance of reliable recording systems, how video technology supports effective debriefing, common challenges faced by simulation centres, and what sim techs should consider when designing or upgrading their AV setup.

From installation and integration to the future of AI in simulation recording, this episode offers practical insight for anyone involved in simulation-based education.

Episode Description – Spotify

In this episode of The Sim Tech Podcast, Craig explores the role of professional actors in clinical simulation and how they can enhance realism in healthcare education.

Joining the podcast is Dan from The Actors Forge, an organisation that works with a large network of professional actors supporting medical education and training. Their team includes over 100 active adult actors, a wider network of more than 500 performers, and 80 Teen & Young Adult actors who can support age-specific scenarios.

Together we discuss how trained actors can support simulation through realistic and responsive role play, particularly in areas such as clinical communication skills, patient-centred care, human factors, and difficult conversations.

We also explore the differences between professional simulated patients and internal staff role-play, how actors are trained for healthcare environments, and what simulation centres should consider when introducing professional actors into their programmes.

Whether you're a simulation technician, educator, faculty member, or simply interested in how immersive learning experiences are created, this episode offers a fascinating look at the human side of simulation.

Topics covered include:

•

Training actors for medical simulation

•

The value of realism in communication scenarios

•

Supporting difficult conversations in training

•

Integrating professional actors into simulation programmes

Links & Contact
If you'd like to learn more about The Actors Forge or explore collaboration opportunities, links and contact information are available in the episode notes.

Dan@theactorsforge.com
+44 (0) 7716936100

In this episode of The Sim Tech Podcast, Craig is joined by Jake from The Simulation Collective to reflect on his experiences at IMSH.

Together, they unpack what it was really like being on the ground — from standout sessions and meaningful conversations, to the trends, technology, and talking points that dominated the conference floor. They also explore the challenges of cutting through the noise at large events like IMSH and what genuinely feels useful for simulation technicians and centres back home.

Whether you attended IMSH, followed it online, or skipped it entirely, this episode offers an honest, technician-focused take on what mattered, what didn’t, and what it might all mean for the future of simulation.

In this video podcast, we sit down with Ahmed and Hana from MedAscend to explore the evolving world of AI-powered avatars in communication-based simulation.

We dive into how this innovative technology is helping to bridge the gap between traditional simulation and scalable, accessible training—allowing learners to engage with realistic, responsive virtual patients in a whole new way. From building confidence in difficult conversations to enhancing human factors and decision-making, AI avatars are opening new doors for simulation delivery.

This episode also features a live demonstration, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how the platform works in practice—showcasing the realism, interactivity, and potential impact on training environments.

If you’re interested in the future of simulation, digital innovation, or just want to see what’s possible beyond the manikin, this is one you won’t want to miss.

🎧 Full episode available now on The Sim Tech Podcast

#SimTechPodcast #ClinicalSimulation #MedEd #AI #HealthcareInnovation #BeyondTheGlass

In this episode of The Sim Tech Podcast, Craig is joined by Bas, Rebecca and Rebecca, the creators of Suits & Scrubs — an innovative simulation board game exploring human factors, decision-making, and system pressures in healthcare.

After seeing their presentation at the Simulation, Immersive and Human Factors meeting, it was clear this wasn’t just a game — it’s a powerful educational tool designed to spark meaningful conversations about leadership tension, competing priorities, and the realities of working within complex healthcare systems.

Together, we explore:

•

How Suits & Scrubs came about

•

Why they chose a board game format

•

The human factors challenges it’s designed to surface

•

How it fits alongside traditional simulation

•

What happens when you remove the manikin but keep the learning

For simulation technicians and educators, this episode is a reminder that innovation doesn’t always mean more technology — sometimes it means new ways to create safe, structured conversations about the pressures we all recognise.

If you’re interested in expanding how you approach systems thinking and human factors in your centre, this is one you won’t want to miss.

n this episode of The Sim Tech Podcast, Craig is joined by Phil from Limbs & Things for a full demonstration and discussion of their Arterial Wrist Puncture Model.

Arterial blood gas sampling is a core skill across acute care, paramedicine, critical care and undergraduate education — but achieving the right balance between realism, durability and ease of setup isn’t always straightforward.

In this episode, you’ll see:

• A practical demonstration of the model
• Insight into the design thinking behind it
• Discussion around realism vs longevity
• Considerations for simulation technicians and clinical skills teams
• Setup, maintenance and day-to-day usability

As always, this conversation is designed to support simulation technicians in making informed decisions about equipment and to explore the realities of running busy simulation and clinical skills programmes.

🎙️ SimTech Symposium Special – For Sim Techs, By Sim Techs

In this special video podcast episode, we’re joined by Russell, Matthew, and Hannah as we dive into everything you need to know about the SimTech Symposium.

Designed for sim techs, by sim techs, this event is all about bringing the community together to share ideas, showcase innovation, and celebrate the vital behind-the-scenes role simulation technicians play in healthcare education.

In this episode, we explore:

🔹 The vision behind the SimTech Symposium

🔹 What attendees can expect on the day

🔹 Why this event is so important for the sim tech community

🔹 Opportunities to connect, learn, and be inspired

Whether you’re a seasoned simulation technician or just starting out, this conversation gives you a real insight into why the SimTech Symposium is fast becoming a must-attend event.

🎧 Tune in, get inspired, and be part of a growing community shaping the future of simulation.

SimTech Symposium – 21st August @ ManchesterThe Simulation Technicians Awards 2026 WebsiteNational Simulation Technician Awards 2026 - Nominations – Fill in form

info@simtechsym.org

This episode is a little different — and a lot inspiring.

Craig is joined by Connor from Brompton & Catterick St Annes Scout Group in Richmondshire, who was selected as one of just 30 young people to form the first North Yorkshire Scouts contingent heading on a self-planned European adventure in summer 2027.

To get there, Connor needs to raise £3,600 — and he’s set himself three huge challenges in 2026 to make it happen:

🏕️ A 3-day, 2-night tech-free survival camp, camping under a poncho and cooking all his own food on a fire pit
⛰️ The Yorkshire 3 Peaks – 26 miles across Pen-y-Ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside
🏃 The Junior Great North Run… in fancy dress

In this episode, we talk about resilience, community, stepping outside your comfort zone, and what it looks like when a young person sets a big goal and commits to achieving it.

If you’d like to support Connor, you can find the link to his JustGiving page in the episode description.

Sometimes the best lessons in determination and growth don’t come from a simulation suite — they come from real-world challenges.

Fundraiser Linkconnorseuropeanscountfundraiser@gmail.com

In this episode of The Sim Tech Podcast, I’m joined by Gordon from Scotia to talk about smotsSUPPORT — a platform created to support people through shared knowledge, problem-solving, and community connection.

We explore why smotsSUPPORT was developed, the challenges it aims to supportbsithin the role, and how it can help people feel more supported in what can often be a niche and isolated role. Gordon shares insight into the thinking behind the platform, how it works in practice, and what it could mean for the future of technical support within clinical simulation.

Whether you’re new to simulation or an experienced simulationist, this episode highlights a resource designed with you in mind.