In this episode of SimCast, we explore how AI-powered virtual placements are reshaping healthcare simulation. Joined by Abby Mitchell and Behnam Jafari from King’s College London, Tony and Lawrence examine how co-design, representation, and technology intersect to create authentic, scalable learning experiences.

This conversation moves beyond the hype of AI and asks deeper questions about access, authenticity, and the realities of implementing large-scale simulation. From working with marginalised communities to managing 280 students in a single day, this episode offers a candid and practical look at what it really takes to innovate in simulation education.

#SimCast #Podcast #ClinicalSimulation #highereducation #simulation

In this episode of SimCast, Tony and Lawrence are joined by Phil Purver and Alex Clark from iRIS to explore a cloud-based scenario design and management platform that’s changing the way simulation is created, governed and delivered. From AI-generated scenarios to importing legacy Word documents and accessing a global library of over 1200 shared cases, iRIS is tackling the three pressures every simulation team recognises: time, quality and capacity.

We dig into the live demo, governance safeguards, student-led scenario design, interprofessional collaboration and the bigger question of whether AI can democratise simulation without compromising clinical rigour. If you design, deliver or manage simulation, this episode will give you plenty to think about.

- Learn more at the platform here: www.iris-sim.com
- Phil Purver - https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-purver-686254/
- Alex Clark - https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarkalexandra/

#SimCast #Podcast #Simulation #HigherEducation #ClinicalSimulation

Timestamps

00:00 – Meet Iris: The Origin Story
03:01 – What Is Iris? Time, Quality and Capacity
08:26 – Three Ways to Build a Scenario
13:44 – AI Scenario Generator in Action
21:37 – Governance, Review and Human Oversight
24:59 – Exporting to Multiple Simulation Technologies
30:16 – StudentSim and Democratizing Design
39:57 – Where Did Iris Come From?
42:25 – Balancing Simplicity and Complexity
48:36 – The Future of Simulation Education

In this episode of SimCast Tony and Lawrence are joined by Craig Dores, NHS Simulation Technician, former British Army Combat Medic, host of the SimTech Podcast and founder of the National Simulation Technician Awards,

Craig shares how a gap in the simulation podcast landscape led him to create a platform dedicated to the technician voice. The conversation explores professional identity, the evolving role of simulation technicians, the growth of a national community, and why “just the tech” is a phrase that needs retiring.

If you are involved in healthcare simulation, higher education, NHS workforce development, or technical simulation support, this episode offers insight into one of the most important and often under-recognised roles in our field.

Links 🔗

The SimTech Podcast - Hosted by Craig Dores

https://open.spotify.com/show/5URzrrB1udHmjyroSDWIrk?si=e84132ff9e364d66

Nominations form for the National Simulation Technician Awards (closes end of April 2026)

https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=slTDN7CF9UeyIge0jXdO41-Rc9rlzghGs2SKWvYkKHZUNlYyRDdTSlJZWUY5RTZNNlIzS1I3WExOTi4u&route=shorturl

National Simulaiton Technician Symposium 2026

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf6lBhic--G9cnXGWxckF4wuOJpHi-S5WM58TC9F-s-gHJJEg/viewform?pli=1

#SimCast #Simulation #Podcast #HigherEducation #clinicalsimulation

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome and guest introduction
03:00 – Why Craig created the SimTech Podcast
07:00 – The evolving identity of the simulation technician
12:00 – Diverse backgrounds and what makes a great SimTech
16:20 – National Simulation Technician Awards explained
21:00 – The SimTech Symposium and building community
26:00 – Podcasting, vulnerability and imposter syndrome
32:00 – Advice for starting a podcast
35:00 – Professionalisation, banding and future direction
39:00 – “Just the tech” and recognition of invisible work
45:00 – Final reflections and how to get involved