The Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM) will hold its annual Simulation Competition (SimComp) on campus hosted by ACOM’s chapter of the American Medical Student Association (AMSA) on November 20 and 21. Eight teams of first- and second-year medical students will compete against each other in a race to save the patient, with preliminary, semifinal and final rounds to determine one winning team to advance. Student teams have been training for SimComp during the fall 2020 semester. This year, the majority of qualifying teams are composed of first-year students, a unique outcome that demonstrates the growing value of simulation among incoming students.

SimComp is an event designed by ACOM to prepare students to compete in the national SimChallenge competition. Each team is presented with an emergent clinical scenario, which requires medical knowledge, clinical skills, teamwork, communication, and calm nerves to overcome the challenges. One ACOM team advances to the national competition each year. ACOM has risen to success through its students’ participation in simulation competitions beyond the College, earning recognition on both national and international stages.

In 2017, a team of second-year ACOM students won the national SimChallenge event and represented the United States at the international competition in Paris, defeating the French team in the final round to become international champions. Last year, the ACOM team won the first national Virtual Patient Challenge hosted by AMSA and those students were invited to compete in the first International Virtual Patient Challenge at the Somesics – Sociedad Mexicana de Simulación en Ciencias de la Saludon conference. ACOM hopes to continue its storied success and capture another title in spring 2021, with this local tournament serving as an important step in that journey.

In accordance with social distancing guidelines this event will not be open to the public. Masks will be required for entrance into the building and those participating must wear gloves.