Last week, to close Healthcare Simulation Week, SSH posted the Healthcare Simulationist Code of Ethics - a document I’ve seen countless times. On Friday, though, seeing that incredible piece hit me in a different, deeper way I wasn’t expecting.
The Healthcare Simulationist Code of Ethics reminds us of the values that anchor this community: integrity, transparency, mutual respect, professionalism, accountability, and results orientation. They’re not just ideals; they’re what I see our members living out every day. It’s one of the major reasons I’m so proud to be on staff at SSH and be able to give my energy to an association filled with people who put compassion and innovation into action to improve patient care for all.
That spirit was everywhere during Healthcare Simulation Week 2025. What a week!
We saw big activity across six continents and dozens of countries. More than 80 events made it onto the official SSH calendar, and I know there were countless others that weren’t listed but still carried huge impact. From warm open houses to smaller team celebrations, the creativity, energy, and stories about how we all are United Through Simulation were inspiring. Thank you to everyone who participated, and a special nod to Meredith Deegan, Stacia Donaldson, and Jabeen Fayyaz — our Healthcare Simulation Week 2025 Planning Team — who started working back in the spring to make sure the week had the awesome momentum it did.
Now, we pivot straight into IMSH 2026 in San Antonio, Jan. 10-14. Registration is open, and the buzz is real! Four keynote speakers are set to take the mainstage. Nearly 800 sessions will come from more than 1,300 submissions. The exhibit hall? Already close to sold out. And we’re excited to again offer some favorite events that help spur the fantastic energy all week: the IMSH Cornhole Tournament benefitting the SSH Fund, the SimFit 5K Run, Walk, and Roll, a full lineup of Immersives, and SSH Mainstage presentations. It’s all shaping up to be another record-setter!
IMSH also gives us a stage to again recognize excellence.
This year will include the very first SSH DAISY Team Award, and the SSH Discovery Award (which will give one research award of $30,000!). The deadline for BOTH entry submissions is October 17.
All of that keeps the calendar moving fast, and, before long, the holidays will be here with time for family, celebration, and reflection.
For me, that always sparks a moment of gratitude, and I’m thankful for the work we get to do together, and for the chance to call SSH, and all of you in this community, my professional home.
With thanks and a renewed spirit of determination,
Curtis Kitchen, CAE
SSH Director of Marketing