Janice C. Palaganas

Dr. Janice C. Palaganas is a Professor in the Health Professions Education Department and Founding Director of the Center of Excellence in Healthcare Simulation Research at the MGH Institute of Health Professions (IHP). She also leads the REBEL Lab, focusing on cognitive neuroscience in healthcare simulation, feedback conversations, and generative AI for assessment. Her background includes roles as an emergency nurse, trauma nurse practitioner, and hospital administrator, driving her passion for interprofessional education through simulation. Dr. Palaganas holds a BSN and MSN from the University of Pennsylvania, a PhD from Loma Linda University, and a Research Fellowship from Harvard Medical School. She has shaped the field through leadership in the Society for Simulation’s Accreditation and Certification Program and co-founded the Healthcare Distance Simulation Collaboration. She has received numerous awards, including the American Journal of Nursing’s Book of the Year Award (2021) and the Presidential Citation Award from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (2017).

Her research emphasizes healthcare simulation methodologies, cultural considerations in debriefing, and online engagement strategies. Dr. Palaganas has advised on interprofessional education initiatives, led global simulation training programs, and authored influential textbooks such as Defining Excellence in Simulation Programs and Mastering Simulation. She actively collaborates internationally, presenting at over 30 countries and contributing to the Society for Simulation’s foundational resources.

Key contributions include pioneering distance simulation research and advocating for standardized telesimulation practices. Her work bridges clinical practice, education, and technology to enhance healthcare training outcomes.