The WISH ACS-AEI Simulation Fellowship
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE HEALTHCARE SIMULATION SCIENCE FELLOWSHIP for 2027 -2028!
2027 - 2028 PELLEGRINI-OELSCHLAGER ENDOWED FELLOWSHIP Application is Closed
Accepting appliCATIONS for 2028 - 2029!
Left image: Simulation Fellow Jonathan Wingate, MD giving presentation
Right image: Simulation Fellow Martin Palavecino, MD (center) with Dr. Carlos Pellegrini (right)
About the WISH ACS-AEI Simulation Fellowship
With a mission to improve the health of the public through simulation science, the Division of Healthcare Simulation Science (HCSS) at the University of Washington strives to advance the quality of healthcare education through technology and innovation.
Our program is designed to position fellows as future leaders in healthcare simulation. Fellows gain expertise in simulation center operations, modalities, education theory, and practice, as well as develop technical skills through hands-on simulation and research activities. In addition, they have the opportunity to bring their ideas to life by working with our multidisciplinary team of engineers, artists, educators, and clinicians to build their own simulator. Through this process, they build a professional portfolio recognized by healthcare educators and practitioners worldwide.
By the end of the fellowship, fellows are well prepared to lead, evaluate, and deliver simulation enhanced curricula to shape the future of healthcare education on a national and international stage.
This fellowship is not a terminal degree. For candidates seeking one, they should consider exploring UW's Master of Science in Healthcare Simulation Education.
Fellowships Offered
HCSS offers two followship pathways, and candidates are welcome to apply to both. The fellowships share the same program requirements, curriculum, and opportunities.
THE PELLEGRINI-OELSCHLAGER ENDOWED FELLOWSHIP IN SURGICAL SIMULATION
(Position filled for 2027 - 2028. Accepting Applications for 2028 - 2029)
This is a competitive, one-year fellowship funded by an endowment, which covers the salary and benefits of the fellow. In addition, travel expenses for fellowship-related conferences and mandatory meetings are paid for by HCSS.
Depending on funding availability, the fellowship may also cover formal didactic coursework, including two credit-bearing courses (HCSS 501 and HCSS 502) from the Master of Science Healthcare Simulation Education program, to further support the fellow's training.
THE HEALTHCARE SIMULATION SCIENCE FELLOWSHIP
This fellowship is a one‑year appointment funded by the fellow or the fellow’s home institution or government agency. Support may be financial, in spirit, or both. While the position is self‑funded, HCSS will cover travel costs for all mandatory conferences and meetings.
Curriculum
The fellowship is structured to provide a balanced, immersive experience across education, research, and professional development. Over the course of the fellowship, fellows typically dedicate:
40% of their time to curriculum development
40% to research
20% to personal skill building*
*For candidates licensed in Washington State, this time (0.2 FTE across the duration of the fellowship) may also include maintaining or advancing clinical skills, alongside continued development of technical skills.
By the end of the fellowship, fellows are expected to accomplish the following goals:
Curriculum Development:
Develop four full curricula, with at least one focused on team performance.
Serve as an active member of the Curriculum and Assessment Council (or equivalent).
Research:
Submit 3 papers.
Provided the support to design and build at least one simulator, working closely with The Center for Research Education and Simulation Technologies (CREST) at The University of Washington.
Design and/or execute at least one multi-center validity study.
Leadership and Personal Skill Building:
Adhere to an individualized plan to maintain and advance clinical skills.
Prepare and co-teach simulation courses.
Create a vision and plan for the development of a simulation center using ACS-AEI criteria as a model.
Work with the HCSS director to document a programmatic vision, outlining goals for the fellow's continued growth and future career path.
Eligibility Requirements
Successful fellowship candidates typically demonstrate a strong leadership background and a genuine interest and experience in simulation-based education. Final decisions rest with the fellowship director and, where applicable, the funding institution.
Applicants for the Fellowship in Healthcare Simulation Science must meet the following criteria:
Hold an MD or DO.
Be enrolled in or have completed a residency from a medically-oriented field.
International Applicants: We strongly encourage applications from international candidates with a goal to develop a simulation center or program in their home country. Applicants should provide documentation from their institution specifically demonstrating support for this goal, including their intent for the applicant to lead an aspect of their simulation program.
How to Apply
Applicants must provide the following:
A completed application
A current curriculum vitae (CV)
A personal statement describing your interest in healthcare simulation and why you are pursuing this fellowship
A letter of recommendation from your institution, including a statement supporting your interest and potential to lead simulation endeavors
A letter of recommendation from a colleague
International applicants: If English is not your first language, submission of TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent exam scores is required.
Application Cycle
Space-Available Application Deadline: December 1st
Fellowship Start Date: July / August
Meet our Fellows!
See the full list of current and past simulation fellows.
To apply for the WISH ACS-AEI Fellowship, please submit an online application.
For more information about the program, please contact:
Alina DeBellis, Manager of HCSS Academic Programs
University of Washington
1959 NE Pacific St. Box 356410
Seattle WA, 98195
akdebell@uw.edu
Leadership:
Robert Sweet, MD, FACS
Dr. Sweet is the Director and Mentor for the ACS-AEI Fellowship Program, Professor and Chief of UW’s Division of Healthcare Simulation Science, Professor of Surgery, Urology and Bioengineering, Executive Director of WWAMI Institute for Simulation in Healthcare (WISH) and the Center for Research in Simulation Technologies (CREST), and the Medical Director of the Kidney Stone Program at the University of Washington.