Jamie M. Robertson, PhD, MPH, CHSE-A, FSSH
Senior Research Scientist/ Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine
The Society for Simulation in Healthcare has served as my professional home for the last decade. During that time, I have had the privilege of working alongside many of you on projects, SIGS, committees, and task forces, all with the goal of improving patient safety through simulation. In my own work, I have served as an educator and researcher within a hospital-based center for the last eleven years. During that time, I’ve witnessed first-hand the power of simulation to change lives, not only of our simulation participants, but also of the patients they see in the hospital. SSH plays an integral role in shaping the future of healthcare simulation around the globe, and, with the advent of new technologies, this role in establishing future priorities, goals, and ethical principles is as important now as it was when the society was first established.
Since I joined SSH in 2015, I have served the society in several capacities. From 2017-2022, I served on the external relations committee, first as a member and ultimately as chair, working to build relationships with other professional societies and organizations with shared missions and interests. This has provided an avenue for many wonderful collaborations and partnerships that have expanded simulation and simulation-based programs across the globe, but also within our local environment. In 2024, I had the honor of serving as an IMSH co-chair and getting to see firsthand all the incredible work that the community brings forward each year to share with the larger community.
As we continue moving our agenda in healthcare simulation forward, these networks are vital to providing insight, created shared models and strategic plans, and building a global network of simulation professionals.
In the last decade, SSH has grown considerably, not only in the number of engaged members, but also in the diversity of backgrounds that bring individuals to simulation. Today’s simulation professionals come from a variety of professions, educational backgrounds, and training. With this shift, our vision of what simulation can become has also grown considerably. These changes usher in with them both considerable opportunities and challenges for the future. As our society continues to grow and embrace many of the technological changes, it is essential that we examine our plans through a critical lens and seek input from these sources. My vision for the future of SSH is to continue to be at the forefront of new simulation techniques, modalities, and changes, while also remaining true to the patient safety mission at the heart. If elected, this is the expertise and vision I want to bring to the SSH Board of Directors.