Two faculty members from Stony Brook University’s Department of Physical Therapy have earned the Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) credential, an international recognition for expertise in simulation-based learning. Nancy Krisch and Susan Miale, both clinical associate professors, are now among fewer than 4,000 professionals worldwide to hold this certification since its introduction by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH) in 2012. They are currently the only faculty members with this distinction in the School of Health Professions.
The CHSE credential recognizes advanced skills in designing, facilitating, and evaluating simulation-based education for healthcare students. The process involves meeting eligibility requirements, submitting a formal application, and passing a comprehensive exam on core competencies.
Perrilynn Conklin, director of the Stony Brook Clinical Simulation Center and also a CHSE holder, commented on the impact of simulation-based learning: “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. This deliberate practice builds their confidence and self-efficacy for real-world clinical work.”
Krisch emphasized the importance of certification for the university’s doctorate in Physical Therapy program: “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. Our expertise is confirmed, showing that we plan and execute simulations that are safe both physically and psychologically for participants.”
Conklin added: “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.”
Miale highlighted evidence supporting simulation-based education: “Perhaps most importantly, there is evidence that simulation-based education facilitates improved patient outcomes. 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 noted that such training provides “the opportunity for deliberate practice of low-frequency and/or high-risk skills required for safe clinical practice,” preparing students for complex scenarios.
Krisch further stated: “Simulation as a learning strategy is incredibly powerful when best practices are utilized. 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 integrate simulation throughout the physical therapy curriculum at Stony Brook University by using real-world scenarios both in classrooms and at the Clinical Simulation Center. These experiences aim to strengthen students’ clinical reasoning, communication abilities, and patient-care skills.
Miale said: “Not only do our students benefit from participating in simulation-based learning 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.”
Stacy Jaffee Gropack, dean of the School of Health Professions at Stony Brook University remarked: “We are incredibly proud of Susan Miale and Nancy Krisch for earning their Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator credentials. 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.”
In addition to CHSE certification for educators like Krisch, Miale, and Conklin, Stony Brook’s Clinical Simulation Center also employs technicians certified as Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialists (CHSOS). Edward Gross and Genevieve Varela currently hold this technical credential.
