Behling Human Simulation Center

The Behling Human Simulation Center (BSC) is a hands-on, interprofessional learning environment where health care learners practice the technical, cognitive, and teamwork skills required for real clinical care. Designed as a clinical sim gym, the BSC provides realistic space, modern equipment, and expert facilitation so individuals and teams can repeatedly practice, refine, and strengthen their craft in a safe learning environment.

Learners across the University at Buffalo, including medicine, nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, dietetics, and speech-language pathology, train together in immersive scenarios that mirror the complexity of modern health care.

Much like a gym supports athletic training, the Behling Human Simulation Center creates space for deliberate practice. Learners can focus on skill development, clinical decision-making, and team communication without the pressure of real-world consequences.

Sessions are designed to meet learners where they are — from introductory exposure to advanced, high-acuity team-based simulations. The emphasis is on repetition, reflection, and improvement rather than performance alone.

The center is a hub for interprofessional education and team training at the University at Buffalo. Learners from multiple health professions train together using TeamSTEPPS principles, strengthening skills in communication, leadership, mutual support, and situational awareness.

By practicing together in realistic clinical environments, learners develop shared mental models and a deeper understanding of each profession’s role in patient care.

The Behling Human Simulation Center is designed to look and feel like a real hospital setting, without the privacy or HIPAA constraints associated with live patient care. Because of this realism and flexibility, the Center has also been used as a filming location for commercials and movies.

The space offers an authentic clinical atmosphere while maintaining complete control over access, scheduling, and confidentiality.

Clinicians, educators and researchers from all six health sciences schools develop the center’s curricula collaboratively, strengthening interdisciplinary connections throughout the university. Area health care institutions and students from area colleges also train at the center, improving patient care and interprofessional competence throughout Western New York.

The center is named for UB alumnus Ralph Behling, MD ’43. The first physician in Buffalo to use injected penicillin to fight infection, Behling worked for the U.S. Public Health Service and helped standardize cancer treatment nationwide.

Please submit a simulation request (coming soon) with information that will assist us with scheduling and planning the resources necessary for your event.