Department of Anesthesiology Hosts Open House at Margaret Wood Center for Simulation & Education

On Wednesday, October 4, the Department of Anesthesiology hosted an open house at its Margaret Wood Center for Simulation and Education to showcase the benefits of simulation education and encourage collaboration between departments. The simulation center offers access to a range of sophisticated patient simulators, high-end echocardiography simulators, advanced airway simulators, task trainers, and more that would appeal to a variety of medical specialties.
 
Established in 2015, the state-of-the-art 2,000-square-foot simulation center offers trainees the opportunity to receive individualized feedback and coaching, resulting in a powerful learning experience. Providers at all levels, from experienced faculty to medical students to interns, can practice their skills, including crisis management and cognitive-skills training.
 
Previously known as the Anesthesia Center for Education, Research, and Evaluation, the Margaret Wood Center for Simulation and Education was the brainchild of former Department of Anesthesiology chair Dr. Margaret Wood. She, along with Dr. Vivek Moitra, introduced simulation education to the department’s curriculum. “It was Dr. Wood’s vision to create a center for simulation and education within the Department of Anesthesiology here at CUMC,“ said Dr. Ansgar Brambrink, current chair of the Department of Anesthesiology. “We are grateful for her and Dr. Moitra’s leadership in developing the simulation center as a model for simulation education in the fields of anesthesiology and critical care medicine.” Dr. Allison Lee, who stepped in as the department’s new medical director in the spring of 2017, will continue the growth path to further develop research into innovative simulation training methods and assess their impact on learning success.
 
To that end, the center’s cutting-edge simulation tools and techniques serve to enhance the department’s ability to train clinicians to become outstanding providers and deliver the best possible care to patients in whatever specialty they choose. “Simulation involves active participation in realistic situations, which often triggers intense emotions, all of which enhances the learning process,” Dr. Lee said. During the debriefing process, trainees are guided through well-thought-out discussions, receive feedback, and are anticipated to apply what they have learned to future situations.
 
The Department of Anesthesiology looks forward to sharing the benefits of simulation learning and working with other departments and schools on campus. Collaboration offers the opportunity for interdisciplinary learning, which leads to improved cognitive and communication skills. “I am passionate about simulation education and ready to share my zeal with colleagues and trainees,” said Dr. Lee.
 
Bookings at the Margaret Wood Center for Simulation and Education can be made by contacting Woojin Shim, the simulation center manager, at anesthesia_sim@cumc.columbia.edu.