Sim Stars: Andrew Hackney, M.D.

Sim Stars is a regular feature in UAB Clinical Simulation’s think Sim First newsletter, created to highlight the simulation facilitators who bring learning to life. Each month, we spotlight a partner whose work exemplifies excellence in simulation, collaboration and experiential learning for UAB Medicine.

For Dr. Andrew Hackney, simulation has been an integral part of his medical education from the very beginning. A self-described hands-on learner, Hackney credits simulation with helping transform classroom concepts into practical clinical skills. 

“I always felt more confident managing situations clinically after I’d already had the chance to think through them and physically work through them in simulation,” he said. 

Today, Hackney, assistant professor in UAB’s Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, enjoys helping provide those same experiences for anesthesia residents as a facilitator. Among his favorite scenarios to facilitate is the airway fire simulation, a case he helped develop. 

“I love the residents’ reactions,” he said. “It consistently generates great discussion during the debrief.” 

Rather than pointing to a single memorable learner moment, Hackney highlights the annual Anesthesia Bootcamp Month simulation experience for incoming PGY-2 anesthesia residents. The transition from closely supervised training to serving as the primary anesthetist in the operating room is a significant milestone, he said, and simulation helps prepare residents for that responsibility in a realistic, supportive environment. 

Feedback from last year’s participants made a lasting impression, Hackney said, noting that many residents said the two simulation days were the most valuable part of bootcamp in preparing them to work independently in the operating room. 

“Hearing that was rewarding for the facilitators who participated in these simulation days,” Hackney said. 

He believes simulation offers something traditional lectures cannot by placing learners in situations where they must make decisions amid uncertainty. 

“When you are forced to make decisions like residents are during simulation and there is some uncertainty about the diagnosis or the management, that creates a very motivated learner in the debriefing session and usually leads to the best discussions,” Hackney said. 

His advice for new simulation facilitators is simple:  

“Don’t forget to keep it fun for the learners and for yourself,” he said.

Visit here to view past Sim Stars.

UAB Medicine’s Clinical Simulation program offers opportunities for individuals and teams across UAB Medicine and beyond to practice before they deliver care. We encourage all who provide and support patient care to “Sim First.” Together, we can put our patients’ safety first.