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Matt Needler shares his journey from combat medic and philosophy major to becoming Director of Operations at Belmont University's 60,000-square-foot simulation center, where he oversees high-fidelity simulation experiences across healthcare disciplines.

• Started in simulation by chance after seeing a job opening while working in physical therapy
• Advanced from technician to coordinator to director roles across multiple institutions
• Holds dual CHSOS and CHSE certifications, making him among the first 100 people worldwide with both
• Creates innovative simulation experiences including a mannequin that simulates upper GI bleeds with pumping blood
• Currently developing AI applications for simulation, including a system for nursing students to practice SOAP notes
• Presenting at IMSH on learning theories for simulationists and AI integration in healthcare simulation
• Emphasizes career advancement possibilities for simulation technicians
• Attributes success to willingness to ask questions and apply for opportunities
• Can be reached on LinkedIn or at matthew.needler@belmont.edu

Join Matt at the International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare (IMSH) in San Antonio, where he'll be presenting on learning theories and AI applications in simulation.

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Dr. Cynthia Clark opens up about the hidden epidemic affecting healthcare environments nationwide: workplace incivility. Drawing from decades of research and practical experience, she paints a compelling picture of how seemingly minor behaviors like eye-rolling or walking away mid-conversation can create serious patient safety risks when they occur in clinical settings.

What makes this conversation particularly illuminating is Dr. Clark's nuanced understanding of workplace dynamics. She introduces listeners to her "continuum of workplace aggression" framework, which helps identify problematic behaviors ranging from subtle nonverbal cues to outright bullying and gaslighting. Her explanation of how victims often blame themselves rather than recognizing manipulative behaviors provides a wake-up call for anyone who's experienced that unsettling feeling of questioning their own reality after an interaction with a difficult colleague.

The heart of this episode focuses on cognitive rehearsal—a simulation-based technique that transforms how healthcare professionals respond to incivility. Through a practical five-step process, Dr. Clark demonstrates how professionals can prepare for and address difficult conversations rather than avoiding them. Her PAIL framework (Preview, Advocacy, Inquiry, Listen) offers a structured approach that anyone can implement immediately. The example scenario featuring "Iris," a domineering colleague who derails meetings, provides a masterclass in how to approach uncomfortable but necessary conversations.

Whether you're a nursing educator, a healthcare professional, or anyone who's experienced workplace tension, this episode delivers practical strategies for creating more respectful environments. Dr. Clark's insistence on calling communication competencies "power skills" rather than "soft skills" underscores their critical importance in healthcare settings where lives literally depend on effective collaboration. Ready to transform your workplace interactions? This episode provides the blueprint.

Innovative SimSolutions.
Your turnkey solution provider for medical simulation programs, sim centers & faculty design.

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The BCIT simulation team shares their transformative journey from siloed departments to a unified center of excellence, culminating in their recent SSH accreditation as Canada's fourth accredited program. Carrie Meager and Heather Epp reveal how leadership support, psychological safety, and human-centered approaches created their successful simulation community.

• Evolution from fragmented lab-based learning across 11 buildings to a coordinated simulation program with standardized practices
• Moving beyond skills training to develop critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and clinical decision-making
• Building psychological safety at every level creates an environment where innovation thrives
• SSH accreditation process provided structure while identifying areas for quality improvement
• Focus on human elements through their 40+ simulated participant program addressing communication challenges
• Creative approaches like "cakeable moments" and SimPath faculty development promote psychological safety
• Leadership support from deans and directors was crucial for success
• Innovative virtual simulations address costly consumables in programs like Med Lab Sciences

The BCIT simulation team welcomes connections through LinkedIn or email and can be found at conferences like SimExpo and IMSH. They're happy to share resources and support others building simulation programs.

Innovative SimSolutions.
Your turnkey solution provider for medical simulation programs, sim centers & faculty design.