The one-year mentored fellowship in medical simulation is designed for residency-trained physicians pursuing a career in academic emergency medicine. The program offers comprehensive training in simulation-based education, curriculum development, leadership, mentorship, and clinical or non-clinical teaching.
Certified by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM), the fellowship prepares physicians to design and implement simulation-based learning experiences. This includes training in educational theory, procedural instruction, debriefing techniques, and simulation technology. Fellows are expected to deliver theory-informed instruction to both large and small groups and to use diverse educational technologies effectively.
Fellows also have the opportunity to develop a research project that advances simulation-based education and patient care. The BerbeeWalsh Department of Emergency Medicine is nationally recognized for research excellence and consistently ranks among the top academic emergency medicine departments in NIH funding, according to the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research.
Compensation & Benefits
Our total rewards and employee services packages go beyond traditional benefits to help you balance your work and life needs. Packages include comprehensive health and supplemental benefits, a competitive salary, travel funds, and support to pursue education. Learn more about GME Compensation and Benefits 
Program Details
Available Positions: 1-2
Program Length: 1 year
Start Date: July 1, 2026
Accreditation: SAEM
NRMP Match: No
Appointment:
Clinical Instructor
Moonlighting: Available
“This fellowship has equipped me with a strong foundation in simulation-based education and high-level clinical practice, preparing me for a career as both a clinician and an educator. I have enjoyed my time here so much that I opted to stay on as faculty! “
—Taylor Cesarz, MD, 2024-25 Simulation Fellow
Fellowship Curriculum
During this one-year fellowship, participants will develop expertise in designing and delivering simulation-based learning experiences, with training in educational theory, research methods, debriefing techniques, and technical simulation skills. In addition to hands-on training at the University of Wisconsin, fellows receive support to attend the Comprehensive Instructor Workshop at the Center for Medical Simulation at Harvard University, a recognized leader in simulation education.
Fellows will have extensive teaching opportunities with medical students, physician assistant students, and emergency medicine residents, allowing them to refine their instructional skills and develop a personal teaching style. Simulation fellowship-trained faculty provide individualized feedback through “debrief the debriefer” sessions following observed teaching activities. Curriculum development is also a key focus, with structured guidance throughout the fellowship year.
Beyond education, fellows may engage in departmental and institutional quality improvement and process development initiatives, including in-situ simulation. Fellows will also gain leadership experience by actively participating in the department’s Simulation Committee and contributing to the management of a robust and growing simulation program.
Fellowship Director
Michelle Hughes, MD
Director of Medical Simulation
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine
Dr. Michelle Hughes is the Director of Medical Simulation at the University of Wisconsin Department of Emergency Medicine. She earned her medical degree from the University of Maryland before completing her emergency medicine residency at the University of Chicago Medical Center. She remained in Chicago to pursue a simulation fellowship through the Rush/Cook County Hospital System.
Nationally, Dr. Hughes is actively involved in simulation organizations and has been a board member in the Emergency Medicine Section of the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, as well as the Simulation Academy of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine. She has recently served as Secretary on both the SAEM Simulation Academy Executive Board and the SSH Emergency Medicine Section and remains active with both organizations.
How to Apply
Application Process: Email your CV and a personal statement detailing your research interests and career aspirations to Kristina Maynard, fellowship coordinator, at kmaynard@medicine.wisc.edu. Letters of reference may be required at a later point.
Candidates must have graduated in good standing from an ACGME-accredited emergency medicine residency program and must be board-certified or board-eligible in emergency medicine by the time of employment.
