Medical Education

Right now, our next generation of physicians, scientists and allied health professionals is training in Mayo Medical School, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education and Mayo School of Health Sciences, while experienced health care professionals are honing and expanding their skills in courses offered by Mayo School of Continuous Professional Development.

Recognizing the stakes involved in health care — human lives — and the benefits of hands-on learning, Mayo Clinic has built medical simulation facilities at its campuses in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota.

Just as aspiring pilots train in flight simulators before commanding an airplane full of passengers, medical simulation facilities empower Mayo students to learn critical skills in a safe, supervised environment.

"Given the complexity of today's medicine, it's vital that health care professionals master new technologies, equipment and procedures before working directly with patients," says Terrence L. Cascino, M.D., the Juanita Kious Waugh Executive Dean for Education at Mayo Clinic.

Mayo Clinic's Multidisciplinary Simulation Center — which includes simulation laboratories; debriefing rooms; classrooms; and advanced equipment for recording, reviewing and controlling the complexity of simulations — gives students three ways to learn:

• Task trainers. From removing a gallbladder to performing a knee aspiration, these sophisticated, computerized learning modules allow surgeons and physicians to rehearse procedures.
• High-fidelity mannequins. These life-size mannequins physiologically respond to treatment, enabling students to practice patient care in a no-risk environment.
• Standardized patients. Trained actors play the roles of patients with different symptoms and diseases, making it possible for learners to sharpen their diagnostic and bedside skills on real people.

Health care professionals educated at Mayo Clinic make a difference around the world — today, more than 20,000 alumni are practicing medicine and conducting research throughout the U.S. and in more than 90 other countries.

Your contribution can ensure that our next generation of health care professionals continue to receive high-quality, patient-centered medical education at Mayo Clinic. Please give online or call 800-297-1185 (toll-free) to discuss your gift today.