Simulation Course for MOCA
The Northwestern Anesthesiology Center for Clinical Simulation (NACCS), operated by the Department of Anesthesiology, is an ASA-endorsed simulation center and part of the ASA Simulation Education Network.
We offer high-fidelity, hands-on simulation training for ABA Diplomates to meet the following certification requirements:
- MOCA Part 4: Improvement in Medical Practice (25 points)
- ABA Patient Safety Credits (7.5 CME credits)
Upcoming Courses
- Dec. 6 — Full
- Dec. 13 — Full
What to Expect
Participants will receive an orientation to the simulation environment and patient mannequin at the beginning of this single-day course. The participants will provide team-based patient care covering a range of perioperative critical events in various settings.
Each participant will play an active role as the primary anesthesia care provider for at least one scenario and serve as a helper or observer for the other scenarios. Building on the basic components of hypoxemia and hemodynamic disturbances, simulated clinical events will also incorporate complex or rare critical events as well as challenges in teamwork and communication.
This course is not a test, and performance is not graded. Instead, each scenario is accompanied by a detailed, interactive peer debriefing led by an instructor. Advanced preparation is not necessary.
For additional information, please contact us at moca@northwestern.edu or call us at 312-926-8050.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I arrange taking the course with a group of my peers?
We are happy to accommodate groups of anesthesiologists. We highly recommend that one of the group members calls to make sure that there are enough spots available for the entire group before anyone registers. Once you confirm that there are enough spaces on the date you wish to attend, all parties in your group should register ASAP. We are unable to hold spots for certain individuals.
How many spots are available on the course date in which I'm interested?
Please call 312-926-8050, and we will let you know how many spots are available at that moment. Please note that this number is not guaranteed to last, as we cannot hold spots for participants.
I have a food allergy/restriction. Will there be something for me to eat?
The registration page will allow you to indicate any food restrictions or allergies you may have. We will order breakfast and lunch for the group, taking into account your needs.
After I attend the course, how will I get my MOCA credit?
We will notify the ASA that you plan to attend a MOCA Simulation Course at Northwestern University. You will need to complete a course evaluation and Practice Improvement Plan within three days of the course conclusion. We encourage you to complete this at the end of the class; we will provide computers.
Beginning 30 days after your course, you will receive three monthly reminders from the ASA to complete a web-based attestation that includes a description of your Practice Improvement Plan. Once this is completed, the ASA will notify the ABA of your completion of the Simulation requirement of the Part 4 MOCA.
I need to complete my Part 4 MOCA Simulation requirement in 2025. If I take the course in December of 2025, will I receive credit in time for it to count toward 2025?
Yes. The diplomate’s records are documented with the date of actual training.
Will I receive CME credit for taking the course?
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the American Society of Anesthesiologists and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. The ACCME accredits the American Society of Anesthesiologists to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists designates this live activity for a maximum of 7.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Will my performance during the course be evaluated?
This course is not a test and performance is not graded. Rather, each scenario is accompanied by a detailed, interactive peer debriefing led by an instructor. Advance preparation is not necessary. No report or record of performance is given to the ABA.
How much does the course cost?
For participants who register more than six weeks in advance, the cost is $2,200. Course fees are subject to change.
How will I interact with the other participants?
Some parts of the course involve presentations to and discussions with the entire group of participants. The course contains several case scenarios. Participants rotate through different roles in the scenarios (such as the primary anesthesiologist and one or more anesthesiologists who might respond if the primary person calls for help). Other roles in the rotation might involve observing a scenario in real-time on video. All participants from various roles will undergo a facilitated debriefing together, allowing all viewpoints to be heard.