A Visioning Simulation Conference was held by the Thoracic Surgery Foundation for Research and Education on April 19 – 20, 2007 at the Center for Medical Simulation, Cambridge, Massachusetts. This innovative conference was attended by over 60 participants representing major thoracic surgery associations, government officials, general surgery associations, industry and simulation experts from both medicine and aviation.

With guidance from Jay Vogt of Peoplesworth and Michael Sales of Art of the Future; the agenda was created to allow for optimum participation from all attendees. Through facilitated round table discussions; the attendees successfully created a comprehensive strategic plan to increase the use of simulation in thoracic surgery education and certification protocols.

Both Jay and Michael played a pivotal role in the planning and execution of the conference and were critical elements to the ultimate success of the event.

The participant evaluations stated the most significant outcomes of the conference were:

• “I now have a much better understanding of simulation and what is currently available.”

• “Great organization of multiple groups toward a common action plan to establish simulation evolution and patient safety as a future priority.”

• “Good learning environment. Encouragement and stimulation to create a realistic action plan.”

• “We now have concrete steps towards organization and implementation!”

• “This conference established tasks/plans to move forward and incorporate simulation into training residents and faculty.”

• “The conference more than met my expectations! ~ Specific action items were developed to move simulation forward.”

Donna Kohli, Executive Director
Thoracic Surgery Foundation for Research and Education