Mayo Clinic Multidisciplinary Simulation Center (MCMSC)

Jul 22, 2019 | Diane Penning | @dianepenning

SIM Center

Mayo Clinic had a “vision to lead in the application of new technologies designed to facilitate learning without associated patient risk and research in simulation-based education” and, hence, the Sim Center was created.

With a collaboration of Mayo team educators working to create this facility, a 10,000-square-foot space was opened on October 1, 2005, in the Stabile Building with another 1,500 square feet in the Guggenheim Building (aka Sim West) in Rochester.

The purpose of the space was to allow for training and education of the students and staff of Mayo Clinic.  The Sim Center does not charge Mayo Clinic learners for their training, although there is a charge for when there are courses that include learners external to Mayo Clinic.

While the Sim Center is available for any Mayo Clinic department, frequent users include:

  • Anesthesiology
  • Critical care
  • Emergency Medicine
  • General surgery
  • Internal medicine
  • Medical Students
  • Neurosurgery
  • Nurse Anesthetist students
  • Department of Nursing
  • OB/GYN
  • Pediatrics
  • Quality office
  • Radiology
  • Respiratory therapy
  • Vascular surgery

Hands-on training/practice is used to diagnose conditions and decide on the right treatment. They also practice communication and teamwork. Training may include using life-like, programmable mannequins (aka manikin) or even trained medical actors.

The center offers experiential learning using three modes of simulation:

  • Standardized patients – actors who play the role of medical patients
    • Moulage (casting/moulding/make-up) is used to create life-like cuts, wounds, bruises, etc.
  • Task trainers – virtual reality “video games”
  • High-tech mannequins – surrogate patients of a robotic nature

Nursing education specialists (NESs) and course directors work to develop education through a needs assessment. The objectives, target audience, resources needed, and any supporting documents are used to develop just the right type of education required.

Access to the building is only available to participants and staff involved in the courses.

Sim Centers were also opened in February of 2010 in Arizona and in February of 2013 in Florida.

If you wish to take a virtual tour of the Rochester SIM Center, please click on the following link:

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