I am convinced that the opportunities are endless. Also, the role of a simulator as a marketing tool in attracting new residents to a program should not be overlooked. The field of realistic simulation is developing very rapidly. Other industries find it helpful and use it extensively. It should become an integral part of our postgraduate training and continuing medical education.
Anesthesiology is in the forefront of realistic simulation in the field of medicine.
However, the current trends in financing medical education may slow progress. Last year, the resident component of the Massachusetts ASA Delegation sponsored a resolution regarding the ASA House of Delegates' position on realistic medical simulation. That alone will not be enough to keep the issue high on the priority list. We can and should do better. Stanislav S. Malov is a fellow in pain management at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.