Overview
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the Association for Surgical Education (ASE) have developed a new resource for medical school faculty entitled the ACS/ASE Medical Student Simulation-Based Surgical Skills Curriculum. This joint program, developed under the aegis of the ACS Division of Education, provides materials that use simulation and simulators to help medical students
- Have structured, uniform, and consistent learning experiences
- Acquire the essential surgical skills needed by all physicians
- Build a solid foundation for further training
The simulation-based modules can be used to teach clinical skills ranging from taking a history and physical and signing out a patient to inserting a central venous line with ultrasound guidance. The topics are aligned based on the year during which they are most commonly taught.
Module Features
The modules are self-contained and can be used either as freestanding learning activities or in a stepwise fashion as part of the entire curriculum. Modules can be implemented in a proctored small or large group setting, or individually. Features of the modules include the following:
- Objectives, assumptions, and suggested readings
- Step-by-step description of the techniques, tasks, and procedure with photographs
- Discussion of common errors
- Expert performance videos
- Assessment tool for scoring student performance and providing feedback
- Description of the simulation laboratory model, including suggested stations, supplies, and set up
Informational Webinar
Learn more about this curriculum, its design, and proposed use by viewing a previously recorded webinar.
Related Reading
The ACS Division of Education produces a diverse assortment of articles and publications that have educational value for all medical students who may be interested in a career in surgery. We encourage you to review the relevant articles below.
American Journal of Surgeons /Association for Surgical Education Medical Student Simulation-based Surgical Skills Curriculum
ACS/ASE Medical Student Simulation-Based Surgical Skills Curriculum Brochure
ACS/ASE Medical Student Simulation-Based Surgical Skills Curriculum Article (ACS Bulletin 2015): Online | PDF
Login Information
Access the ACS/ASE Medical Student Simulation-Based Surgical Skills Curriculum
For assistance, comments, or questions, contact Krashina Hudson, Administrator, Resident and Medical Student Curricula, khudson@facs.org or 312-202-5335.