RIYADH — Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University (PNU), represented by the Simulation and Skills Development Center, has launched a number of specialized workshops ahead of the 10th Medical Career Day meeting at the university.

The Simulation and Skills Development Center has participated in three workshops targeting medical students in addition to those who are interested in the field of health from doctors and healthcare personnel. Theses workshops sought to open wide horizons in using simulation as a means of education and training for a professional career.

The director of the center, Dr. Haifa Malaika, explained that the workshops were designed to teach modern skills as the art of moulage and the operating of manikins. She said the hours spent attending the course would be accredited by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties.

The workshops focused on enhancing clinical skills as well as using the latest equipment and medical dolls for education of simulation.

The first workshop was on the basic principles of surgical suture. It was held for the fourth time in a row at the university due to the distinctive presence for these courses by medical students and health practitioners in different specialties. The workshop was presented by Dr. Haifa Malaika.

The workshop discussed definition of surgical suture, in addition to the principles, characteristics, basics and types of stitches.

The second workshop focused on the Principles of Operating Manikins. It was presented by Professor Ruwaida Al-Husseini.

The third workshop, Teaching the Basics of Moulage Art, was presented by senior simulation specialist and certified trainer in advanced medical moulage Reem Al-Ajmi. It targeted military and medical rescue teams, simulation instructors and clinical skills technicians.

“Moulage” is a French word, which means the art of applying mock injuries and accidents. It is considered an important means of support in the field of medical education by merging it in different scenarios in addition to the use of simulation for training purposes, providing realism and enhancing the output of training in the medical field.

The Center for Simulation and Health Skills Development is one of the world’s largest simulation centers in terms of space and equipment. It has recently obtained Certificate of Accreditation from the “Society for Simulation in Healthcare” in the US. The center seeks to rehabilitate health personnel by training them in the latest and most important medical skills. — SG