By Brian Finlayson
You think you’re prepared—until you’re not.
Standing on the edge of the newly opened Patel Learning Centre at Concordia Hospital on April 8, I expected a demonstration. What I didn’t expect was to feel my heart pound like I was the one in crisis.
The setup looked just like a real hospital room: bright lights, medical monitors, a team of professionals ready for action. But the “patient” wasn’t real—at least, that’s what I thought. Lying on the bed was a high-tech manikin, operated from a nearby control room, capable of speaking, breathing, and responding to treatment.
When it spoke? Everything changed.
It wasn’t a mankin anymore—it was a 60-year-old man who’d collapsed while doing yard work. And suddenly, this simulation felt real.
Doctors and nurses jumped into action. They asked questions, assessed symptoms, and delivered care with precision and calm. And then—just like that—things escalated. The manikin lost its pulse. CPR began. Epinephrine was administered. My chest tightened as I watched, my smartwatch even buzzed—my heart rate had spiked.
But the professionals? Cool. Focused. In control.
This wasn’t chaos—it was choreography.
And that’s exactly the point of this centre: to train, refine, and perfect under pressure—without risking lives. Mistakes made here aren’t failures. They’re opportunities to learn, improve, and try again. It’s safe. It’s smart. And it’s incredibly effective.
After the simulation, we moved to the debrief centre. Using overhead cameras, the team watched a replay of the entire scenario—analyzing communication, timing, and technique. It wasn’t just about medical procedures. It was about teamwork. Trust. Coordination. These are things you can’t always teach from a textbook.
This centre, made possible by a generous donation from Drs. Jayshree and Praful Patel and the Concordia Foundation honour the memory of their son Sunil, a respected cardiologist.
And what a tribute it is—a space where the future of medicine is not just taught but lived.
Watching this unfold reminded me: this isn’t futuristic fantasy. It’s happening now. And it’s saving lives by preparing those who save them.
Witnessing it was thrilling. Knowing it’s real is even better.
Brian Finlayson is a CJNU news reporter and freelance writer in Winnipeg. We welcomed him to this grand opening on April 8, 2025.