Simulations Day in Weyburn Delivers Hands-On Learning for South East Site Family Medicine Residents

The University of Saskatchewan’s South East Family Medicine residents recently gathered in Weyburn for the first Simulations Day of the academic year. This immersive training session is a pivotal part of the residency experience, combining hands-on skill-building with high-stakes scenarios that prepare residents for real-world challenges in family medicine. It’s an event many residents look forward to as both a learning opportunity and a chance to connect with their peers.

Simulation Days are held multiple times throughout the year, providing a space for residents to practice critical procedures in a low-pressure, collaborative and supportive environment. The recent session featured an array of activities: from casting and point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) to suturing, ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support), and obstetrical cases. The program’s design lets residents make mistakes, gain constructive feedback, and build confidence in their abilities. “It’s a chance for us to work on skills we’ll rely on in the field, but without the high-stress environment,” shared Dr. Natasha Premji, a second-year resident at USask’s South East Family Medicine site. “We really get to learn from each other and see how each of us approaches different scenarios.”

The recent session was organized with input from the South East site’s director Dr. Kristin Foy, as well as preceptors and residents. This year, Dr. Smith, the Program Director for USask’s Family Medicine Department, made a special appearance to lead a realistic simulation case that engaged all residents, providing a highlight for the day. The scenario showcased situations residents are likely to encounter in practice, sparking discussion and reinforcing their preparedness.

In addition to technical skills, Simulations Day emphasizes collaboration amongst residents, as second-year residents offer guidance and support to first-year residents. This mentorship aspect fosters a stronger, more cohesive team dynamic among residents across the site’s three distributed communities.

The day wrapped up with a team-building evening, complete with good food and a glimpse of the northern lights—a memorable end to a productive day. For South East Family Medicine residents, Simulations Day is a unique tradition that blends learning with camaraderie, reminding them of the importance of both skill and support in their medical journeys. As Dr. Premji put it, “Itis a day we look forward to every year. There’s always great learning, good food, and lots of laughs.”