The University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Health Sciences recently hosted SimUPWars 2024, a high-energy simulation competition that is redefining healthcare education through an immersive, interdisciplinary experience. This year’s event brought together top-notch judges, including emergency care experts, clinical operations leaders, and healthcare educators, whose insights proved invaluable for the student participants.

Aligned with the Faculty's commitment to fostering collaborative learning and breaking down silos, the SimUPWars competition is a unique competition that aims to elevate students’ cognitive knowledge, critical thinking, psychomotor skills, clinical performance, and teamwork. Nine teams from diverse healthcare disciplines joined forces, showcasing their skills and knowledge in a dynamic, supportive environment.

Originating from the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine’s SIMWars, this clinical performance event leverages simulation technology to provide teams with standardised scenarios for demonstrating their expertise in patient care and teamwork.

The event kicked off with a dramatic moment as the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Professor Tiaan de Jager arrived at the venue in a Best Care Ambulance, engaging in a resuscitation scenario that set the tone for an unforgettable day of transdisciplinary collaboration. Addressing the audience, Professor de Jager underscored the Faculty's mission to push boundaries, inspiring participants with his words: “Today, we’re not just pushing boundaries; we’re shattering them.”

The distinguished panel of judges included:

• Sean Groome: Head of Clinical Operations at Mr. First Aid and a returning SimUPWars judge with years of experience in clinical operations and emergency medicine.
• Debbie Groome: Program Director for the Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care at Boston City Campus, with extensive experience as an emergency care practitioner and nurse.
• Dr. Neville Vlok: University of Pretoria alumnus and specialist emergency physician, now practicing at Unitas Hospital and set to contribute to the Faculty’s Centre for Simulation and Innovation.
• Dr. Dannie van der Merwe: Director of Medi-EC Inc., managing multiple emergency departments in Gauteng, and a dedicated advocate for trauma training at the Center for Simulation and Innovation.
• Mr David Stanton, Hospital Manager of Netcare Milpark hospital together with Dr Tammie Baillie-Stanton, emergency care physician.

Professor Ronel Herselman, who leads the Centre for Simulation and Innovation with visionary leadership, has transformed SimUPWars into a premier event at the center. With plans for further advancements in simulation technology, Professor Ronel Herselman’s commitment continues to shape the future of healthcare education.

The ten teams, chosen for their diverse skills and perspectives, tackled each simulation with determination, guided by the judges' valuable feedback. This event highlighted the Faculty’s dedication to nurturing well-rounded, skilled healthcare providers capable of effective, transdisciplinary collaboration.

SimUPWars 2024 was not only a competition but a celebration of unity in healthcare education, thanks to the contributions of judges, staff, and sponsors who brought the event to life. The Faculty of Health Sciences extends its gratitude to this year’s sponsors, including Zebra Medical, SFP, Mr. First Aid, Medhold, Medi-EC Inc., Netcare, Tanc Scrubs, Best Care, and Angels.

Congratulations to all participants and winners for their outstanding contributions to the event's success! This year’s SimUPWars has set a new standard in healthcare training, leaving the community excited for even greater accomplishments in the future.