Surgical Education and Simulation Research Fellowship Positions at AEI-Accredited Fellowship Programs

The Fellowship Program of the Consortium of ACS Accredited Education Institutes (AEI) was established to improve the quality of surgical care by developing future leaders and scholars in the area of surgical education, simulation, and training. Only ACS AEIs are eligible to accredit their fellowship programs. Check back here regularly for updates on available fellowships at these accredited programs.

Parkview Health

Fort Wayne, IN

Number of Positions Offered: 1
Start Month: July
Duration: 1 year

Parkview Health is currently seeking a Surgical Education and Simulation Research Physician Fellow to join the team at our Parkview Mirro Advanced Simulation Lab in Fort Wayne, IN.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Completion of at least two years of a MD or DO surgical or anesthesia residency program
• Current CV
• Two letters of recommendation
• Statement of interest

Parkview Mirro Advanced Medical Simulation Lab ACS AEI Fellowship Program Goals:

• Equip surgical educators to effectively incorporate simulation into medical education curricula
• Enhance the professional development of surgeon educators in simulation methodology and best practices
• Prepare surgical educators for leadership roles in simulation-based medical education. Our faculty for the ACS AEI Fellowship program will include experts in their specific fields ranging from simulation-based education and curriculum design experts to PhD research scientists.

The Advanced Medical Simulation Lab at the Parkview Mirro Center for Research and Innovation is a state-of-the-art facility that offers a diverse array of educational modalities and deliveries, including virtual-reality clinical simulators, procedural task trainers, mobile simulation units, and highly adaptable simulated environments equipped with high-fidelity patient simulators.

Our experienced staff works closely with subject-matter experts to support clinical professionals of varying scope and skill as they strive to meet their learning objectives. The goal of the Advanced Simulation program is to expose learners to complex high risk scenarios that enhance quality, patient safety and clinical outcomes.

All applications will be reviewed beginning December 1, 2024.

Apply Now!

UCSF Surgical Skills Center

San Francisco, CA 

Number of Positions Offered: 1
Start Month: July
Duration: 2 years 

The two-year fellowship program prepares motivated surgical simulation scholars and practitioners for leadership roles in academic surgical programs and to engage in surgical education scholarship. This will be accomplished by immersion in the UCSF Surgical Skills Center’s educational activities that include instruction and curricula development and research activities that include development of innovative simulation, studying the effect of teaching and learning in simulation with a particular emphasis on robotic surgery. 

In addition, the fellows will:

• Enroll in the Health Professions Education (HPE) Pathway to learn the methods for teaching strategies, curriculum development and learning theory
• Serve as teaching instructors in the Surgical Skills Center
• Develop simulation curriculum
• Develop grant writing skills
• Undertake at least one research study
• Present at national conferences
• Collaborate on innovative research with industry partners

Eligibility Requirements and Supporting Documents: 

• Relocation to the Bay Area required 
• Ability to work in the US without sponsorship
• Completion of at least two years of a MD or DO residency program
• Current CV
• One Letter of support from the chair of the department or program director
• Personal statement defining career goals, reason for interest in the fellowship program, and current activities in surgical education research and simulation 

Contact Information 

Interested applicants should contact Catherine Sutherland at catherine.sutherland@ucsf.edu

The Houston Methodist Institute for Technology, Innovation and Education (MITIE)

Houston, TX

Number of Positions Offered: 1-2
Start Month: July 
Duration: 1 year

Selected fellow will develop a portfolio of meaningful research and is expected to present broadly at national peer reviewed scientific meetings. Fellows will participate in the education activities of the department and institution. Fellowship experience consists of mentored education and simulation research, development of curriculum for medical students and residents and formal instruction in medical education principles. We are an integrated academic department of surgery with vast educational resources including MITIE, the Houston Methodist Institute for Technology, Innovation & Education.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Completion of at least two years of a MD or DO residency program, or for non-physicians a minimum advanced degree equivalent to a Master’s degree or a terminal degree and two years of relevant work experience from a surgical oriented or anesthesia residency
• Current CV
• 1 Letter of support from the Chair of the Department or Program Director
• Personal statement defining career goals, plan to achieve these goals, and the anticipated impact from participating in the Fellowship Program

Contact Information 

Interested applicants should contact Kristina McDonald at KMcdonald@houstonmethodist.org.

Learn more

Ohio Health

Columbus, OH

Number of Positions Offered: 1
Start Month: July/August
Duration: 1–2 years

The Fellowship in Simulation develops individuals to become leaders in simulation-based healthcare education. Fellows will be involved in simulation scenario development and implementation, advanced adult learning theory, curriculum development for both surgical and non-surgical specialties, program evaluation/assessment, and operational issues related to simulation centers. Ample opportunities are available and encouraged for research. The primary educational site for active fellows is the Center for Medical Education and Innovation (CME-I) at Riverside Methodist Hospital, although there are added experiences at other centers within OhioHealth in addition to national simulation courses and conferences.

Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to medical education and incorporation of simulation-based education into their future careers. While the fellowship is accredited by the American College of Surgeons, applications will be accepted from physicians outside of surgical specialties. For those wishing to pursue clinical opportunities, a combined fellowship/work schedule may be possible. Fellows may be able to complete advanced educational degrees during the fellowship through our academic partners.

Learn more

For more information or to apply, contact William DeVoe, MD, FACS, program director, at sim-fellowship@ohiohealth.com. Applicants should submit a CV, cover letter, and two letters of recommendation.

Goodman Surgical Education Center in the Department of Surgery at Stanford University

Stanford, CA

Number of Positions Offered: 1
Start Month: July
Duration: 2 years

The Goodman Surgical Education Center (GSEC) has one open research fellowship position for a current surgical resident interested in medical education. The enrollment period for this program would be July 1, 2025 through June 30th, 2027. This is a two-year, funded position intended for a current surgical resident at the PGY 2 or PGY 3 level. The applicant must be enrolled in an ACGME-accredited General Surgery program. The estimated annual salary for the position is $73,800.

This is an American College of Surgeons – Education Institutes Accredited Fellowship in Simulation and Education in Surgery. The intent of the fellowship is to equip surgeons with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for leadership positions in undergraduate and graduate medical education. This fellowship program has trained surgical residents in education for over fifteen years and has established a track record in mentoring education research arcs, outstanding teachers, and careers in surgical education.

The fellowship consists of extensive opportunities in education research, formal training in grant writing, medical education, curriculum design and implementation, program evaluation, and simulation as a teaching method. Opportunities to be involved in the administrative side of sim center operations are offered, active involvement in teaching medical students on the surgical clerkship is expected. Many past fellows have simultaneously enrolled in and completed an MHPE program during their training, this opportunity is encouraged but not required.  

This is a hybrid position that will require weekly onsite availability. The Goodman Surgical Education Center is located in the hospital on 300 Pasteur Drive, next to main Stanford University Campus in Palo Alto, CA. 

The application window for the Goodman Surgical Education Fellowship will remain open until the position is filled. Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis and qualified candidates will be contacted directly for interview. All interviews will be conducted virtually.

To apply, fill out the online application.

A current CV, letter of interest, and two letters of recommendation are required.

If you have any questions regarding the application process, submission of materials, or the program, please inquire with Robyn Foote, rfoote@stanford.edu.

Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Department of Surgery

Boston, MA

Number of Positions Offered: 3
Start Month: July
Duration of Fellowship: 1-2 years

The Surgical Education and Simulation Research Fellowship in the Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Surgery is dedicated to training fellows to be academic surgical leaders in the field of surgical education, research, and simulation.

The existing simulation-based education fellowship curriculum is particularly robust and culminates in a Teaching and Learning Certificate with a concentration in health care simulation, which is offered by the affiliated Mass General Institute of Health Professions (a graduate school founded by Mass General). There is also the possibility that fellows will be able to obtain a master's in health professions education through the Mass General Institute of Health Professions.

Learn more

To apply, email a cover letter, Curriculum Vitae and letter of recommendation from a supervisor (Program Director, Dept Chief or equivalent) to mghserg@mgb.org.

Indiana University Department of Surgery Surgical Skills Center

Indianapolis, IN

Number of Positions Offered: 1
Start Month: July
Duration: 2 years

Indiana University (IU) is an internationally recognized name in surgical education and surgical education research. The IU Surgical Education Research Fellowship is a two (2)-year professional development opportunity for general surgery and integrated surgical subspecialty trainees with an interest in surgical education. Fellows will gain experience in surgical simulation and in designing, implementing, and evaluating multidisciplinary educational curricula. Additionally, fellows will design, implement, analyze, present, and publish research projects in their field(s) of focus. The scope of impact for these activities will include the IU Department of Surgery, with opportunities for national and international collaboration with other public and private education, simulation, and research centers.

Fellows will be expected to present their works of scholarship at Surgical Education Week (the joint meeting of the Association for Surgical Education and the Association for Program Directors in Surgery); at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress Education Forum; and, as a requirement of ACS-AEI accreditation, at the annual ACS-AEI Surgical Simulation Summit in Chicago, IL. Through these activities, fellows will have access to thought leaders, experienced mentors, previous surgical education fellows, and their peers in surgical education.

For more information and to apply, email Dimitrios Stefanidis, MD, PhD, FACS at dimstefa@iu.edu.

UT Center for Advanced Medical Simulation

Knoxville, TN

Number of Positions Offered: 1
Start Month: July
Duration: 1-2 years

One and two-year fellowship options are available. The two-year fellowship option will involve taking classes from the University of Tennessee College of Education and will lead to a Master’s Degree in Education. Our curriculum is geared toward both ACS-AEI fellowship and CHSE certification requirements. The fellow will complete at least one research project per fellowship year, be actively involved in ongoing UTCAMS research projects, work collaboratively with other academic departments, submit at least one simulation or research grant, and develop and assess new simulation-based curricula/programs. In addition, the fellow will attend weekly and monthly UTCAMS meetings and at least two national simulation conferences.

For the Master’s Degree Program (2-Year Fellowship) an individualized plan will be created, including several core educational classes and a complement of courses more specific to the fellow’s clinical interest in medical simulation. A typical work week consists of four simulation/education days which are spent in the simulation center, bioskills lab, or classroom and one administrative day that can be used for self-study, research projects, or clinical duties.

Learn more

For more information and to apply, contact Melinda Klar, Fellowship Coordinator, at 865-305-4626 or at mklar@utmck.edu.

WWAMI Institute for Simulation in Healthcare

Seattle, WA

Number of Positions Offered: 1–2
Start Month: July
Duration: 1 year

The Pellegrini-Oelschlager Endowed Fellowship in Surgical Simulation and Fellowship in Healthcare Simulation Science

With a mission to improve the health of the public through simulation science, the Division of Healthcare Simulation Science at the University of Washington (UW) strives to improve the quality of health care education through technology and innovation.

The Fellowship in Healthcare Simulation Science leverages UW's expertise in engineering, computer science, robotics, 3D printing, material science, digital art, physical sculpting, and molding; while delivering a first-rate education and research experience. The program is designed to advance the safety and practice of health care education by providing learners with an environment where they can learn and practice skills before ever using them on a patient.

The goal of the Fellowship in Healthcare Simulation Science is to provide a foundation for creating international leaders in development, evaluation, and delivery of medical education curricula enhanced by simulation technologies. The Fellow will be involved in simulation classes for medical students and residents as well as in the design and implementation of all surgical simulation activities.

Upon completion of this program, the Simulation Fellow will gain experience in simulation education theory and practice. The fellow will also develop their own technical skills through an array of simulation and research activities.

Learn more

To apply, fill out the online application. A current CV; personal statement; and two letters of recommendation are required. For more information, please contact rssched@uw.edu.

Lahey Center for Professional Development and Simulation

Burlington, MA

Number of Positions Offered: 1-2
Start Month: July
Duration: 1 year

Lahey Hospital & Medical Center in Burlington Massachusetts is recruiting applicants for a one-year Simulation Fellowship in Health Professions Education starting July 1. The goal of this fellowship is to create leaders in medical education who are particularly interested in the use of simulation training to maximize student learning and help achieve institutional educational, patient safety and quality goals. Graduates of the Fellowship Program will obtain the skills necessary to lead graduate and postgraduate medical education programs as well as conduct research to advance the field of medical education through simulation.

Fellowship Objectives:

• Describe the educational theories, tools and structures relevant to medical education and simulation
• Apply relevant educational theories, tools and structures
• Independently develop and implement curricula in simulation environments
• Contribute academically in a meaningful way to the field of education and/or simulation

Fellowship Curriculum:

Educational Theory and Curricular Design: Through local on-site course work and affiliated off-site classes at The Shapiro Institute Medical Education Scholarship Program, the fellow will learn how to apply educational theory to optimize learning. They will implement key principles of curricular design by designing curricula, teaching courses, and assessing the effectiveness of learning and programs.

Administration and leadership: Through local on-site course work, the fellow will learn and apply key principles of educational program administration and leadership, including academic career development, difficult conversations, leadership styles and the creation of an educational portfolio.
Technology support and simulation: Lahey houses an extremely comprehensive array of simulation technology as well as a robust micro-manufacturing facility. The fellow will work with experienced simulation technologists to gain the necessary skill in its implementation in educational programs and research.

Research and design methodology: The fellow will participate in the Research in Medical Education Seminar, a program which focuses on research questions, theoretical frameworks and methods in medical education research. Fellows will also participate in the monthly research meeting. The fellow will receive mentorship support that will allow them to complete and disseminate multiple projects as presentations and peer reviewed manuscripts.

Team training and assessment: The fellow will participate in all simulation sessions and participate as learner, assistant and then faculty in simulation center team training sessions such as intern boot camp and our mandatory CRICO simulation-based team training. They will demonstrate their abilities to lead and debrief these sessions and obtain feedback with opportunities for deliberate practice.

Learn more

To apply, send a current CV, personal statement (up to 1 page) outlining current and future career goals, and a letter of recommendation from the program director at your current institution to Dmitry Nepomnayshy, MD, FACS and Erin Brady.