Let’s Build a Computer Simulation: An introduction to the fun and TOTALLY ADDICTIVE world of Discrete Event Simulation

There’s a reason HSPI conferences always feature computer simulation presentations.  Playing “what if” with your process’ digital twin lets you optimize resources and patient flow without expensive or disruptive trial-and-error methods. Evaluating the best possible designs of real and future systems using discrete event simulation (DES) continues to save healthcare institutions billions of dollars each year.  As the saying goes, “If at first you don’t succeed, you probably should have simulated it.”  We’re not discounting the value of Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles….far from it!  But what if you could complete the PDSA cycle in minutes instead of weeks or months?  This workshop will teach DES 101:  What is it?  Why and when would one use it? … and how does one use it? Watch a DES demonstration, a visual display of results data, and join a hands-on exercise in which the audience works through scenarios to build the most efficient system. 

After attending this intensive, the attendees will be able to distinguish DES from other simulation models.

After attending this intensive, the attendees will be able to explain the advantages of DES over Spreadsheet models and the fallacies of using averages in analysis.

After attending this intensive, the attendees will be able to apply basic model building skills to include understanding x and y variables, accounting for variation in arrivals and activity times, and designing experiments.

Authors

Bio Jim Montgomery

Jim Montgomery started his “Lean” journey as a country music disc jockey, attempting to save his audience from wasteful, boring jargon.  Seeking adventure, he joined the Army Medical Department and served in roles such as CFO and COO in places such as the Mojave Desert and Vicenza, Italy, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. Jim joined Virginia’s Carilion Clinic as a Regional Practice Director and as a Predictive Modeling Consultant before serving the Veterans Health Administration as a Process Improvement Consultant. Today he works for HonorHealth in Scottsdale, Arizona as an Operations Engineering Program Manager, which is a formal way of saying he builds cool, computer models all day while continuing to subject audiences to bad disc jockey jokes.  Jim earned an MHA from Baylor University and is credentialed as a Fellow, ACHE.  He is a Certified Six-Sigma Black Belt with ASQ.

Steven Suggs (He/Him) is a seasoned expert in Discrete Event Computer Simulation with over 18 years of experience optimizing processes in healthcare and other industries. As Operations Engineering Program Manager at HonorHealth, he leverages his expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and statistical analysis to drive operational efficiency and improve patient outcomes. Steve holds a B.S.E. in Industrial Engineering from Arizona State University and an MBA in Business Administration.

His passion for innovation has been showcased through guest lectures and publications on topics such as healthcare simulation and process improvement. Known for his ability to combine technical expertise with strategic vision, Steve is committed to creating data-driven solutions that deliver measurable impact.

When not modeling complex systems, he contributes to professional communities through thought leadership and collaboration. Steve’s mission is to empower organizations to achieve operational excellence through cutting-edge simulation and continuous improvement strategies.