Fellow

By pursuing a simulation fellowship, you learn to become a true leader in the emergency room. Fellows get involved with writing and evaluating cases, but also participate in inter-department level team training sessions. You not only get to stay up-to-date with the medical technologies out there, but also serve as a leading educator while experiencing the fun side of simulation by leading Sim Wars at national competitions.

Like emergency medicine (EM), simulation is very broad. Currently, two simulation tracks are available for the EM-trained resident. These include going through a one-year fellowship after EM residency and a two-year fellowship that combines the simulation training with a Master in Education (MEd) or a Master in Business and Administration (MBA). Alternatively, while most simulation fellowships that are available are catered towards someone who has completed their EM residency, some simulation fellowships are available to medical doctors of other fields such as surgery, medicine, and OB-GYN, as well as nurses and other healthcare professionals.

There are currently over 50 simulation programs offered, however there are more out there that may not be listed on SAEM's Fellowship Directory or Emergency Medicine Residents' Association (EMRA) Match. While specific requirements may differ with each institution, most include:

• Applicant must have graduated from or have successfully completed their third year of an approved Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) residency program in EM.
• Successful completion of United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) / Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) parts one, two, and three.
• A record of achievement in medical education, as provided by letters of recommendation*, publications, and/or teaching evaluations is desired (but not required).
• Curriculum vitae (CV) and personal statement.
• A pre-admission health review and current immunization record are required before the start of the fellowship. Perspective fellows must pass a criminal background check and drug test. Board certification may or may not be mandated depending on the institution.
• While simulation is a fellowship of growing interest, it still may not offer as many positions nationally as other EM fellowships, so it's important to reach out to institutions you may be potentially interested in applying to.
• This fellowship does not go through the ERAS match process. Refer to the specific institution for guidance on the application cycle and what is required.
• Additionally, as a simulation fellow you will be working with different fields ranging from surgery to anesthesiology to pediatrics. It's important to be ready to serve as a leader for not just EM but also other fields you will be working with.

*Each simulation fellowship may differ from another. Some may require a minimum of three letters of recommendation, so make sure to do your research first!