The S3 Conference brings together leading experts in medical simulation from Europe, America and Singapore.
 
Mention virtual reality, simulation or fake injuries, and most people would think of movies or video games.   But for healthcare professionals, these technologies are now used regularly as part of medical simulation in their undergraduate and professional training.

According to Associate Professor Fatimah Lateef, Director of the Singhealth Duke-NUS Institute of Medical Simulation (SIMS), the field represents "One of the greatest and most impactful developments in the area of medical education, competency acquisition and training."

The S3 Conference, held at Academia, SGH Campus, brings together world's leading experts in medical simulation from Europe, America and Singapore to lead transformation in the simulation in the region.

It is jointly organised by SIMS, Society in Europe for Simulation Applied to Medicine (SESAM) and The Gathering Of Healthcare Simulation Technology Specialists (SimGHOSTS), USA.

 
Mr Lance Baily, Co-organising Chairperson, S3 Conference and Founder and Executive Director of SimGHOSTS mentioned that the comprehensive conference will "provide healthcare professionals with the greatest range of must-know topics. Never before has international expertise from so many domains within healthcare simulation come together in Asia – or the world!"

Simulation-based training has come a long way from the days where simple anatomical models and static plastic moulds were used. Technology used today includes mannikins that respond to trauma and pain as complex procedures are 'performed'. Live models may also don "cut-suits" with 'organs' such as the liver or stomach that can be 'operated' on.

In KK Women's and Children's Hospital and Singapore General Hospital, 3D-printed organ models are already being used to aid surgeons in planning for complex surgeries, as well as practicing new surgical techniques.    

Speaking at the opening ceremony today, Guest of Honour Dr Lam Pin Min, Senior Minister of State for Health and Transport, said, "The benefits are well-documented – healthcare professionals develop clinical decision-making skills, competence in performing procedures, and confidence in managing similar scenarios in actual practice. This shortens the learning curve, improves patient safety and ultimately leads to better clinical outcomes."

S3 Conference runs from 31 October – 4 November 2017 at Academia, SGH Campus. For the full programme, visit www.s3.sg

Highlights from S3 Conference opening ceremony For more photos from the workshops, visit the SingHealth Academy Facebook page