Northwestern Anesthesiology Center for Clinical Simulation

Northwestern Anesthesiology Center for Clinical Simulation (NACCS) at Northwestern Medicine is maintained by the Department of Medical Education and the Department of Anesthesiology. NACCS was created to further enhance medical education and patient safety and to provide the American Board of Anesthesiology’s Maintenance of Certification in Anesthesiology course (MOCA).

Learn more about or register for our Simulation Course for MOCA.

What We Do

Northwestern Anesthesiology Center for Clinical Simulation is equipped with state-of-the-art, high-fidelity, full-body patient simulators, Tele-sim, virtual simulators, Task trainers, audiovisual equipment for debriefing purposes, and much more, along with staff to provide realistic simulated clinical events and to provide education on multiple levels, ranging from assistance with scenario design and technical support up to and including comprehensive curriculum design and course delivery.

NACCS benefits not only the educational programs of our department but also brings unique educational opportunities to the entire Northwestern medical community and beyond. Its audience includes practicing anesthesiologists, residents from multiple specialties, CRNAs and students, medical students, hospital nursing staff, and visitors from the community.

Participants conduct "patient care" experiences at NACCS in a controlled environment. An instructor or facilitator monitors their actions and interventions and controls the physiologic outcomes of the "patient." Performance may be videotaped so participants and instructors can later review and discuss the experience. The NACCS is permanently housed within an actual operating suite, giving an authentic feel to the educational experience. A separate conference room is used for discussions, review of sessions, and additional study.

Anesthesiology faculty actively participate in simulation training and many routinely train residents during the weekly Simulation Tactical Training sessions. In addition, CA-2 and CA-3 residents create and direct training scenarios for these sessions. Fellows also provide simulation instruction. See our page on the residency program’s curriculum for more information.