The first conference on Standardized Patients took place in 2009 at the University of Bern. Following this event, the Berner Bildungszentrum Pflege, the Bern University of Applied Sciences Health, the Lausanne University of Applied Sciences Health and the Institute of Medical Education of the University of Bern joined to form an association called SPSIM. Its goal is to bring forward the use of Standardized Patients and Simulation in the education of health professionals by organizing a biannual conference.