Dr Punith Kempegowda and Dr Eka Melson from the University of Birmingham conceptualised the idea of interactive simulation-based learning through instant messaging for medical education. 

Along with other like-minded individuals, the idea evolved into 

Simulation via Instant Messaging – Birmingham Advance (SIMBA)

In the past, medical training has predominantly been lecture-based learning. Simulation-based learning has been increasingly used and it has proven its superiority in recent years. SIMBA has successfully integrated both online and simulation-based learning to support medical professionals' training during this critical period.