“As a simulation rookie I had no idea what to expect coming to the Center for Medical Simulation (CMS). I had barely participated in simulations, let alone run and debriefed one. Would it even make sense to visit only for 5 weeks? 

Well, I will tell you how much it’s worth it to fly around the world and be part of one of the greatest simulation centers in Boston. 

First of all, Boston is amazing. It has a rich sports culture (go Red Sox!) and with both Harvard and MIT nearby you find yourself surrounded by the most amazing and interesting people. The way Bostonians make you feel like family is admirable. The genuine interest in your activities and refreshing views on your research create this warm and stimulating environment that is the ideal motivation you need. If you suffer from lack of inspiration, Boston is the cure. 

Rarely have I met people who have such incredible knowledge of their field. It is intriguing to see people with a wide range of backgrounds working so closely together, complementing each other’s skills. As a learner, you are invited to a safe environment to share your experiences and thoughts. If you’re willing to expose yourself to critique and to try new things, you will be amazed by how much you will learn. 

The intense instructor training course is where it all comes together. After five days, your brain will hurt as a result of all the new information it’s trying to process (and it’s not a bad thing).  

The advocacy-inquiry-model is quite brilliant. Once you experience using it, you know that it works. The fact that people here are willing to show themselves from their most vulnerable side as medical professionals, really shows the strength of CMS and its trainers. I truly believe it helps improving communication and safety in healthcare in a way that should be experienced by every medical professional. 

Thank you for making me feel like a part of the CMS family!” 

-Bas  

Bas Oei, MD, is a Dutch physician who studied at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and is currently a PhD-candidate at Máxima Medical Center in the Netherlands. His background includes working in an oncological surgical tertiary clinic and in a surgical emergency room. Dr. Oei was a Scholar-in-Residence at the Center for Medical Simulation from October 2018 to December 2018.

To learn more about the Center for Medical Simulation’s Visiting Scholar and Simulation Fellowship Program visit https://harvardmedsim.org/simulation-fellowship-and-international-scholars-program/ or contact us at info@harvardmedsim.org.