ASCEND

The Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH) is taking applications for the Advancing Simulation Careers & Empowering Next-Generation Development (ASCEND) program, designed to identify, support, and develop early-career healthcare simulationists with exceptional leadership potential. This initiative offers recognition at IMSH and provides participants with opportunities to engage with SSH's established leadership, helping to shape the future of the simulation community. 

Vision

ASCEND will recognize and mentor emerging global healthcare simulationists, positioning them to become the future leaders in the simulation community.  

Mission 

ASCEND seeks to identify, recognize, and nurture healthcare simulationists with strong leadership potential who are in the early stages of their simulation careers (less than 6 years). ASCEND will supports the development of future leaders in healthcare simulation while ensuring the growth and sustainability of SSH leadership.  

Overview

ASCEND is open to ALL healthcare simulationists from the global community, including students, residents, fellows, operations specialists, researchers, educators, innovators, and industry professionals with less than six years of experience. SSH membership is not required to apply. 

This will be an annual initiative with a call for applications each year. The selected cohort will be recognized at IMSH and mentored throughout the following year as Future Leaders of SSH and healthcare simulation. 

Due Date

Submissions are DUE by July 24, 2026, at 1700 ET. For questions, please contact Andrew at aspain@ssih.org 

How to Apply

If you are interested in being recognizing as an ASCEND participant and engaging in the year-long program of activities and leadership development, you will need to submit your materials:

SUBMIT YOUR MATERIALS

 

Applications include the following components:

  • A 3-year leadership development plan (submitted as an attachment)
  • A short term leadership goal
  • A leadership capability or milestone you would like to develop by being in ASCEND
  • Interest statement to participate in ASCEND
  • Description of your leadership potential in healthcare simulation 
  • Description of how you hope to contribute to the healthcare simulation community in the future

Mentor Submission Form

If you are interested in serving as a mentor for ASCEND participants, please complete the MENTOR INTEREST form. 

Qualified mentors should have the experience and leadership expertise to support the growth of this next generation of leaders in healthcare simulation. Time commitment includes activities at IMSH, and virtual meetings and program monthly throughout the year.

Benefits of Participation

• Recognition at the Diamond Ball during IMSH 
• Networking opportunities at IMSH 
• Mentorship from established leaders in healthcare simulation 
• Education about SSH operations and leadership pathways 

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for ASCEND will demonstrate the integration and application of professional knowledge, skills, and attitudes beyond entry-level expertise, showing leadership and innovation in healthcare simulation. Candidates should be able to demonstrate qualities such as: 

• Leadership and mentorship within their organization 
• Contributions to their organization and the broader simulation community 
• Dedication to advancing high-quality healthcare simulation practices 
• Recognition as a rising star in the healthcare simulation industry 
 

Qualities of a Rising Leader 

ASCEND looks for individuals who exemplify leadership, advocacy, and boundary-spanning behavior. These qualities may be evident locally within their organizations, as well as regionally, nationally, or internationally. Applicants should share how their professional achievements, organizational contributions, and activities in the simulation community demonstrate these qualities. 
 

Eligibility Criteria

Mentee Eligibility

  • 1–6 years of experience in healthcare simulation
  • Demonstrated leadership potential in education, operations, research, or systems improvement
  • Demonstrated interest in expanding involvement and impact within SSH, Affiliate partners and the broader simulation community
  • Demonstrated motivation to actively engage in mentorship and leadership development throughout the 12-month program

Mentor Eligibility

  • Minimum of 7 years of experience in healthcare simulation, including leadership experience
  • Demonstrated leadership of or significant contributions to simulation program development, operations, or innovation
  • Demonstrated experience supervising, mentoring, or coaching colleagues
  • Active participation in SSH and/or Affiliate Partner activities (e.g., Committees, Sections, SIGs, AGs)
  • Demonstrated strong communication, feedback, and coaching skills
  • Commitment to the professional development of others
  •  Availability to participate in regular mentor–mentee activities 
     

Exclusionary Criteria

The following individuals are not eligible for this recognition:
• Fellows of the SSH Academy 
• Individuals with board or director experience with any healthcare simulation association 
• Those with significant leadership experience in any healthcare simulation association 
 

Key Dates

Applications Due: July 24, 2026, 1700 ET

  • Cohort Announced: September 2026
  • Virtual Orientation: November 2026
  • Mentor/Mentee Meet & Greet: December 2026
  • In-Person Recognition: January 2027 at IMSH (if attending IMSH)
  • Monthly virtual meetings in 2027

 

Review Process

All completed applications will be reviewed, and recommendations made for inclusion in the ASCEND network. Final selections will be completed with notifications sent before the Cohort is announced. 

Don't miss this exciting opportunity to be part of the next generation of leaders in healthcare simulation!