Collaboration by: Gustavo Fraga

Dr. Filipe Nadir Caparica Santos, Assistant Professor and Simulation Lead in the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine at the University of Toronto, traveled to São Paulo, Brazil, as part of an ongoing collaboration in medical education between Canada and Brazil. The visit aimed to enhance simulation-based learning in anesthesia and trauma surgery while strengthening academic ties between the University of Toronto and the University of Campinas (Unicamp). The collaboration took place through Unicamp's Executive Board of International Relations (DERI).

At the School of Medical Sciences (SMS), Dr. Santos engaged with medical students at the simulation center. He led a high-fidelity trauma simulation with sixth-year medical students, focusing on crisis resource management and the application of the ANTS (Anesthetist Non-Technical Skills) framework in acute trauma care. The session emphasized decision-making, teamwork, and leadership in emergency settings.

In addition to the simulation activities, Dr. Santos participated in a lecture with Professor Gustavo Fraga (SMS) for fourth-year medical students. The session incorporated low-fidelity simulation to illustrate key aspects of trauma care, including prioritization, communication techniques, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The discussion highlighted the importance of non-technical skills in medical education and professional practice.

Dr. Santos also collaborated with SMS professors Gustavo Fraga and Andrea Fraga during a visit to the Latin American office of Laerdal, a leading provider of medical simulation equipment. The visit included discussions on the design and implementation of a simulation competition for medical students, scheduled to take place at Unicamp later in the year.

A key component of the visit was Dr. Santos’s lecture, “Simulation as a Tool to Teach Non-Technical Skills”, delivered to faculty members, residents, and students at the Department of Anesthesiology and the Postgraduate Program in Pharmacology at SMS. The lecture addressed the role of simulation in medical education and the development of essential competencies beyond technical proficiency. The same lecture was later presented at the Society of Medicine and Surgery of Campinas, followed by participation in a clinical case discussion during a citywide Trauma Rounds event.

The visit concluded with a meeting at Hospital Santa Tereza in Campinas, where Dr. Santos engaged with hospital leadership and the anesthesia team to discuss opportunities for continuing medical education and professional development initiatives.

Dr. Santos’s visit reinforced the collaboration between Canada and Brazil in medical education and simulation training. The exchange of knowledge and expertise continues to contribute to the advancement of educational methodologies and the training of future healthcare professionals in both countries.