The Pediatric Simulation Center at Children’s of Alabama celebrated the training of its 100,000th learner since its founding in 2008, transforming how pediatric providers prepare for emergencies and patient care. This milestone marks a major achievement in the center’s mission to improve outcomes through immersive, hands-on education.
The center was founded by Nancy Tofil, M.D., MEd, professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and medical co-director of the Pediatric Simulation Center and division director of the Division of Pediatric Critical Care. Early funding from the Protective Life Foundation and an anonymous donor allowed for the purchase of child, teen and infant simulators, video equipment and the hiring of the center’s first nurse educator.
From early simulations to national impact
What began with mock codes and small-scale simulations has grown into a nationally recognized training hub. It now serves physicians, nurses, medical and nursing students, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, families and middle and high school students.
Over time, the center evolved from promoting its services to becoming a trusted resource that hospital teams regularly seek out for guidance and support. It is known for creating a psychologically safe environment where learners are encouraged to make mistakes, reflect and improve.
“The key is to give learners just enough stress to grow and achieve their goals but not so much that they become frustrated,” said Tofil. “When the scenario ends, we want them to take a moment to reflect and talk about what they’ve learned.”
In pediatric care, where most patients are typically healthy, medical emergencies are less frequent. Simulation allows healthcare teams to regularly practice high-risk scenarios that they may not encounter during traditional training. These sessions are scheduled and repeated to build confidence and clinical readiness.
One of the center’s most impactful initiatives is the COACHES program, which is nearing its 10th year. The program was created by Chrystal Rutledge, M.D., associate professor in the Division of Pediatric Critical Care and medical co-director of the Pediatric Simulation Center, to bring pediatric simulation training to hospitals across Alabama. Today, the COACHES team travels to nearly 60 hospitals, helping community facilities improve emergency preparedness, assess clinical systems and strengthen pediatric care statewide.
Amber Edmonds, RN, Pediatric Intensive Care UnitThe 100,000th learner milestone was celebrated with cake, balloons, sparkling grape juice and a banner. The learner received a swag bag and the team took photos to commemorate the occasion. The event not only marked the scale of the center’s work but also honored the team effort that made it possible.
The center also places a strong emphasis on communication, interprofessional teamwork and inclusion. Simulated scenarios often include parent actors to reflect real-life family dynamics. Training reaches beyond clinical teams, engaging environmental services staff, school nurses and community partners who all play a role in patient safety.
Expanding reach and inspiring future generations
Looking ahead, the Pediatric Simulation Center plans to expand its reach through new technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality and advanced computer-based simulations. It is also developing new programs to address care disparities and social determinants of health. Through pipeline programs such as the Mini Medical School, led by Shaundra Blakemore, M.D., assistant professor in the Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, the center introduces young students to healthcare careers through hands-on learning.
“We want to inspire young people to explore healthcare careers by giving them hands-on experiences that show just how many aspects of medicine there are,” said Rutledge.
From its founding to its continued leadership by a dedicated team, the Pediatric Simulation Center remains committed to improving pediatric care through education, innovation and collaboration.