Congratulations to the students who graduated from Simulation Academy at Yale—an after-school program with hands-on health care simulation and STEM learning!
Within the last year, the students explored careers in health care. They were guided in mentorship by Yale undergraduates, medical students, fellows, and faculty. Through weekly sessions at the Yale Center for Healthcare Simulation (YCHS), they gained real-world experience and confidence, to envision their futures.
The second annual career fair kicked off the day, with a panel of health care professionals discussing their roles and the journey that led them there. Some talked about an easy time, while others described the bumpy road they traveled on an alternate path, before landing their current job. The message was that it is not exclusive, there is an opportunity for everyone. Hard work and perseverance result in grand rewards.
Graduation ceremony
Close to 200 attendees packed the Mary S. Harkness Auditorium at Yale School of Medicine (YSM) for the Simulation Academy at Yale’s graduation and career fair. Family and friends came out to support over 70 graduates. Students received diplomas for completing the after-school hands-on simulation program focused on STEM education and exposure to numerous areas of health care.
Professor of Emergency Medicine Leigh Evans, MD, executive director at YCHS and moderator for the day, commenced the graduation ceremony with introductions and acknowledgments. Madeline Negrón, PhD, superintendent of the New Haven Public Schools (NHPS), and Dina Natalino, NHPS’s supervisor of college and career pathways, applauded the students’ hard work. Keynote speaker Hasfa Fazl, graduate of Simulation Academy at Yale, was proud to cheer on the program. Fazl discussed the doors that were opened because of her participation in this program, and how it guided her to her current path, graduating from Yale this year.
A highlight of the day recognized Honoree and Professor Emeritus of Surgery (Vascular) Richard Gusberg, MD, founder of Simulation Academy at Yale, celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the program. Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine James Bonz, MD, director of procedural simulation and co-director of Simulation Academy at Yale, praised the program and thanked Gusberg for his vision and support.
Yale medical student Jack McCarthy and Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine Samreen Vora, MD, director of interprofessional simulation—both mentor program leads—emphasized how mentors guided students and inspired them to reflect on their experiences, goals, and to explore careers within health care. Students took the time to journal about their learning, including the impact it had and how it motivated them to think about the future. “In a world that often moves too fast, this practice encouraged them to pause and process their experiences. The students walked away with a clearer sense of their goals, a stronger connection to health care, and a deeper understanding of their own capacity to grow,” cited McCarthy.
A proud day for all
The program allows students to explore STEM-related careers in health care. Over the course of the program, students practice hands-on learning in a safe space. They learn science in the classroom and put to practice specialized procedures in the YCHS lab.
It was a proud day for all. “I work with amazing students who also teach me. Their questions allow me to learn how to teach effectively, while prompting me to reflect on why I went into medicine. It’s incredibly rewarding,” stated Assistant Professor Tatiana Moylan, MD, director of resident education and outreach and co-director of the Simulation Academy at Yale program. Amir Mansour, MD, and Andrew Melendez, DO, both simulation fellows, also helped to distribute diplomas.
The graduates gathered in the Rose Garden at YSM’s Sterling Hall of Medicine for a reception with family and friends. It was a true celebration from start to finish. The message to the graduates is that the world of health care needs you—keep up the good work. Be so proud of your accomplishments.
In running Simulation Academy at Yale, YCHS has collaborated with the NHPS system and Yale Pathways to Science, and has introduced students from three local high schools to different career paths in an effort to encourage them to join the health care workforce. The program is supported by a Science Education Partnership Award grant from the National Institute of Health.