Medical practice changes that limit teacher time and patient availability a
nd advances in technology are stimulating the greater use of simulators and
multimedia computers in medical education Such systems address the problem
of a decline in bedside skills training and proficiency. For over 30 years
, The University of Miami Center for Research in Medical Education, in coll
aboration with 12 other university medical schools, has developed simulatio
n teaching and assessment systems for multiprofessional training 'Harvey',
the Cardiology Patient Simulator, teaches bedside skills that are transferr
able to live patients. The UMedic Multimedia Computer cardiology currriculu
m has been fully integrated into all years of medical school and postgradua
te training and also assesses bedside skills. Programs are being developed
in oncology, neurology and emergency medicine. Our Emergency Medical Skills
programs utilize simulation technology and standardized patients to train
multiprofessional populations, including paramedics/firefighters. The expan
ded use of simulation for training and certification is inevitable.