Medical Simulators: Current Status and Future Needs

The transformation of a knowledgeable individual into an elite performer occurs through “deliberate practice”. Given the grave risk associated with using human subjects in skills training, the concept of high-fidelity simulators is increasingly being introduced into medical and health professions education. Within the past few years, there has been substantial research and development of innovative medical simulators that allow learners to refine their clinical skills in a controlled environment that precedes live patient interaction and therefore improves patient safety.