- The “Festival of Simulation” is an innovative event aimed at uniting healthcare professionals, educators, and industry leaders and seeks to address these essential while fostering a culture of patient safety and cultural sensitivity.
- Key objectives include enhancing effective communication in high-stress healthcare environments, facilitating the unlearning of outdated practices while embracing evidence-based approaches, and exploring the integration of new technologies in simulation to improve training outcomes.
- By addressing critical gaps in communication, adaptability, and ethical practice, this festival will not only enhance individual competencies but also cultivate a culture of safety and excellence in patient care, ensuring that simulation becomes a fundamental pedagogical approach in preparing healthcare professionals for future challenges.
- Symbiosis Centre for Health Skills is a multidisciplinary educational facility that provides training for skilling, up-skilling and re-skilling of healthcare professionals using part task trainers, and high-tech Simulation.
- SCHS is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, providing an exceptional platform for hands-on clinical training. The institute features 15 specialized skill labs, complete with, audio-visual halls and cutting-edge teaching methodologies and debriefing rooms each designed to facilitate immersive learning experiences.
- Learners have access to a comprehensive range of simulation resources, including low- and high-fidelity simulators, task trainers, and manikin. These resources are complemented by an internationally qualified and experienced pool of faculty, ensuring a robust and engaging learning environment. The skills and Simulation based training is offered to all the medical students, nursing students and allied health professionals.
- A bouquet of lectures and interactive sessions catering to all cadres of healthcare professionals.
- Hands-on training using High & low fidelity simulators, including AR and VR sets.
- State-of-the art infrastructure including AV Aids and Debriefing Centre.
- Internationally qualified faculty.
- Effective platform to transform learners’ experiences and make them patient ready.
- Integrating research with current best practices offering an opportunity for the attendees to showcase research and projects, allowing knowledge exchange and peer feedback.
- Networking Opportunities to build valuable connections.
- Emphasis on cross-disciplinary approaches, enhancing the learning experience across healthcare fields.
Gain insights from internationally renowned faculty, keynote speakers, and simulation leaders shaping the future of healthcare education.
- Crafting Hyper Realistic Simulation Scenarios
- Debriefing for Impactful Learning
- Competency Mapping through Simulation
- Real World, Real Interactions: In situ Simulation for High Impact training
- Ambulance Operations
Explore the latest technologies in healthcare simulation, present your own research, and collaborate on global best practices.
Build valuable connections with educators, clinicians, technologists, and researchers from India and around the world — all at the state-of-the-art Symbiosis Centre for Health Skills (SCHS).
The current landscape of medical and nursing education is marked by increasing complexities in patient needs, heightened expectations for quality patient care, and the integration of advanced technologies. Healthcare professionals face challenges such as inadequate communication in high-stress environments, difficulties in adapting to rapid technological changes, and a lack of consistent training in crisis resource management. Additionally, ethical dilemmas and cultural sensitivity issues often arise, contributing to medical errors and compromising patient safety. These gaps highlight the necessity for a comprehensive approach to training that emphasizes simulation-based learning as a vital tool for enhancing healthcare education.
Over the three days, you will engage in a rich program that begins with dynamic workshops focused on simulation-based techniques, setting the stage for an immersive learning experience. Our diverse lineup of keynote sessions, panel discussions, and hands-on workshops will provide you with insights into best practices and cutting-edge tools, including High-fidelity Simulation, Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI). These technologies are reshaping the landscape of healthcare training, equipping professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to deliver high-quality patient care.
At the conclusion of this festival, you will walk away with a deeper understanding of the role of simulation in healthcare, practical skills for implementing simulation-based learning, and awareness of the latest trends and resources available to you. Our goal is to empower you to become leaders in this essential field, advocating for advanced simulation practices that enhance collaboration and reduce errors in patient care.
Engage in immersive half-day workshops designed to build advanced simulation competencies. Choose any one:
Regional Director, Central Asia – Gaumard Scientific Simulation in Healthcare, Dubai, UAE
Director Impact & Healthcare Simulation, Laerdal Norway
Senior Consultant, Department of Anaesthesia, National University Hospital, Singapore
Director, Hull Institute of Learning & Simulation, UK
COO, MEMS Project, Govt. of Maharashtra
| Time | Topic | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm | Registration and participants onboarding | ||||
| Pre-conference Workshop | |||||
|
1:30 pm - 5:00 pm Register for any one only |
Workshop I
Crafting Hyper Realistic Simulation Scenarios
Dr Carlos Chidiac
Regional Director, Central Asia –
Gaumard Scientific Simulation in Healthcare, Dubai, UAE |
Workshop II
Debriefing for Impactful Learning
Dr Rashmi GV Aradhya
Director Impact & Healthcare Simulation,
Laerdal Norway |
Workshop III
Competency Mapping through Simulation
Dr Ashokka Balakrishnan
Senior Consultant, Department of Anaesthesia,
National University Hospital, Singapore |
Workshop IV
Real World, Real Interactions: In situ Simulation for High Impact Training
Prof. Dr Makani Purva
Director, Hull Institute of Learning & Simulation, UK
|
Workshop V
Ambulance Operations
Dr Dnyaneshwar Shelke
COO, MEMS Project, Govt. of Maharashtra
|
| Time | Name of Session | Name of Speaker | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00 am - 9:00 am | Registration, participant onboarding & Networking Breakfast | ||
| 9.00 am - 9.30 am | The Evolution of Simulation in Healthcare | Dr Anand Hinduja Adjunct Faculty, SCHS, SIU, India |
|
| 9.30 am - 10.10 am | Collaborative Power of Interprofessional Health Education & Practice | Dr. Lulu Sheriff Professor in Anesthesiology, Former Head of Healthcare Simulation Education, FMMC, India |
|
| 10.10 am - 10.50 am | Overcoming Barriers in Simulation Adoption | Dr. Avinash Supe Emeritus Professor, KEM Hospital, India |
|
| 10.50 am - 11.20 am | Break | ||
| 11.20 am - 11.50 am | TBD | Dr Abhijat Sheth President, National Board of Examinations in Medical sciences (NBEMS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt of India |
|
| 11.50 am - 12.30 pm |
Inaugural Ceremony: Guest of Dr Collette Laws Chapman President, ASPiH |
||
| 12.30 pm - 1.10 pm | Visionary Leadership: The Future of Healthcare Simulation | Dr Sanjay Oak Ex-CEO, Prince Aly Khan Hospital, India |
|
| 1.10 pm - 1.50 pm | Revolutionizing Nursing Education through Simulation | Dr T Dileep Kumar President, Indian Nursing Council |
|
| 1.50 pm - 2.50 pm | Lunch | ||
| 2.50 pm - 3.30 pm | The Human Element in Simulation: Balancing Technology with Empathy | Dr Collette Laws Chapman President, ASPiH |
|
| 3.30 pm - 4.10 pm | Embedding Simulation Seamlessly into Curricula | Dr Meghana Mukund Associate Professor, Yenepoya Medical College, India |
|
| 4.10 pm - 4.40 pm | Break | ||
| 4.40 pm - 5.40 pm |
Panel Discussion: The Future Unveiled – Emerging Trends in Healthcare Simulation and vital role of regulators in capacity building |
Dr Judie Arulappan Director, College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman Gary Francis Head of learning- related practice, Health sciences University, UK Moderator: Dr Manish Honwad Surgeon Commodore, INHS Asvini, Mumbai |
|
| 6.30 pm - 7.00 pm | Lavale Campus Tour | ||
| 7.30 pm Onwards | Networking Dinner | ||
| Time | Name of Session | Name of Speaker | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00 am - 8:30 am | Networking Breakfast | |||||
| 8:30 am - 9:00 am | Funding & Resources: Fueling Simulation Success | Dr Rashmi Ramachandran Professor, Department of Critical Care, AIIMS, India |
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|
9.00 am - 12.00 pm Register for any one |
Managing Complications in Obstetric Care: A simulation approach Prof. Dr Makani Purva Director, Hull Institute of Learning & Simulation, UK Moderator: Dr. Meenal Patvekar HOD Dept of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, SMCW & SUHRC, India |
Role of Crisis Management in Simulation Dr Erum Khan Medical education & Clinical Simulation, Ajman University, UAE Moderator: Dr Jui Lagoo Prof Dept of Emergency Medicine, Bharati Vidyapeeth University Medical College, India |
Acute coronary syndrome and stroke: Chain of Survival Prof. Dr Sachin Menon Consultant Regional Director, American Heart Association, Inc. Moderator: Col Gunjan Singh Prof Dept of Anaesthesiology & Critical Care, AFMC, India |
Moulage: An effective partner in Trauma Simulation Maj. Gen. Dr. Mathews Jacob Head of AFMS Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa Area, India Moderator: Dr. Shrinivas Shintre Prof Dept of Orthopedic and Head, Trauma at BJMC & Sassoon Hospital, India |
Enhancing Pediatric Communication Skills: Simulation for Family Centered Care Dr Nandini Dave Senior Consultant, Department of Anaesthesia SRCC Children’s Hospital, India Moderator: Dr. Priti Dave Professor, Dept. of General Medicine, SMCW & SUHRC, India |
|
| 12.00 pm – 12.40 pm | Integrating Research in Simulation |
Speaker - TBD Moderator: Dr Raman Gangakhedkar Distinguished Professor, FoMHS, SIU |
||||
| 12.40 pm- 1.40 pm |
Panel Discussion: Trailblazing Innovation in Healthcare Simulation on VR, AR, & AI |
Dr Latha Ravichandran Dean, Clinical Simulation, Sri Ramchandra Medical College, India Dr Thilaka Muttaiah Clinical Lead, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai Maj. Gen. Dr. Mathews Jacob Head of AFMS Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa Area, India Moderator: Dr Meghana Mukund Associate Professor, Yenepoya Medical College, India |
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| 1.40 pm - 2.20 pm | Blue Print for Success- Building a center of excellence |
Dr Dinker Pai Director, Simulation Centre, MGMCRI, India |
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| 2.20 pm - 3.10 pm | Lunch | |||||
| 3.10 pm- 3.50 pm | Quality Assurance & Improvement in Simulation |
Dr Hamed Salim Al Hamdi Medical Simulation Specialist, College of Medicine & Health Sciences Sultanate of Oman |
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| 3.50 pm- 4.30 pm | Crystal Gazing: The future of Simulation |
Prof. Sharon Weldon President-Elect, ASPiH, UK |
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| 4.30 pm - 4.50 pm |
Valedictory Function Guest of Honor - Prof. Sharon Weldon, President-Elect, ASPiH, UK |
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Showcase your research at SYMSIM 2026. Submit your abstract for oral or poster presentations and be part of the global conversation on healthcare simulation.
Showcase your research at SYMSIM 2026. Submit your abstract for oral or poster presentations and be part of the global conversation on healthcare simulation.
Showcase your research at SYMSIM 2026. Submit your abstract for oral or poster presentations and be part of the global conversation on healthcare simulation.
- Format: Title | Authors | Background | Methods | Results | Conclusion
- One abstract per presenting author
- Submit online via the portal
- Deadline: Jan 1, 2026
- Acceptance: Mid-Jan 2026
- Conference: Feb 5–7, 2026
Registration for the event is online. Please visit the website www.schs.edu.in and click on ‘Register’ link to fill in your details and complete the online payment formalities. Acknowledgement email with your registration number and details will be sent to your registered email ID.
| Registration Period | Student | Faculty | Others |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upto 01/01/2026 | 3000.00 | 5500.00 | 6000.00 |
| After 01/01/2026 | 3500.00 | 6000.00 | 6500.00 |
| Spot Registration | 4000.00 | 6500.00 | 7000.00 |
| Registration Period | Student |
|---|---|
| Upto 01/01/2026 | 90.00 |
| After 01/01/2026 | 100.00 |
| Spot Registration | 110.00 |
* Registration fees have to be paid in full: Part payment not allowed.
Register & Pay Online for PGDEMS and PGDHSIEP’ studentsSymbiosis International (Deemed University) Campus, Lavale, Pune – 412115, Maharashtra, India
Scenic 350-acre Lavale Campus with rich biodiversity.
Modern simulation labs, debriefing centres, and healthcare training infrastructure.
Part of Symbiosis Aarogya Dham — health & wellness hub.
Sandipani Guest House located at the scenic hill top location of the Symbiosis International (Deemed University) has well-appointed guest rooms available on single/twin sharing basis. Delegates are requested to book accommodation well in time as only limited rooms are available. Accommodation charges are to be paid in full at the time of registration.
Regular Deluxe — 4500.00 Per Day
Premium Suite — 6000.00 Per Day
🚆 Pune Railway Station – 25 km (~50 min by cab)
🚌 City Bus – till Pashan, then local transport
✈ Pune Airport – 30 km (~1 hr by cab)
🚐 From Symbiosis SB Road Campus
Pune, the cultural and educational capital of the Indian State of Maharashtra is also known as ‘The Oxford of the East’ due to the presence of several well-known educational institutions. The city has emerged as a major educational hub in recent decades, with nearly half of the total international students in the country studying in Pune. Pune, is a bustling metropolis with an estimated population of about 7 million spread over 138 sq. kms. It is situated at an altitude of 559 meters above sea level. It has been ranked as one of the most liveable cities in India several times. The temperatures ranges from 150 C to 350 C with an average rainfall of 68 cm.
The city has an excellent cosmopolitan mix catering to the largest number of student population in India coming from different states & cultures. With its safe and secure living conditions the abundant night life options of the city provide a welcome option for students. Pune is well connected with National Highways, Express Highways leading to Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and other major cities. Pune railway junction has connectivity with almost all parts of the country. Pune International Airport provides air connectivity to all major airports in India.
In its Golden Jubilee year, Symbiosis established the ‘Symbiosis Aarogya Dham’ over 70 acres of land at the Symbiosis International (Deemed University) Campus at Lavale, Pune. The Aarogya Dham consists of all the institutions and related departments and research centres under the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, all under the ambit of Symbiosis International (Deemed University).
Pune city on the banks of Mula and Mutha river has been ranked as “the most livable city in India” several times. It is widely regarded as the top “automobile and manufacturing hub of India” and is also known as the Oxford of the East with the presnce of a wide range of educational institutions. Symbiosis being an integral part of the city shares the same culture and values in hospitality.
Symbiosis – Lavale campus is rich in scenic ambience, spread across 350 acres having biodiversity in nature with two bandharas (water storage reservoirs) of total storage capacity of about 30,00,000 liters of freshwater and home to more than 191 species of birds, butterflies, reptiles, amphibians and mammals. The University has developed three butterfly gardens and saplings of more than 200 food plants and nectar plants. Around 40 species of butterflies and many types of moth spcies are seen on the campus.
| Sr. No | Name | Designation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dr. Anand Hindja | Adjunct Faculty, Symbiosis Centre for Health Skills (SCHS) |
| 2 | Dr Purva Makani | Executive Director – Hull Institute of Learning & Simulation, UK |
| 3 | Dr. Dinker Pai | Director, Simulation Centre, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Centre, Puducherri |
| 4 | Dr. Lulu Sheriff | Professor in Anesthesiology, Former Head of Healthcare Simulation Education, FMMC, Mangalore |
| 5 | Dr. Manish Honwad | Surgeon Commodore, INHS, Asvini, Mumbai |
| 6 | Brig. Mathew Jacob | Dean, Command Hospital, Chandimandir, India |
| 7 | Dr. Carlos Chidiac | Regional Director, Central Asia – Gaumard Scientific Simulation in Healthcare, Dubai, UAE |
| 8 | Dr. Rashmi GV Aradhya | Director Impact & Healthcare Simulation, Laerdal, Norway |
| 9 | Dr. Ashokka Balakrishnan | Senior Consultant, Department of Anaesthesia, National University Hospital, Singapore |
| Sr. No | Name of Committee | Mentor |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Academic & Rapporteur Committee | Dr. Parag Rishipathak, Director, SCHS |
| 2 | Research & Publication Committee | Dr. Anuradha Vaidya, Director, SSBS |
| 3 | Stage Committee | Dr. Sammita Jadhav, Director, SIHS |
| 4 | AV Aid and IT Committee | Dr. V. K. Sashindran, Dean, SMCW & SUHRC |
| 5 | Finance Committee | Dr. Alaka Chandak, Director, SCHC |
| 6 | Sponsorship committee | Dr. Shubhada Sharma, Head of Operations, SUHRC |
| 7 | Invitation & Reception Committee | Dr. Sonopant Joshi, Director, SCON |
| 8 | Registration Committee including MMC credit points, e-certificate and feedback | Dr. Parimala Veluvali, Director, SSODL |
| Sr. No | Name of Committee | Mentor |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Catering and Banquet Committee | Chef. Atul Gokhale , Diretcor, SSCANS |
| 10 | Transportation and Local Conveyance Committee | Dr. Parag Rishipathak, Director, SCHS |
| 11 | Accommodation Committee | Dr. Nayana Nimkar, Director, SSSS |
| 12 | Administration Committee | Dr. V. K. Sashindran, Dean, SMCW & SUHRC |
| 13 | Medical Aid & Disaster Management Committee | Dr. Prasad Bhanap, Medical Superintendent, SUHRC & SMCW |
| 14 | Cultural Committee | Dr. Sonopant Joshi, Director, SCON |
| 15 | Branding & Promotion Committee, Press & Media | Dr. Girija Mahale, Head, SCEW |
| 16 | Wellness committee | Dr.Nayana Nimkar, Director, SSSS |
- Dr. Ganiah Hassan Smith, Lead for Medical Simulation, Aston Medical School, UK
- Dr. Ashokka Balakrishnan Senior Consultant, Department of Anaesthesia, National University Hospital, Singapore
- Dr Collette Laws Chapman President, ASPiH, UK
- Dr Erum Khan Medical education & Clinical Simulation, Ajman University, UAE
- Prof. Sharon Weldon President-Elect, ASPiH, UK
- Dr Hamed Salim Al Hamdi Medical Simulation Specialist, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultanate of Oman
- Dr Makani Purva, Director, Hull Institute of Learning & Simulation, UK
- Dr Rashmi GV Aradhya Director Impact & Healthcare Simulation, Laerdal Norway
- Dr Judie Arulappan Director, College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat
- Dr. Sanjay Oak, Ex-CEO, Prince Aly Khan Hospital, India
- Dr. Dinker Pai, Director, Simulation Centre, MGMCRI, India
- Maj. Gen. Dr Mathews Jacob, Head of AFMS Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa Area, India
- Dr. Lulu Sheriff, Professor in Anesthesiology, Former Head of Healthcare Simulation Education, FMMC, Mangalore
- Dr Avinash Supe, Emeritus Professor at KEM Hospital, India
- Dr Raman Gangakhedkar, Distinguished Research Professor, SIU
- Dr Latha Ravichandran Dean, Clinical Simulation, Sri Ramchandra Medical College, India
Have questions about SYMSIM 2026?
We’re here to help — whether it’s about registration, abstracts, accommodation, sponsorships, or general event details.
info.symsim@schs.edu.in
Symbiosis Centre for Health Skills (SCHS) Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Lavale, Pune – 412115, Maharashtra, India
