The Mayo Clinic Multidisciplinary Simulation Centers are dedicated to improving clinical learning and patient care and reducing patient risk through the use of new technologies coupled with realistic medical scenarios and educational debriefings.

The simulation centers offer state-of-the-art devices and training modules that allow learners to practice specific diagnostic and surgical techniques.

Several types of training are available and can be incorporated into different medical scenarios or events.

Three main methods of training include:

• High-fidelity training. Lifelike situations are used to suspend disbelief and allow learners to practice procedural and decision-making skills in a safe environment. Life-size patient manikins, trained medical actors, and a range of medical equipment can be used to conduct training in areas such as patient resuscitation and assessment, and interpersonal team communication.
• Task training. Learners are given the chance to focus on key elements of a task or skill at their own level. Special trainers are available to enhance skills used in laparoscopic surgery, airway management, vascular procedures and more.
• Virtual reality training. Learners interact with a synthetic (virtual) environment displayed on a computer screen or through special or stereoscopic displays. Some simulations include additional sensory information, such as sound provided through speakers or headphones or tactile feedback built into the software. Virtual reality can be used for advanced training in complex medical procedures, such as carotid stent placement or other minimally invasive surgeries or procedures.

Simulation center activities engage these specialty areas:

• Allergy and immunology
• Anesthesiology
• Cardiology
• Critical care medicine
• Colorectal surgery
• Emergency medicine
• Family medicine
• Gastroenterology
• General surgery
• Hematology and oncology
• Infectious diseases
• Internal medicine
• Neurology and neurosurgery
• Nursing
• Obstetrics and gynecology
• Ophthalmology
• Orthopedics
• Otorhinolaryngology
• Pediatrics
• Preventive medicine
• Pulmonary medicine
• Quality and safety
• Radiation oncology
• Radiology
• Respiratory therapy
• Urology
• Vascular surgery
• Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
• Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences:
  • Cardiac perfusion
  • Clinical Research Internship Study Program
  • Echocardiography
  • Nuclear medicine
  • Nursing anesthesia
  • Pharmacy
  • Physical therapy
  • Respiratory care
  • Sonography

Mayo Clinic educators collaborate with simulation center education specialists to determine learning objectives and develop curriculum, then work closely with teams at each campus to deliver simulation education to their learners.