Jan. 6, 2026 Wayne Pa.
Education Management Solutions (EMS), a leading provider of healthcare simulation and competency management platforms, has announced the nominees for its 17th Annual Excellence in Clinical Simulation Awards. Each year, the Excellence in Simulation Awards recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of simulation in healthcare education by highlighting exceptional professionals.
“We’re proud to celebrate the educators, innovators, and program leaders who are raising the bar for what simulation can achieve,” said Louis Faustini, CEO of EMS. “This year’s nominees embody the creativity, commitment, and passion that drive our industry forward. Their work not only transforms learning environments, but ultimately elevates the quality of patient care, which is the purpose behind everything we do at EMS.”
The nominees for the 2026 Excellence in Simulation Awards are:
Pioneer Award
Honors an individual who actively engages in pioneering new ways of clinical simulation training.
- Becky Anglin DNP, RN, CHSE
Rocky Vista University Montana College of Osteopathic Medicine - Les Barta, EdD(c), MPA, NRP, CHSE
Rutgers Health, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy - Annette Davis
Florida International University
Advocate Award
Honors an individual or team who actively engage in advocating learning through clinical simulation.
- Johanna Derrenbacker, MSN, RN, NE-BC, NPD-BC, CHSE
Central Virginia Center for Simulation and Virtual Learning - Rachel True, MPH
Samuel Merritt University - (Team) Kara Templeton, RN, BSN, CHSE; Emily Pritchard, RN BSN; Henry Moulder, MBA, CHSOS; and Maria Shane
Prisma Health Simulation Center – Greenville
Champion Award
Honors an individual who actively champions state-of-the-art clinical simulation technology.
- Joy Flicker, MSN, RN
Alvernia University, John and Karen Arnold School of Nursing - Kate Lindley, MSN, RN, CHSOS, CHSE
Rasmussen University - Maria E. Vazquez-Amaral, JD, MEd
Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Medicine
The winners of the 17th Annual Excellence in Clinical Simulation Awards will be revealed during this year’s International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare (IMSH) in San Antonio, Texas.
About Education Management Solutions (EMS):
EMS is redefining healthcare simulation and competency development. Featuring reimagined UI, AI-powered insights, expanded data access, and an integrated education services and support portal, SIMULATIONiQ 2.0 is the NOW generation of EMS: built to meet programs where they are today, and confidently take them where they’re headed next.
About Education Management Solutions
Education Management Solutions is redefining healthcare simulation and competency development. Featuring reimagined UI, AI-powered insights, expanded data access, and an integrated education services and support portal, SIMULATIONiQ 2.0 is the NOW generation of EMS: built to meet programs where they are today, and confidently take them where they’re headed next.