November 19–22, 2025 | Duke University, Durham, NC
The ACS Simulation in Surgical Education Course is a three-day, train-the-trainer program for surgeons, focusing on surgical simulation, teaching strategies, and assessment techniques across specialties. Participants will explore different simulators, feedback methods (pre-briefing, observation, debriefing), deliberate practice, assessment tools, and curriculum development, with an emphasis on medical students and residents. Hands-on activities will include sim-based teaching, peer feedback, and instruction for residents and students. The course also covers simulation center management, financial models, and equipment management. The course was developed in response to growing interest in simulation-based training, especially with advancements in laparoscopic, endoscopic, and robotic surgery. As simulation centers evolve, trained faculty are essential for teaching these technologies. The impact of the course extends beyond participants, as they can influence teaching and curriculum development at their institutions. This year, based on feedback, roundtable discussions on key topics and the theoretical foundation of simulation will be added.
Many simulation centers find it challenging to secure expert faculty who are able and willing to teach using simulation. This course would be especially valuable to faculty who are already involved or want to be involved and will train a cadre of surgeons who could assist in teaching and assessing the skills of residents and medical students. No previous experience with simulation is necessary. Surgeons who are stepping away from clinical duties, nearing retirement, or in retirement and want to remain engaged and share their expertise with the next generation of surgeons are especially encouraged to apply. Training will specifically focus on fundamental skills applicable to all surgical specialties.
Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to:
Do not miss the opportunity to attend this dynamic and inspiring course.
The American College of Surgeons is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The fee for the course is $2,890 and covers tuition, all course materials, transportation to the simulation center, all meals, and break refreshments. Additional details will be enclosed with the letters of notification.
AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ for this course have not yet been finalized.
Note: To complete your registration for the course and secure your spot, please submit your application along with the FULL payment of $2,890.
For additional information, contact Krashina S. Hudson, MS, Senior Administrator, Resident and Medical Student Curricula, at khudson@facs.org or 312-202-5335 or Michelle R. Armstrong, MAED, MA, C-TAGME, Senior Manager, Programs to Enhance Resident and Medical Student at marmstrong@facs.org.
Robert Acton, MD, FACS
Dr. Robert Acton is a professor of surgery and pediatrics at the University of Minnesota. He is trained as a pediatric surgeon with a strong interest in surgical education and simulation to acquire technical skills for medical students and residents. He is an active member of the American College of Surgeons, the Association for Surgical Education, and the American Pediatric Surgical Association. He has served in many leadership roles at the University of Minnesota, including clerkship director, associate program director in surgery, and chief of staff of the University of Minnesota Medical Center. He is currently the Surgeon-in-Chief of the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital. Dr. Acton has been involved in developing and refining the ACS/ASE Medical Student Simulation-based Surgical Skills Curriculum since its inception.
Andre Campbell, MD, FACS, FACP, FCCM, MAMSE
Dr. Campbell is a professor of surgery at the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine. In addition, he is also an attending trauma surgeon at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center. Dr. Campbell is fully trained in internal medicine, general surgery, and surgical critical care. His research and clinical interest have been the ICU care of trauma patients, acute lung injury after trauma, abdominal compartment syndrome, and surgical education. He was selected to serve on the Verification Review Committee of the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma and has served on the Board of Governors of the American College of Surgeons Executive Committee. Dr. Campbell is the current president of the Society of Black Academic Surgeons.
Krystle Campbell, DHA, MSMS, CHSE, FACHDM
Dr. Campbell is the Director of Simulation Center Operations at the UT Southwestern Simulation Center, Dallas, Texas. She designs and implements cutting-edge simulation learning experiences. As a tutor in the University of Edinburg's Master of Patient Safety program, Dr. Campbell provides tutelage to learners internationally on the effective adoption of simulation to improve patient care. She is Chair of the Society for Simulation in Healthcare External Relations Committee and is affiliated with esteemed bodies such as the American College of Surgeons and the American College of Healthcare Executives. She has a Certificate in Healthcare Education and is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Data and Management. Dr. Campbell has distinguished herself as one of fewer than 50 globally with a master's degree in medical and healthcare simulation. Her laurels include graduating with first honors from the Medical University of South Carolina's Doctor of Health Program.
Daniel J. Scott, MD, FACS
Dr. Scott is Assistant Dean of Simulation and Student Integration and holds the Frank H. Kidd Jr., M.D., Distinguished Professorship in Surgery. He practices as a general surgeon who specializes in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery. He has served as the director of a multi-department simulation program, Vice Chair of Education, and Residency Program Director in the Department of Surgery, and is currently Program Director of the Minimally Invasive/Bariatric Surgery Fellowship. In 2016, Dr. Scott became Director of the UT Southwestern Simulation Center, which hosts events for all departments and has over 25,000 annual learner encounters. Dr. Scott is nationally and internationally recognized as an expert in medical education and has authored 225 publications, including landmark studies in surgical simulation. He has also served in numerous national leadership roles, including President of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), the Fellowship Council, and the Association for Surgical Education (ASE).
Ranjan Sudan, MD, MBBS, FACS | Course Chair
Dr. Sudan is a professor of surgery and psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC. He is past vice-chair and past director of the Surgical Education and Activities Lab (SEAL) at Duke University for thirteen years. His interests include curriculum development and implementation. Clinical areas of expertise include robotic surgery, minimally invasive foregut, bariatric surgery, and curriculum development and implementation. He is also the Course Director and Project Lead of the Integrated National Curriculum in Surgical Education (INCISE), an American College of Surgeons product. Dr. Sudan is the past President of the Association for Surgical Education.
Ajit K. Sachdeva, MD, FACS, FRCSC, FSACME, MAMSE
Director, ACS Division of Education
Patrice Gabler Blair, DrPH, MPH
Associate Director, ACS Division of Education