Chidume receives prestigious designation as healthcare simulation fellow

Dr. Tiffani L. Chidume, Associate Clinical Professor in Auburn University’s College of Nursing, was recently inducted as a Fellow of the Society for Simulation in Healthcare Academy. The highest distinction in the field of healthcare simulation, Chidume was recognized for her significant contributions as a practitioner, researcher, educator, and operations specialist. Her expertise spans critical care nursing, healthcare simulation, and innovative educational technologies, with particular focus on virtual reality integration in nursing curricula. Chidume also serves as Coordinator of Auburn Nursing’s EAGLES Center, a state-of-the-art facility equipped with technology and functional spaces designed to provide realistic learning for students.

“I am deeply honored to be inducted as a Fellow of the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, which represents a meaningful milestone in my professional journey. Healthcare simulation is a true passion of mine, and being recognized with the highest distinction in the field is both meaningful and humbling. It is especially rewarding to know that the work we are doing at Auburn University is not only impacting our students but also contributing to the advancement of simulation practice on a global level,” Chidume said.

The Society for Simulation in Healthcare Academy is a global group of healthcare simulationists who are recognized for their sustained contributions and impact on the field of healthcare simulation and to SSH. Their work, dedication, and passion have helped shape the current art, science, and practice of healthcare simulation, and is helping shape its future.

To date, only 145 individuals from 16 countries have been awarded this prestigious recognition.

“Fellows of the SSH Academy are professionals whose expertise in and dedication to simulation is incredible,” said Beth Mancini, RN, PhD, NE-BC, FAHA, FSSH, FAAN, Past Chair of the SSH Academy Board of Governance. “The commitment of the individuals in this group to quality simulation and an increasing recognition of simulation as an education and research tool is indeed impressive.”

Fellows of the SSH Academy are selected through a rigorous peer-review process that evaluates the summative work and contributions in both healthcare simulation and to SSH. To achieve this designation indicates the very high level of contributions and impact that has been made by the nominee. The designation as a Fellow of the SSH Academy is prestigious and important to the healthcare simulation community as one of the fastest growing fields in healthcare education.

In addition to her recent designation as an SSH Fellow, Dr. Chidume serves as a member of the INACSL Standards Committee that developed the Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice®, The Debriefing Process. She has received numerous accolades, including the 2024 INACSL Research Excellence Award, Academic Excellence Award, and the Anthony Battaglia Advancement in Simulation Award.

Her scholarship includes over 40 peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national and international conferences. Dr. Chidume is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare simulation, serving on multiple DEI committees and founding the InSiM Alliance affinity group. As a 2024 INACSL Research Fellow, she actively mentors doctoral students and faculty members in developing research skills and advancing simulation-based education. Her work bridges clinical expertise with innovative teaching methodologies to prepare the next generation of nurses for complex healthcare environments.