How HealthPartners Built a Culture of Simulation Excellence

Send us a text What happens when simulation breaks free from hospital walls and becomes embedded throughout an entire healthcare system? Ryan Aga and Don Brock reveal the remarkable transformation at Health Partners, where simulation has evolved from a training method into a life-saving force reaching 14,000 learners annually across eight hospitals, countless clinics, and even rural communities. Their story unfolds through powerful examples of lives saved, including a cardiac arrest patient given just a 5% chance of survival who later thanked the simulation-trained team for allowing him to witness his grandson"s birth. This isn"t just about clinical skills—it"s about creating a culture where simulation becomes woven into the organizational fabric, with their CEO personally sharing simulation success stories with hundreds of leaders. Behind the numbers lies a deeply human approach. Don, a retired Air Force flight nurse turned simulation operations manager, brings mechanical precision to Ryan"s visionary leadership. Together, they"ve built a program that reaches every corner of their system, from dental clinics to primary care offices now handling patients with acuity levels previously seen only in emergency departments. They"re even building the future healthcare workforce through extensive youth programs in local schools. The President"s Award-winning team doesn"t shy away from healthcare"s harsh realities—the lingering trauma of the pandemic, financial constraints, and the sobering statistic that 250,000 Americans die annually from preventable medical errors. Their response? A fierce tenacity to improve, an openness to diverse perspectives (including hiring a biomedical engineer to bring fresh insights), and a deep commitment to supporting each other through healthcare"s most challenging era. Whether you"re just beginning your simulation journey or looking to scale your existing program, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical wisdom from pioneers who"ve made simulation an essential, system-wide force for saving lives. Connect with Ryan and Don on LinkedIn to continue the conversation about transforming healthcare through simulation. Innovative SimSolutions. Your turnkey solution provider for medical simulation programs, sim centers & faculty design.