3rd Annual Ottawa SIMposium 

"Bridging Gaps Through Representation:
Inclusive Simulation for Equitable Care"

June 12, 2026

In-Person

University of Ottawa Skills and Simulation Centre | 725 Parkdale Ave, Ottawa, ON

Featured Keynote Speaker

Nicole Harder, RN, PhD, is an Associate Professor and Associate Dean, Undergraduate Programs at the College of Nursing, University of Manitoba, Canada.  She also holds an endowed professorship (Mindermar Professor in Human Simulation) at the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba.  In this role and with her team, she has launched an interprofessional virtual reality program called the ‘RadyVerse’.  This virtual reality program spans 10 health professions programs, and 3 geographically separate campuses.

Dr. Harder is an Editor Emeriti for Clinical Simulation in Nursing, and a curriculum developer and facilitator for the Canadian Association for Schools of Nursing in the Simulation Nurse Educator certification program.  Nicole’s research focuses on learner outcomes linked to facilitation and debriefing techniques in simulation, with her most recent work on the use of virtual reality to develop socio-emotive skills. 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Building on the success of last two year’s events, the University of Ottawa, Skills and Simulation Centre, in collaboration with simulation leaders across the region, is proud to present the 3rd Annual Ottawa Regional SIMposium!

Designed for healthcare professionals, educators and those with a general interest in healthcare simulation activities, this one day event will explore the latest innovations in simulation-based education, system design, and clinical training.

Through expert-led discussions, attendees will engage in interprofessional collaboration, discover cutting-edge simulation technologies and methodologies, and gain valuable insights into best practices for integrating simulation into healthcare
education.

We are excited to welcome a diverse audience of healthcare professionals from Ottawa and beyond, all dedicated to leveraging simulation to improve education, safety, and system performance.

OVERALL LEARNING OBJECTIVES 

1. Integrate Classic and Innovative Simulation Techniques: Participants will explore how to blend time-tested simulation methods with cutting-edge innovations to create more effective and engaging educational experiences.
2. Promote Collaborative Learning Across Disciplines: Attendees will learn to combine traditional teamwork strategies with new, dynamic approaches enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration, communication, and improved patient safety. 
3. Embrace Emerging Simulation Methodologies: Participants will discover how integrating advancements in simulation technology or methodologies with established practices can elevate the realism and impact of their training programs.

PLANNING COMMITEE 
A special thanks to the following committee members who participated in the planning of this event:

• Anna Lara Lavallee
• Barbara Lapalme
• Doran Drew
• Glenn Posner
• Jennifer Dale-Tam
• Kevin Thomas
• Liam Howcroft
• Magdalena Kisilewicz
• Mary Ann Murray
• Natalie Kijek
• Shannon MacEwen
• Shawna Watt
• Stephanie Jones
• Victoria Gervais