Simulation in Surgical Education Course Offers Didactic and Hands-On Learning

Registration is open for the 2025 ACS Simulation in Surgical Education course. Simulation plays a critical role in helping students and trainees learn and practice skills in safe environments without concerns about harming patients. 

Teaching using simulation is most effective when based on established principles, as highlighted in this 4-day course, which takes place November 19–22 at the Washington Duke Inn/Surgical Education and Activities Lab in Durham, North Carolina.

Course participants will learn how simulation can teach and refine essential surgical skills, and fundamentals of surgical simulation will be introduced through interactive lectures and discussions. In addition, hands-on training via several types of simulators will be available, followed by practical experiences using simulation to teach and assess trainees.

The course is particularly well-suited for surgeons with no prior experience in simulation, as well as those transitioning away from clinical practice, nearing retirement, or who are already retired and wish to engage in surgical education and mentorship. No simulation experience is necessary to take part.

The course will address key topics in surgical simulation, including:

• Simulation-based training and deliberate practice
• Types of simulators and simulations (with an emphasis on feedback and debriefing)
• Hands-on experiences (modules from the ACS/Association for Surgical Education Medical Student Simulation-Based Surgical Skills Curriculum, Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery, Endoscopic and Robotic Simulation)

Other ACS co-branded simulation curricula and resources will also be discussed.

Learn more about the ACS Simulation in Surgical Education course and apply. Space is limited.

For more information, contact Krashina Hudson at khudson@facs.org.