Stony Brook Physical Therapy Faculty Earn Healthcare Simulation Certification
Two faculty members from Stony Brook University’s Department of Physical Therapy in the School of Health Professions have earned the internationally recognized Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) credential in recognition of their commitment to innovation in teaching and simulation-based learning.
Nancy Krisch, clinical associate professor, and Susan Miale, clinical associate professor and director of curriculum and professional development, are now among a group of under 4,000 healthcare professionals who hold the CHSE certification worldwide since it was introduced in 2012, awarded by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH). They are the only two faculty members in the School of Health Professions currently holding this certification.
The CHSE certification is an honor for educators who demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in the design, facilitation and evaluation of simulation-based learning in healthcare education.
“Our students consistently report that simulation-based learning is a valuable and positive experience. Research shows that it improves their performance on knowledge-based exams and, more importantly, helps them practice high-risk, low-frequency skills in a safe environment,” said Perrilynn Conklin, director of the Stony Brook Clinical Simulation Center in the Renaissance School of Medicine, who also holds CHSE certification. “This deliberate practice builds their confidence and self-efficacy for real-world clinical work.”
“The credential is important specifically to our doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) program and school because it shows colleagues in our school, in our university and beyond that there are best practice standards to be utilized, and we are using the most current best practices in the design and implementation of simulations,” said Krisch. “Our expertise is confirmed, showing that we plan and execute simulations that are safe both physically and psychologically for participants.”
“The CHSE credential confirms that our faculty is highly qualified to plan and execute simulations that are physically and psychologically safe. This allows students to make mistakes and learn from them without fear, which is essential for developing expertise,” added Conklin.
The certification process is rigorous, requiring candidates to meet eligibility criteria, submit a formal application and pass a comprehensive exam covering core competencies in healthcare simulation education.
“Perhaps most importantly, there is evidence that simulation-based education facilitates improved patient outcomes,” said Miale. “Compared to other educational modalities, simulation-based education has been shown to have greater benefits on skill acquisition. Simulation improves patient safety and reduces catastrophic healthcare errors.” She added that simulation gives students “the opportunity for deliberate practice of low-frequency and/or high-risk skills required for safe clinical practice,” ultimately preparing them for complex, real-world scenarios.
“Simulation as a learning strategy is incredibly powerful when best practices are utilized,” Krisch said. “Studies show that simulation-based training helps to reduce errors in clinical practice, which ultimately improves patient safety and quality of care. It also helps students build confidence in a safe environment where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities.”
Krisch and Miale use simulation extensively in the physical therapy curriculum, integrating real-world clinical scenarios in both classroom settings and the Clinical Simulation Center. These experiences are designed to develop students’ clinical reasoning, communication and patient-care skills in a safe, controlled environment.
“Not only do our students benefit from participating in simulation-based learning,” Miale noted, “but our school benefits from having educators who are knowledgeable and skilled in evidence-based simulation design and delivery. The skills that our students learn through simulation have the potential to positively impact patient outcomes.”
“We are incredibly proud of Susan Miale and Nancy Krisch for earning their Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator credentials,” said Stacy Jaffee Gropack, dean of the School of Health Professions. “Their achievement reflects a deep commitment to advancing simulation-based education and enhancing the quality of healthcare training at the School of Health Professions at Stony Brook University. Their expertise and dedication continue to enrich the educational experiences for our students.”
The Society for Simulation in Healthcare also offers the Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist (CHSOS) credential for professionals supporting the technical and operational aspects of simulation. At Stony Brook, simulation technicians Edward Gross and Genevieve Varela currently hold this certification.
— Beth Squire