In this episode of Between 2 Simulators, Philip Wortham, a Simulation Technician at Praxis Center, shares his journey from motion graphics to healthcare simulation. He discusses the evolving role of sim techs, emphasizing their growing influence in scenario design, product selection, and debriefing. Philip introduces SONIC, a program designed to improve career pathways and pay equity for simulation specialists. He also highlights the potential of VR and AR in healthcare education, advocating for its expanded use in pre-simulation training. With a creative mindset and passion for patient safety, Philip offers valuable insights into the future of simulation.
In an engaging episode of Between 2 Simulators, Philip Wortham, a seasoned Simulation Technician at Praxis Center, shared his remarkable journey from a background in motion graphics and video production to becoming a passionate advocate for healthcare simulation. Speaking with host Jake Rahman at IMSH 2025, Philip offered insights into the evolving role of simulation technicians, the challenges they face, and the future of XR (Extended Reality) in medical education.
His story highlights the power of creativity, adaptability, and dedication to improving patient care — even from behind the scenes.
Finding His Place in Simulation
Despite his technical abilities, Philip faced doubts early in his simulation career. Coming from a non-clinical background, he initially struggled to see how his skills fit into the world of healthcare education.
That’s when he crossed paths with Dan Raemer, a renowned simulation pioneer and non-clinical engineer in the industry. Dan’s story inspired Philip to embrace his role, despite his non-clinical background.
“Dan told me to stick with it — that my perspective mattered. He reminded me that, ultimately, we’re all patients. That advice has stayed with me ever since,” Philip shared.
Today, Philip sees his unconventional path as an advantage — blending creativity with technical expertise to enhance educational experiences in healthcare simulation.
Why Choose a Career as a Simulation Technician?
Philip’s passion for his role shines through in his advocacy for simulation technicians. He believes it’s a rewarding career that combines creativity, problem-solving, and impactful learning.
“You may not be touching patients directly,” Philip explained, “but as a sim tech, you’re driving innovation and improving patient safety from behind the scenes.”
For Philip, the role’s versatility is one of its biggest draws. From designing scenarios and running simulations to programming mannequins and managing technical equipment, no two days are the same.
“It’s one of those careers where you think to yourself, ‘I get paid to do this? This is awesome!’” Philip added.
The Evolution of the Simulation Technician Role
Reflecting on his 15-year career, Philip highlighted how the role of a simulation technician has evolved significantly.
In the early days, sim techs were seen as purely technical support — limited to operating mannequins and maintaining equipment. However, the role has since expanded, with sim techs now actively contributing to scenario design, curriculum development, and even debriefing sessions.
“Sim techs are now seen as essential members of the education team,” Philip explained. “Our insights are valued because we understand both the technical side and the learning objectives.”
This expanded role allows sim techs to provide critical input on purchasing decisions, ensuring new tools align with educational goals rather than being just “shiny objects.”
Bridging the Gap Between Educators and Technology
Philip highlighted a key challenge in simulation: managing expectations.
“We often tell learners to ‘suspend disbelief,’ but it’s not always easy,” Philip said.
Educators and students sometimes expect simulators to be too realistic, forgetting that mannequins are training tools — not living patients.
“It’s our job to manage those expectations,” Philip explained. “Whether it’s an educator frustrated with the limits of technology or a student unsure how to engage with a simulator, sim techs play a key role in creating positive learning experiences.”
SONIC: Empowering Simulation Technicians
A major turning point in Philip’s career came with the creation of SONIC — a program designed to support and empower simulation specialists.
“We realized sim techs often feel stuck in their roles,” Philip explained. “Pay structures vary drastically across regions, and career growth isn’t always clear.”
SONIC aims to address these issues by:
- Defining clearer job descriptions for simulation specialists.
- Standardizing pay scales across different regions.
- Creating career pathways that help sim techs advance in their field.
“Simulation is still a bit of the Wild West,” Philip joked. “We love the creativity and freedom that brings, but we also need some structure to ensure fair pay and career development.”
Pushing VR and AR Forward in Healthcare Simulation
Drawing from his background in motion graphics and digital design, Philip is particularly excited about the future of VR, AR, and XR in simulation.
While VR adoption in nursing and medical schools has grown, Philip believes its potential is still untapped.
“Right now, VR is often used for simple tasks that don’t fully utilize its immersive capabilities,” Philip said. “But imagine being able to insert a chest tube, feel the resistance, and hear the feedback — that’s where VR becomes a game-changer.”
He sees military applications as the gold standard, with advanced haptics and multi-sensory environments that could dramatically improve healthcare training if adapted for civilian use.
A Simple but Powerful Idea: VR for Pre-Simulation Training
Philip shared one of the most innovative uses of VR he’s seen: using virtual reality as a pre-simulation tool.
“I recently heard of a program that uses VR to train learners on basic skills and checklists before they even enter the simulation center,” Philip explained. “By the time they arrive for hands-on practice, they’re confident and ready to engage.”
This “pre-read” approach is gaining traction, reducing the time required for in-person training while improving learner readiness.
Shaping the Future of Simulation Technology
Philip concluded by emphasizing the importance of industry collaboration to improve simulation tools. He expressed frustration with vendors who develop products without fully understanding what educators and sim techs need.
“Innovation happens when vendors listen to customers,” Philip said. “When they engage with sim techs — the people using these tools every day — they create products that actually meet educational goals.”
He advocates for building partnerships, rather than simple vendor-client relationships, to ensure simulation continues evolving in meaningful ways.
Conclusion: A Career Built on Creativity and Impact
From his early days in video production to his current role as a respected simulation technician and educator, Philip Wortham has built a career driven by curiosity, creativity, and a deep commitment to improving healthcare education.
“We may not wear scrubs, but what we do has a direct impact on patient care,” Philip said proudly. “And that’s what keeps me inspired every day.”
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