RBC Royal Bank

Mélanie La Couture, Dr. Serge Doucet, Nadine Renaud-Tinker, Dr. Nicolas Thibodeau-Jarry

September 19, 2018 – As part of Healthcare Simulation Week, the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation announced the creation of the only Simulation-Based Education Program in the country completely dedicated to cardiology. Canada’s first program of its kind at the Montreal Heart Institute (MHI) is made possible thanks to a $1.5 million donation from RBC Royal Bank.

Assisted by a team of simulation experts, Dr. Nicolas Thibodeau-Jarry, cardiologist and medical education specialist, will lead this new innovative program that will have a major impact on the optimization of training for professionals and care for patients. New positions will be created to develop and implement the Simulation-Based Education Program, which will be established, as of this month, at the Montreal Heart Institute and overseen by the MHI’s education department.

A significant impact on patients

Simulation has proven to be an efficient education tool in medicine over the last few years. In fact, studies show the tangible benefits of this method compared to a traditional education curriculum. Every year, the country’s first Simulation-Based Education Program will provide more than 150 participants with 10 simulation curriculums on a variety of medical topics. The creation of this new program confirms the Montreal Heart Institute’s commitment to putting the patients at the heart of its approach and providing them with the best care possible.

In addition to fostering knowledge sharing and long-lasting relationships between physicians and patients, the Simulation-Based Education Program will have numerous positive effects on both the medical staff and patients. Benefits will include greater rigour and uniformity in education and medical practices; the improvement of the quality, the efficacy and the performance of medical teams; quicker analysis from professionals in emergency situations; more secure and optimal interventions; and the prevention of medical errors and complications. First offered to professionals and trainees at the Montreal Heart Institute, the program will also be available to health care professionals in Quebec, Canada and abroad. This will undoubtedly showcase the unparalled level of expertise available at the Montreal Heart Institute.

The Institute also aims to implement a simulation-based curriculum for high school and CÉGEP students across Quebec to allow them to use the notions they have learned about anatomy and physiology and apply them to virtual patients. This approach will also help students gain a hands-on, enriching experience that puts them in contact with renowned health care professionals in the hopes of getting them interested in a career in health sciences.

“With the implementation of this innovative program, the eyes of the national and international community will be on us. In addition to emphasizing our willingness to attract and retain the best talent in cardiology in Quebec, this program will also allow the Montreal Heart Institute to confirm its position as a world leader in cardiovascular health,” said Lino A. Saputo, Jr., Chair of the Board of Directors of the Foundation.

“RBC Royal Bank’s very generous contribution to the Investing in Excellence project will have an immense impact on the care provided to patients. The future of cardiology depends on cutting-edge education and training. Investing in education is tantamount to investing in our resources and the excellence of cardiovascular medicine,” said Josée Noiseux, CEO of the Foundation.

“I am thrilled at the idea of leading the Simulation-Based Education Program. My professional background and specialized training in medical pedagogy at the Harvard Medical School have allowed me to gain a leading expertise that I am proud to share and practice here, in Quebec,” said Dr. Nicolas Thibodeau-Jarry, cardiologist and medical education specialist.

“We were impressed by this innovative project that will have a huge impact on our community. Young physicians and other health care professionals will benefit from even better training and will be able to provide exceptional care in Quebec,” said Nadine Renaud-Tinker, President, Quebec Headquarters, RBC Royal Bank.