In this episode of Between 2 Simulators, Scott Crawford, Past President of SIMGHOSTS and Director of the TTUHSC Simulation Center, shares his journey from emergency medicine physician to simulation leader. Scott reflects on the mentors who shaped his path, his mission to professionalize simulation specialists through SIMGHOSTS, and his efforts to integrate simulation seamlessly into healthcare education. He also discusses the growing role of VR, AR, and AI in medical training, emphasizing the need to prioritize educational goals over flashy technology. Scott’s passion for innovation, mentorship, and collaboration underscores his commitment to advancing simulation as a tool for improving patient outcomes.
In a compelling episode of Between 2 Simulators, Scott Crawford, Past President of SIMGHOSTS and Director of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) Simulation Center in El Paso, shared his inspiring journey from emergency medicine physician to influential simulation leader. Speaking with host Jake Rahman at IMSH 2025, Scott reflected on his unexpected entry into simulation, the role of SIMGHOSTS in empowering simulation specialists, and the evolving role of VR, AR, and AI in medical education.
With a deep passion for innovation and collaboration, Scott’s insights provide a powerful reminder that successful simulation is not just about technology — it’s about building effective learning experiences that enhance healthcare delivery.
From Emergency Medicine to Simulation Specialist
Scott’s journey into healthcare simulation began during his training as an emergency medicine physician in El Paso, Texas. As he neared the end of his medical education, Scott was invited to stay on as faculty, tasked with helping to build a new simulation program.
“I didn’t know anything about simulation back then,” Scott admitted. “I was told to go buy the wires and cables — that’s how I started.”
While figuring out how to set up a simulation space from scratch, Scott attended a SIMGHOSTS conference in Las Vegas in 2012. There, he encountered a room full of professionals facing the same challenges he was — building effective simulation environments without formal guidance.
“That’s when I realized I’d found my community — people who spoke the same technical language and understood the struggles I was facing,” Scott recalled. “I knew I’d found my people.”
That conference marked the beginning of Scott’s commitment to improving simulation infrastructure, education, and leadership.
The Power of Mentorship and Support
Reflecting on his career growth, Scott credited several mentors who played key roles in shaping his journey.
Dr. Veronica Greer, an early supporter, recognized Scott’s technical mindset and encouraged him to explore simulation.
“She saw my background in physics and engineering and pushed me to apply those skills in building educational experiences,” Scott explained.
Later, Dr. Barracuda and Susie Cardona provided guidance on everything from establishing advisory boards to writing academic content. Their mentorship was instrumental in helping Scott grow from a novice simulation advocate to an influential leader in the field.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without those people who saw potential in me before I could see it myself,” Scott reflected.
Empowering the Simulation Community Through SIMGHOSTS
Scott’s experience at SIMGHOSTS inspired him to take an active role in the organization, eventually serving as President. SIMGHOSTS (the Simulation Technology Specialists Society) is a non-profit group dedicated to supporting simulation specialists through education, mentorship, and professional development.
“SIMGHOSTS is more than just a conference — it’s a support network for those working behind the scenes to ensure simulation training runs smoothly,” Scott explained.
The organization champions a wide range of skills critical to simulation specialists, including:
- Technical troubleshooting for hardware and software issues.
- Audio-visual expertise for recording and streaming simulations.
- Educational theory and research skills to enhance learning outcomes.
- Management skills to run sustainable, effective simulation centers.
“Our goal is to professionalize the role of the simulation specialist and ensure they receive the recognition they deserve,” Scott emphasized.
Bringing Simulation to the Forefront of Healthcare Education
Despite the growing recognition of simulation’s value, Scott expressed frustration that simulation is still often seen as an “extra” rather than an integral part of healthcare training.
“We’re still fighting this uphill battle where people say ‘healthcare education’ and then ‘also simulation,’” Scott said. “I want to see simulation fully embedded in training — not treated as a separate tool.”
For Scott, success means simulation becoming so ingrained in healthcare training that it no longer feels like an “added feature” but rather a natural part of learning and professional development.
Innovation Without Overcomplication: Finding Balance in Technology
Scott shared his views on balancing innovation with standardization in healthcare simulation. While technological advancements are exciting, Scott warned against focusing too heavily on the “wow factor” at the expense of educational value.
“It’s not about having the fanciest simulator,” Scott explained. “You can run an effective scenario with a cardboard box and a marker if the educational principles are strong.”
For Scott, the key to successful simulation lies in building a strong pedagogical foundation that drives learning objectives — regardless of the technology used.
“The common element should be the educational framework — not just the device itself,” he emphasized.
Integrating VR, AR, and AI into Simulation Training
Scott is enthusiastic about the potential of VR, AR, and AI in healthcare education. His team at TTUHSC has already integrated VR into their curriculum, allowing students to practice critical scenarios in immersive environments.
“The beauty of VR is that it offers a sense of presence — students feel like they’re inside the scenario, making decisions in real-time,” Scott explained.
TTUHSC recently experimented with multi-modality training, combining:
VR-based learning for independent practice.
In-person simulation for hands-on teamwork.
Interprofessional activities to improve communication skills.
Scott envisions AI becoming a powerful tool for improving adaptive learning — allowing simulators to adjust to learners’ strengths and weaknesses in real-time.
“AI will allow us to create dynamic scenarios where the patient’s condition evolves based on the learner’s decisions,” Scott predicted.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Simulation and Innovation
Scott believes that the next frontier in simulation lies in integrating augmented reality (AR) with haptic feedback to enhance technical skills.
“The challenge with AR is ensuring that learners can practice realistic movements and develop muscle memory,” Scott explained. “Haptic feedback will be key to making AR truly effective for technical training.”
As these technologies evolve, Scott stressed that educators must stay grounded in evidence-based teaching strategies.
“Technology alone won’t save lives — but well-trained educators using the right tools can,” Scott emphasized.
Final Thoughts: Building a Culture of Collaboration
For Scott, the heart of simulation education lies in community and collaboration. Whether through SIMGHOSTS, his role at TTUHSC, or his mentorship efforts, Scott remains committed to creating an inclusive environment where educators, technicians, and innovators can thrive.
“Simulation is about more than just technology — it’s about people working together to improve patient care,” Scott concluded. “That’s what keeps me motivated every day.”
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