From a chance encounter at a medical congress to becoming a leading figure in healthcare simulation, Dr. Clément Buléon’s career is a testament to the transformative power of dedication and innovation. In this article, based on his insightful interview with Fouad Marhar, host of the SIM Moove podcast, we follow Buléon’s journey from his humble beginnings in Caen to his life-changing experience at Boston’s Center for Medical Simulation. Along the way, he forged lasting mentorships, pioneered new approaches in simulation training, and continually pushed the boundaries of medical education across the French-speaking world.
A SIMZINE exclusive based on SIM Moove podcast interview with Dr. Clément Buléon
What transforms a chance encounter at a medical congress into a career-defining moment? For Dr. Clément Buléon, it was discovering a simulation manikin at the 2006 MAPAR congress. Today, this intensive care anesthetist has become one of the most influential figures in healthcare simulation across the French-speaking world, bridging the gap between traditional medical education and innovative teaching methods.
How it all Began
When Clément first ventured into simulation in 2006, his resources were modest: a basic CESU 4000 mannequin that could display ECG tracings and produce breathing sounds through speakers. Working with a colleague, he improvised patient monitoring displays using PowerPoint presentations in a makeshift training room lined with boxes. These creative solutions would eventually lead to the establishment of Caen’s first simulation center in 2009.
With support from key academics, including Professor Benoît Plau, Clément’s (Or Dr Buélon’s) vision of using simulation to train healthcare professionals began to take shape. Initially, the center focused on training anesthesiology and intensive care interns. However, it quickly expanded to include other specialties, from pediatrics and obstetrics to emergency medicine.
Training healthcare professionals was one thing, but Buléon also realized the importance of training the trainers. By 2010, he was honing his skills as a simulation educator at Descartes University in Paris, working alongside pioneers like Dr François Lecomte. Over the next few years, he would help develop training programs for future simulation educators, ensuring that the benefits of simulation would spread far beyond his own center.
“Simulation has really changed the way I work, and even my day-to-day life,” Clément reflects. “It goes beyond what you can learn for teaching and clinical activity. It’s become a comprehensive approach to medical education.”
A Network of Mentors
Throughout his career, Clément has benefited from the guidance of several influential figures in healthcare simulation. Professor Benoît Plau provided early support and instilled the importance of scientific rigor. François Lecomte offered broader theoretical perspectives, transitioning from mentor to collaborator and friend.
The simulation community proved to be richly interconnected, with veterans like Georges Savoldelli and Jean-Claude Granry sharing their expertise. But it was Clément’s experience in Boston that would introduce him to some of his most impactful mentors.
“I often think of skills and concepts as three-dimensional objects,” Clement explains. “When multiple perspectives come together in discussion, we gain a fuller understanding of the subject. Each voice adds depth to our comprehension.”
The Transformative Boston Experience
In 2018, Clément’s journey led him to the Center for Medical Simulation (CMS) in Boston, a pivotal institution in the field. While Stanford’s David Gaba pioneered anesthesia simulation on the West Coast, Jeffrey Cooper was establishing the first simulation center at Harvard Medical School’s CMS.
“There was a clear before and after Boston,” Clément notes. The experience fundamentally changed his approach to simulation and debriefing, introducing him to the philosophy of “debriefing with good judgment.” He credits Jenny Rudolph, a key figure at CMS, for reshaping his approach to debriefing. “Debriefing is about understanding the learner’s logic and helping them reflect on their actions in a constructive way”. He emphasizes that debriefing isn’t just about pointing out mistakes; it’s about guiding learners through their thought processes to help them improve.
Both Rudolph and Demian Szyld, two of the leading minds in the world of healthcare simulation, had a profound impact on him. “They helped me see simulation as not just a technical tool but as a method to deeply engage with learners and help them grow,” he says. This focus on empathy and understanding in simulation, particularly during debriefing sessions, became a key part of his approach.
Real-World Impact: Stories from the Field
The practical value of simulation training became evident through several compelling cases. In one instance, an intern who had recently participated in a malignant hyperthermia simulation successfully diagnosed and treated this rare condition in a clinical setting. “The simulation training likely made the difference in their quick and effective response,” Clement observes.
Another case demonstrated simulation’s therapeutic potential: an intern who had experienced a traumatic pre-hospital severe asthma case was able to overcome her anxiety through simulation training. The controlled environment allowed her to rebuild confidence in handling similar scenarios.
More recently, Clement has overseen a comprehensive training program across seven hospitals, involving 90 anesthetists and nurse anesthetists. The results have been significant: not only have safety metrics improved, but there’s also been an increase in the number of reported adverse events—something Clement views positively. “It means people are becoming more aware of potential risks and are proactively working to improve patient care,” he explains.
Mastering the Art of Debriefing
For those entering healthcare simulation, Clement emphasizes two key elements of effective debriefing:
- Thorough Preparation: “Anticipating scenarios reduces your mental load during the actual debriefing,” he advises. This preparation allows facilitators to focus on emerging learning opportunities while maintaining structure.
- Consistent Structure: While debriefing frameworks vary, finding an approach that feels natural is essential. The structure should be adaptable to different contexts, from intimate groups to large-scale sessions of up to 80 participants.
Clément advocates for what he terms “basic positive assumption” – the assumption that all participants are professionals committed to improvement. This mindset creates an environment conducive to honest exploration of decision-making processes.
Advice for Aspiring Simulation Trainers
Through his evolution from using basic mannequins in Caen to studying at Harvard Medical School and beyond, Clément Clément exemplifies how dedication to healthcare simulation can transform medical education. His journey demonstrates that with commitment, proper preparation, and strong mentorship, simulation can become an invaluable tool for improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.
Currently dividing his time between the CARE simulation center in Liège and Caen, Clément continues to advance healthcare simulation practices. As honorary founding member and head of the Scientific and Research Committee at SofraSimS he works to expand simulation’s role in medical education.
His message to aspiring simulation educators remains clear: “Take the initiative. Resources are abundant, and team-based practice is essential for improving patient care quality and safety.”
Full conversation available in French on SIM Moove
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