University Center for Simulation in Medical Training – 10 years of excellence in medical simulation

The University Center for Simulation in Medical Training (CUSIM) of Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy celebrated 10 years since its foundation at an anniversary session entitled "Simulation-in-training, safety-in-actions", on October 17, 2023.

The event was moderated by Andrei Romancenco, head of CUSIM, who welcomed the guests and expressed gratitude to all partners - representatives of diplomatic missions and international organizations, as well as the University administration for their support in the creation and development of the Center.

The session was inaugurated by Minister of Health Ala Nemerenco, who thanked all the partners for their contribution to the creation of the University’s "pearl" and recounted the process of taking over the first simulation practices abroad, the challenges at the stage of planning and reconstruction of the building, the partnerships established in order to obtain external funding, as well as the efforts of the University management for the realization of this ambitious project. "This Center is a model for the Eastern European region, especially in training on providing aid in medical emergencies, in particular in the conditions of war in the neighborhood. The specialized training of certain categories of doctors is essential - the first-line specialties, namely: traumatologists, resuscitators, surgeons. We are aware that each of us must lend a hand to widen this center, because medicine does not only involve physical contact with the patient, in this field other forms of training should be implemented too, such as telemedicine or virtual training", the health official pointed out. Also, the minister noted her personal contribution in attracting financial means from the World Health Organization, thus making it possible to train various categories of personnel, including from Ukraine, Romania and other areas bordering on this war.

“This anniversary is both an occasion to be rightfully proud of us and a reflection on the journey we have been on as well as on our continued commitment to quality medical education. CUSIM is a world renowned simulation center that contributes to the training of future doctors and the improvement of the healthcare system in Moldova. At the same time, the Center played a significant role in the accreditation of our university at the national and international level", emphasized rector Emil Ceban, stressing that the University of Medicine will continue to invest in advanced technologies to provide a more realistic and more effective learning experience for study beneficiaries, and will expand partnerships with medical institutions and international organizations to bring the best practices both to the Republic of Moldova and to Nicolae Testemitanu University.

“We are committed to continuing to be leaders in medical education and simulation, and this goal cannot be achieved without the support of our partners. The increase in demand for training and professional development from our beneficiaries, as well as the overloading of CUSIM in some segments has led us to explore the possibility of expanding the Center and we count on external support to develop the infrastructure and bring new technologies, which will make more effective the learning experience; thus we could contribute together to improving the quality of medical services in the country", the rector added.

For his part, Adam Grodzicki, deputy head for Cooperation within the Delegation of the European Union in the Republic of Moldova, mentioned that the EU supported the construction and renovation of this center with the amount of 4.4 million dollars, which was directed to the renovation of the rooms and the procurement of the equipment. "We are happy to see that our support has really helped CUSIM implement new tools and technologies to align with European standards. It is certain that the center is well managed and the resources are used for the benefit of the Republic of Moldova, as it has become an innovative entity not only at the national level, but also at the regional level", the EU representative pointed out.

According to Valeriu Sava, coordinator of the Health Program within the Swiss Cooperation Office, with the support of the organization he represents, the Mother and Child Department of CUSIM was equipped with high-fidelity mannequins, future trainers were trained in international centers, support was granted for the development of training modules, methodical indications, scenarios in the field of neonatology, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology. "Currently, Switzerland continues to support the Republic of Moldova in the health sector, especially in mental health, non-communicable diseases, the development of the system of universal coverage with health services, while several other projects in medical emergencies and rehabilitation are in the pipeline", added Valeriu Sava, reiterating their support for the expansion of CUSIM's capacities.

"Simulation in the field of medical education emerged as a revolutionary element that provided the possibility for students and medical professionals to learn, practice and improve their skills in a safe and controlled environment. You have created a center of excellence thanks to which your students have enhanced their level of knowledge, and healthcare standards in the Republic of Moldova have improved. CUSIM's commitment to use state-of-the-art technologies, to create a dedicated team of instructors and technicians, has given the institution a central role in the field of medical simulation, especially in Eastern Europe", said Iuliana Garam, health funding program coordinator at the WHO Office in the Republic of Moldova.

According to Kory Dearie, bilateral affairs officer at the US Embassy in the Republic of Moldova, responsible for the partnership between our country and the state of North Carolina, the mission of the US Embassy is to collaborate with the people and the Government of the Republic of Moldova to create a more prosperous future, more democratic and safe for all. Education and excellence in medicine are key to achieving this goal. The American officer mentioned the support offered through donations and the exchange of experience between universities and specialists in the medical system, highlighting the fact that they are proud to have taken part in the CUSIM achievements.

Dr. Janos Szederjesi, director of the Center for Simulation and Practical Skills in Targu Mures, Romania, spoke about the collaboration with the similar center in Chisinau: "For us you were not only colleagues and good friends, but you were a model that provided a positive motivational force, kept us going when we had hard times and showed us that we are not alone".

Congratulatory messages were sent online by Nick Mlck, director of the Medical Simulation Center in Prague (Czech Republic), and Halyna Tsymbalyuk, director of the Simulation Center in Ternopil, Ukraine.

Further, manager of CUSIM Andrei Romancenco provided a retrospective of 10 years of activity and reiterated the strategic objective of the Center - to expand its infrastructure and capabilities by building a simulation theater with standardized patients and a virtual reality simulation laboratory.

Finally, all partners who contributed to the creation and development of CUSIM were awarded diplomas of excellence as a sign of gratitude for their contribution to building and consolidating the sustainable foundation of the future of medical education in the Republic of Moldova. Rector Emil Ceban awarded Mr. Andrei Romancenco, head of the Center, a diploma of excellence, and the entire CUSIM team - the University's anniversary medal "75 years of quality, excellence and performance", as a sign of appreciation and gratitude for substantial input, dedication and passion in the successful implementation of new technologies and teaching methods in medicine.

The session culminated in the appreciation of the staff and university subdivisions with diplomas of excellence, gratitude and recognition for fruitful collaboration and significant contribution to the implementation of medical education through simulation.