Skip to main content

Designing & Implementing Simulation-Based Mastery Learning Curricula

This comprehensive, multi-day course will help participants acquire the knowledge and skills needed to design and implement mastery learning curricula. Mastery learning is a rigorous form of competency-based medical education. Use of the mastery model has been shown to improve patient care quality and lower healthcare costs. Northwestern Simulation faculty are leading experts in using simulation-based mastery learning to develop and measure clinical skills.

Dates & Location

September 9-11, 2024

This course will be held in Chicago in person at Northwestern Simulation

Please inquire about holding this course at your institution for groups of 10 or more (simed@northwestern.edu).

Watch the course in action:

Still image from a video featuring a doctor with a video play button 

Publications

We demonstrate the benefits of mastery learning in the article "Impact of Simulation-based Mastery Learning on Resident Skill Managing Mechanical Ventilators."
Read article on PubMed

Podcast

Listen to our companion podcast, Simulation in Healthcare Education, to learn more about simulation-based mastery learning.
Listen on Spreaker

Course Co-Director

William McGaghie, PhD
Professor of Medical Education and Preventive Medicine

View McGaghie's Profile

Course Co-Director

Jeffrey H. Barsuk, MD, MS
Robert Hirschtick Professor of Medicine
Professor of Medicine and Medical Education
Executive Medical Director, Northwestern Simulation
View Barsuk's Profile

About the Course

 Topics Covered

After this course, participants will be able to:

  • Design simulation-based mastery learning curricula
  • Perform needs assessment
  • Modify existing curricula to align with mastery learning goals
  • Apply the concepts of deliberate practice to simulation-based mastery learning curricula
  • Select or develop instruments for outcomes assessment
  • Set performance standards to establish mastery learning goals
  • Rater training to ensure reliable assessment
  • Implement simulation-based mastery learning curricula
  • Create supportive learning environments needed for rigorous deliberate practice and robust performance feedback
  • Structure feedback and debriefing tailored to achieve mastery learning goals
  • Recognize the value of research and scholarship for program improvement and career advancement

 View additional course information.

Topics in this series are also covered in our publication "Comprehensive Healthcare Simulation: Mastery Learning In Health Professions Education."

 How to Apply

To apply, please submit the following materials though our online application portal:

  1. CV
  2. Two-page description of a curriculum that will serve as a foundation for your coursework

You will receive an email confirmation and further registration and payment instructions once your application has been reviewed.

 Fee & Payment

$1,500 for Northwestern Medicine affiliates.

$3,000 for external participants.*

*The external rate applies to those not affiliated with Northwestern University, Northwestern Medicine or any of its affiliated institutions. 

The course fee includes materials. Participants will receive a virtual copy of "Comprehensive Healthcare Simulation: Mastery Learning in Health Professions Education," the book written by our course faculty. Learn more about the book on our Publications page.

After you have submitted your application information, you will receive a follow-up email from simed@northwestern.edu regarding your application status. If accepted, you will receive payment instructions. Payment in full is required within 30 days of acceptance to the course. Failure to remit payment within 30 days may result in removal from the course.

Cancellations must be made in writing to Northwestern Simulation. The paid registration fee, minus a $200 administrative charge, will be refunded. No refunds granted within 30 days of course start.

 

 CME Credit & Additional Information

Course Directors: William McGaghie, PhD; Jeffrey H Barsuk, MD, MS

Additional Instructors: Anisha Kshetrapal, MD, MEd; Candace Mannarino, MD, Clara Schroedl, MD, MS; Celia O'Brien, PhD; David Salzman, MD, Diane Wayne, MD; Eric Hungness, MD; Ezra Teitelbaum, MD, MEd; Elaine Cohen, MEd, Gordon Wood, MD;  Heather Ballard, MD, Julia Vermylen, MD, MPH; and Mark Adler, MD, Mary Flores, RN, BSN; Peter Koenig, MD; Roy Soetikno, MD, Rebecca Harap, BSN, Susan Eller, RN, PhD; Tadika Tomita, MD MSCI.

Disclosure Statement: Mark Adler, MD; Susan Eller, RN, PhD; Rebecca Harap, BSN; Eric Hungness, MD; Peter Koenig, MD; Anisha Kshetrapal, MD, MS; Candace Mannarino, MD; Celia O’Brien, PhD; David Salzman, MD, MEd; Clara Schroedl, MD, MS; Ezra Teitelbaum, MD, MEd; Tad Tomita, MD; Julia Vermylen, MD, MPH; and Gordon Wood, MD, MSCI have nothing to disclose. Course directors, Dr. William McGaghie, PhD and Jeffrey Barsuk, MD have nothing to disclose. .

FSM’s CME Leadership and Staff have nothing to disclose: Clara J. Schroedl, MD, Medical Director of CME, Sheryl Corey, Director of CME, Allison McCollum, Senior Program Coordinator, and Rhea Alexis Banks, Administrative Assistant 2; and Michael John Rooney, Senior RSS Coordinator. 

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this activity, participants will be able to:

  1. Design simulation‐based mastery learning curricula
    - Perform a needs assessment
    - Modify existing curricula to align with mastery learning goals
    - Select of develop instruments for outcomes assessment
    - Set performance standards to establish mastery learning goals
  2. Implement simulation‐based mastery learning curricula
    - Create supportive learning environments needed for rigorous deliberate practice and robust performance feedback
    - Structure feedback and debriefing tailored to achieve mastery learning goals
  3. Recognize the value of research and scholarship for program improvement and career advancement

Target Audience: Medical educators who design or implement simulation curriculum

Accreditation Statement: The Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation Statement: The Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 24.25AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Follow Simulation on InstagramLinkedIn