The London Winter School was an immersive and engaging three-day experience combining professional development with social interaction.
Throughout the Winter School, the blend of structured learning and social activities made for a rich, enjoyable experience, fostering both professional growth and lasting connections among participants.
Day One: We began with sessions on leadership and resilience, guided by Dr. Ed Naggiar, followed by a hands-on workshop in translational simulation with Prof. Sharon Weldon. In the evening, participants enjoyed a festive outing to Winter Wonderland, providing a fun opportunity to connect with fellow attendees outside the classroom and a luxurious dinner at Kendal’s Kitchen
Day Two: The day kicked off with a session on text analysis using AI led by Prof. Tom Reader, followed by guidance on applying for academic positions with Prof. Paul O’Connor, and a workshop on human reliability analysis using HTA and SHERPA. In the evening, everyone gathered for a lively Christmas pub dinner, which was a perfect setting for networking and sharing experiences from the day.
Day Three: Our final day focused on human reliability analysis through cognitive task analysis with Dr. Angela O’Dea, and strategies for creating adaptive healthcare teams using the CARe QI framework. The day combined reflective learning with interactive discussion, rounding off the Winter School with a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie.
Dr. Ed Naggiar delivered an engaging lecture on leadership and resilience for the Teams4Teams School, offering students practical insights drawn from his extensive experience. He emphasized the importance of self-awareness, adaptability, and emotional intelligence as cornerstones of effective leadership, while also highlighting strategies for building resilience in high-pressure environments. Through real-world examples and interactive discussion, Dr. Naggiar encouraged participants to view challenges as opportunities for growth and to cultivate habits that strengthen both personal and team performance. His talk left the audience with actionable tools and renewed motivation to lead with confidence and purpose.
We were thrilled to have Prof. Sharon Marie Weldon deliver an insightful lecture on transformative simulation at the Teams4Teams School. She clearly explained the differences between transformative simulation, simulation for education, and translational simulation, helping participants understand how each approach serves distinct purposes in learning and practice. Prof. Weldon also unpacked the framework behind transformative simulation, illustrating how it can challenge existing assumptions, shift mindsets, and drive meaningful change within healthcare systems. Through practical examples, she demonstrated how these concepts come to life in real settings and actively engaged with the doctorates, offering thoughtful guidance on how the ideas could strengthen their own projects. It was an inspiring and highly informative session that left everyone with new strategies and a deeper appreciation for the power of simulation.
Dr. Angela O’Dea delivered a very insightful lecture at the T4T Winter School on Human Reliability Analysis, focusing on Cognitive Task Analysis (CTA). Her session offered a deep understanding of how CTA helps uncover the cognitive processes behind expert performance. It was particularly fascinating to see the technique applied live during an interview with an expert, revealing the subtle decision-making steps, cues, and thought processes that are often invisible in routine practice. The demonstration brought the methodology to life and showed its real value in improving safety, training, and system design.
