The Simulation and Skills Centre, spanning a generous 10,000 square feet across two distinct locations – one in the A-wing of the hospital building and the other on the third floor of the medical college building – serves as a hub for cutting-edge medical training. Manned by a dedicated team of five professionals, led by a Centre Head and supported by four Simulation Technicians, this state-of-the-art facility boasts an array of sophisticated simulators and task trainers. Among the high-fidelity patient simulators housed within are the Adult Patient Simulator, Birthing Simulator, and Neonatal Simulator. Complementing these are Virtual Reality (VR) Surgical Simulators, including those tailored for laparoscopy and endoscopy procedures. The centre further offers Interventional Ultrasound Models, affording practitioners and students the opportunity to engage in diverse ultrasound-guided procedures. The Virtual Reality Diagnostic Ultrasound system featured in the facility is equipped with cardiac, abdominal, OGB/GYN and FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma) capabilities. Additionally, an Augmented Reality Wearable Simulator designed for ultrasound and a VR Patient Simulator contribute to the immersive learning experience. A highlight of the facility is the Virtual Dissection Table, a comprehensive tool incorporating elements such as a Gross Anatomy Model, Dissection Tools, Radiology, High-Resolution Regional Anatomy, Physiology, Pro-section, and 3D modelling based on radiological images. The extensive skills training area encompasses a remarkable 195 task trainers, each tailored to enhance specific competencies. Supporting the overall educational framework is the Learning Space software, a sophisticated platform facilitating scheduling, recording, reporting, testing, and the creation of case scenarios, all seamlessly integrated with unlimited cloud storage. The Simulation and Skills Centre epitomizes innovation in medical training, serving as a dynamic hub for advancing expertise. Positioned at the forefront of healthcare education, it prepares professionals for the intricacies of practice. Its immersive approach ensures practitioners are well-equipped for future challenges, promising a higher standard of care. As a strategic investment, the centre not only shapes the next generation of healthcare professionals but also contributes to better, safer patient outcomes. With cutting-edge technology, it stands as a beacon for the continuous improvement of healthcare education and delivery.

Students hailing from diverse academic backgrounds, encompassing the realms of medicine, nursing, and physiotherapy, actively participate in the Simulation Skills Centre (SSC) as a routine component of their educational journey. The SSC serves as a dynamic hub where a myriad of meticulously planned workshops unfold, aligning seamlessly with the intricate threads of the curriculum. These workshops, carefully curated to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare landscape, play a dual role in preparing students for both the technical and non-technical facets of their future professional endeavours.

In this educational ecosystem, the medical college plays host to an impressive cohort of over 800 students, the nursing college embraces more than 400 aspiring professionals, and the physiotherapy college similarly accommodates an additional 400 students. It is within the embrace of the SSC that this diverse community finds a common ground for honing their skills and fostering an interdisciplinary understanding of healthcare practices.

Drawing inspiration from global best practices, our commitment to excellence extends beyond the confines of conventional teaching. The modules designed for these workshops are not only innovative but are also adaptable to the unique needs of our local context. Integral to this process of refinement is the invaluable feedback loop, where insights from both students and faculty guide the customization of educational experiences.

Looking towards the future, our vision extends beyond the immediate educational journey of our students. We aspire to set new benchmarks in the industry, redefining the standards of curriculum integration. This forward-looking approach is driven by a commitment to introduce courses that are not only efficient but also imbued with substantial value. As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare education, our objective is to equip the next generation of professionals with the skills, knowledge, and adaptability necessary for success in their chosen fields. Through this dynamic synthesis of global best practices and local responsiveness, we aim to cultivate a cohort of professionals poised to make impactful contributions to the healthcare industry.

Over the course of three years, the operations of the Simulation Skills Centre (SSC) have undergone a transformative evolution, culminating in the establishment of a robust system characterized by automation and extensive data generation. This system, functioning as a substantial feedback generator, has resulted in a manifold increase in the efficiency of our operations. The simulation industry within medical colleges nationwide is in a perpetual state of evolution, ushering in novel dimensions of experiential learning that transcend traditional pedagogical approaches, signalling a paradigm shift from pedagogy to andragogy.

Navigating this transition, wherein the focus shifts from understanding how children learn to comprehending the nuances of adult learning, presents a formidable challenge for any organization. At the heart of steering these operations is the core committee, a pivotal entity responsible for charting the direction of the SSC. This committee is principally led by the Academic Director of the SSC and the Chair of the Core Committee, who also serves as the Dean of the Medical College.

While meticulous planning of student workshops remains a priority for enhancing the execution efficiency of the SSC staff, equal emphasis is placed on evaluating the community impact of the centre. To this end, strategic collaborations with entities ranging from the Airport Authority of India to the World Health Organization are consistently forged. Regular initiatives are orchestrated to raise mass public awareness regarding first aid and CPR, underscoring our commitment to community well-being. In tandem with these efforts, there is a concerted push to encourage research activities utilizing the voluminous data amassed by the SSC since its inception. This recent impetus on research underscores the SSC's role as a data repository, with the aim of contributing meaningfully to the advancement of knowledge within the field. As the SSC continues to evolve, its multifaceted contributions extend beyond the realms of education and training, positioning it as a dynamic force in shaping the future of healthcare.

Mayo Clinic, established in 1889, is a global healthcare leader renowned for its patient-centric focus, cutting-edge research, and medical education. With campuses in Minnesota, Florida, and Arizona, Mayo Clinic is a beacon of excellence where over 4,000 physicians, scientists, and educators collaborate. Embodying a holistic approach, Mayo Clinic seamlessly integrates clinical practice, education, and research, setting the standard for medical innovation and compassionate care. In addition to its outstanding clinical reputation, Mayo Clinic is at the forefront of medical education, incorporating advanced simulation activities to enhance training and skill development. Annually, Mayo Clinic receives over 1.3 million patient visits and contributes to numerous research studies, showcasing its commitment to advancing medical knowledge. As a pioneer in healthcare, Mayo Clinic continues to transform lives through its commitment to comprehensive and collaborative medical advancements.

Fortuitously, seven faculty members from the Simulation and Skills Centre (SSC) had the privilege of undergoing certified training from Mayo Clinic. The invaluable insights and guidance from world-renowned experts in healthcare and healthcare simulation played a pivotal role in not only establishing but also enhancing and expanding our centre, both in terms of infrastructure and capacity. These distinguished Mayo Clinic-trained faculty members are the linchpin of the SSC, infusing it with a wealth of knowledge and expertise that significantly contributes to the centre’s success.