Dr Ian Summers, Head of Monash Simulation, represented Monash Health on a global platform in June this year. The SESAM conference, the annual meeting for the European Society of Simulation, showcased Dr Summers’ workshop “Oops to Opportunity: Mistakes I Have Made and What I Learned from Them.”
Dr Summers ran his workshop with a star cast of global simulation experts, including Associate Professor Victoria Brazil, Professor Walter Eppich, Dr Michaela Kolbe and Dr Kristian Krogh.
The panel opened up with stories from their own experiences, including mistakes they have made during their journeys as simulation educators. Each experience was followed up with a reflection about the contributory factors, rescue strategies and transferrable lessons. It was both intriguing and gratifying to hear such simulation greats share their mistakes and the lessons learned; a fascinating exercise in vulnerability, intellectual honesty and the often winding journey of a simulation educator.
This made fertile ground for small group reflections, where participants shared their own experiences and the lessons they themselves had learned. This allowed participants an opportunity to empathise and reflect on their journeys and those of their colleagues. Interestingly, rather than a moment to focus on fails and flops, this created a productive space for participants to seek commonalities and reflect on personal maturation.
The participants then re-convened to synthesise principles for ‘failing forward’; using the power of these errors and turning them into opportunities for growth and evolution. Using shared reflections and intellectual candour on moving forward, the focus was translating experience into a culture of learning. Attendees left with a pocket guide for turning future errors into opportunities for growth – for the benefit of individuals, education programs and organisations.
Written by Dr Kerrianne Huynh, intensivist and Head of ICU Simulation at Monash Health