Marshall (Mark) Smith, MD, PhD
System Director of Simulation and Innovation
Banner Health
Marshall (Mark) Smith received his MD and PhD at the University of Texas and completed a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology in Phoenix, Ariz.  He subsequently spent twenty years in private practice while also serving as teaching faculty. During this time, he pioneered several procedures in operative laparoscopy in the 1980s which are still used today. 

He became active in telemedicine and established numerous tele-clinics and programs at Banner Health, and is presently the Director of Endoscopic Training in ObGyn and the Medical Director of Telemedicine there.

Most recently he helped to conceptualize, develop and build one of the largest simulation training in the country, the Banner Good Samaritan Simulation and Education Training Center, and now also serves as the System Director of Simulation and Innovation for Banner Health.

He is active in the American Association of Gynecological Laparoscopists, Society of Laparo-endoscopic Surgeons, Society for Simulation in Healthcare, and recently served on the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Presidential Task Force which provides recommendations for the integration of simulation training into ObGyn residencies in the United States.

Carol Noe, MS
Regional Director of Simulation and Innovation
Banner Health, Arizona Region
Prior to developing a personal interest in simulation training, Carol Noe had a long history of clinical experience in both Acute Medical Speech-Language Pathology and traditional procedural skills-based training.  While it was still in the conceptual and development state, she assumed the position of Director of Operations of the Simulation Education and Training Center at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, destined to become one of the largest such centers in the Western United States at over 6000 square feet.

She was personally responsible for the development of multiple simulation curricula for physicians, residents, medical students, nurses, and allied health personnel, and presently she is also directing the integration of team training protocols into the training curricula of the Center.

Under her guidance and direction, this Center has developed into one of the most active centers in the U.S. by the virtue of having provided over 5000 user trainings sessions in its first year alone.

She has just assumed the role of Director of Simulation and Innovation for Banner Health, Arizona Region; and in that position will also serve as the Director of the new 55,000 sq ft Banner Mesa Simulation Training Center.

Michael Armacost, MA
Regional Director of Simulation and Innovation
Western Region

Armacost has more than 30 years experience in medicine, education and instructor development.  He has worked clinically in the pre-hospital setting, Emergency department and critical care.  He holds a bachelor's in Emergency Health Services from the University of Maryland and a master's in Information and Learning Technologies from the University of Colorado at Denver.  He has extensive experience in designing national curriculum and practice standards, and speaks at state and national conferences.

For the last twenty years, his interest and focus has been on using technology to enhance medical education and quality.  This work has included designing and developing highly interactive computer-based simulations.  His interest in using technology to improve human performance has led to working with high-fidelity simulators to teach and maintain competency of complex medical skills, communication and crisis management.