What if medical students could practice real-life scenarios without risk? That’s the idea behind TheSiMa Lernkrankenhaus. It is a skills lab for medical students at the Mannheim Medical Faculty of Heidelberg University.
TheSiMa’s origins reach back to the 1990s. It was officially founded in 2008. TheSiMa is part of the Department of Study and Teaching Development. It has a long history of medical education. TheSiMa plays a crucial role in medical studies. It connects theory and practice.
In 2017, TheSiMa Lernkrankenhaus moved to the heart of the University Hospital Mannheim campus. It occupies the space of a former ward. The facility spans over 700 square meters. It features 14 themed practice rooms. These rooms cover various medical fields. There is an emergency room. There are sonography rooms, a plaster room, and a doctor’s office. Also featured are patient rooms and an operating theatre.
TheSiMa offers curricular classes. It provides simulator training. Students learn from simulations with actors. Peer-teaching with tutors is also available. Students can deepen their knowledge through extracurricular activities. Student initiatives and self-study are encouraged. TheSiMa prepares Mannheim medical students for their careers. They learn practical and communication skills. They also develop a professional attitude.
TheSiMa also functions as a teaching lab. It develops new teaching and examination formats. TheSiMa offers training for faculty. This includes training in conducting medical interviews. There are also courses for OSCE examiners and student tutors. TheSiMa is responsible for organizing practical examination courses or OSCEs.
Prof. Dr. Jens Kaden leads TheSiMa. A diverse team manages the facility. Student representatives are also on the team. TheSiMa is active on social media. You can find them on Instagram and Facebook. Their website also has updates.
In 2023, TheSiMa Lernkrankenhaus celebrated its 15th anniversary. A symposium marked the occasion. Practical teaching units and communication skills training take place here. The facility also trains teachers and examiners. Student initiatives promote student engagement.
TheSiMa Lernkrankenhaus is more than just a training facility. It is a place where future doctors hone their skills. They gain confidence. TheSiMa prepares them for the challenges of a medical career. Here students become skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals.