At IMSH 2025, the Plenary Session featured the dynamic Crystal Washington delivering the Lou Oberndorf Lecture on Innovation and Healthcare Simulation. A certified futurist, Hall of Fame speaker, and technology strategist, Crystal captivated the audience with her empowering vision for “future-proofing” in a rapidly evolving world.

 

Crystal’s engaging session combined humor, relatable analogies, and powerful insights to challenge attendees to own their future. She reminded us, “No one is coming to save you; we need to put on our own capes.” From exploring how humans are “stressed-out cyborgs” to guiding the audience through thought-provoking games like “Which is safer: a human baby or an axolotl?” she illustrated the challenges of change and the resilience required to overcome them.

 

She urged attendees to manage their responses to change with empathy—for others and themselves—acknowledging that “it’s a hard time to be human.” Her message emphasized the importance of curiosity, adaptability, and staying calm in the face of uncertainty. The simulation field, she noted, has demonstrated remarkable agility over the past 25 years and is poised for even greater innovation ahead.

 

As Crystal eloquently put it, “We must reach out, grab the future, and bring it closer to us—because resting on our laurels is not an option.” Her lecture left the audience inspired to embrace change, stay curious, and shape the future of healthcare simulation with intention and passion.

Learn more about Crystal Washington by visiting her website here: [https://crystalwashington.com]

  

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