Karen Paquette, the Health Sciences Simulation Technologist at Cambrian College, received the 2016 SIM-one Citizenship Award at a ceremony in Toronto on October 5.

“I’m very honoured to receive this award,” said Karen. “To be nominated and then recognized in this way by SIM-one and the community is such an incredibly humbling experience.”

The Ontario Simulation Network (SIM-one) is a provincially-funded, not-for-profit organization, committed to promoting simulated clinical learning. Its SIM-one Citizenship Award recognizes Ontario simulationists who have made meaningful contributions to the healthcare simulation field – those who go beyond the call of duty, who motivate other simulationists to follow suit, and who help advance and evolve the field of simulation.

“It’s nice to see people recognizing what a simulation technologist does, and it is an honour to be acknowledged for the work that I do,” says Karen. “Simulation technologists are more behind the scenes, so people don’t always see the things we do, but that is changing, which is good for all of us who work in the field.”

At the ceremony, Dr. Bruce Ballon, Director of Education for SIM-one, said, “Being a simulationist is like being the Wizard of Oz behind the Curtain. This award is designed to pull back the curtain and let the heroes of simulation be recognized for their hard work, dedication, and passion.”

Paquette, who is also a registered nurse, has more than 30 years of clinical experience and has overseen the operations of Cambrian College’s Health Science Simulation Laboratory (SIM Lab) for more than 10 years. This includes guiding students and supporting faculty in a modern, safe and hands-on learning environment that reflects what they will find in professional settings.