The LAU Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine has launched the fifth edition of its Clinical Simulation Diploma, reaffirming the university’s long-standing commitment to innovation, academic excellence, and faculty development in healthcare education.

Since its introduction in 2016, the diploma has evolved into a regional reference point for simulation-based education. Its foundation was shaped by the strategic vision of Dr. Vanda Abi Raad, clinical professor and associate dean for Faculty Affairs and Development at the LAU school of medicine, who recognized that simulation expertise should extend beyond a single center and sustainable progress in simulation requires investing in faculty capacity and leadership.

That vision materialized with the launch of the Middle East’s first fully recognized academic certification in clinical simulation, initially developed in collaboration with the University of Illinois at Chicago.

The program later expanded through a partnership with Monash University’s National Health Education and Training in Simulation Program (NHET-Sim) in Australia, graduating more than 80 participants between 2017 and 2020 and cultivating a growing network of simulation educators across Lebanon and the region.

The fifth edition, also offered in collaboration with Monash University, and built on the strong foundation established by Dr. Abi Raad, immerses participants in both the science and practice of simulation. Educators engage with high-impact scenario design, evidence-based debriefing methodologies, and robust assessment strategies.

Dr. Wael Salame, associate director at the LAU Clinical Simulation Center (LAU–CSC) and coordinator of this year’s program, noted that the diploma introduced several new sessions, including topics on the psychology of adult learning and AI-based simulation.

Asked what sets this year’s LAU Simulation Diploma apart, he explained: “Not only do we want participants to learn what needs to be learned, we want them to understand how to apply it in their daily practice. This can only be achieved through a fundamental understanding of how learning takes place.”

As an integral part of LAU’s educational culture, “simulation transformed training by allowing healthcare providers to practice high-risk scenarios safely, refine clinical reasoning, and develop communication, leadership, and teamwork skills,” while upholding patient safety, noted Dr. Hanane Barakat, director of the LAU–CSC.

The diploma’s impact is reflected in the experiences of its graduates. Dr. Lamis Karaoui, clinical associate professor and assistant dean for student affairs at the School of Pharmacy, who was one of the program’s earliest participants, described how the program reshaped her approach to teaching.

“Rather than focusing primarily on content delivery, I now approach simulation-based education through intentional learning design, aligning performance-based outcomes with real-world practice expectations,” she said.

For Dr. Karaoui, simulation serves as a critical link between classroom learning and patient care. Through scenario-based exercises and structured debriefings—such as the GAS (gather, analyze, summarize) model and the plus-delta framework—students are encouraged to reflect, adapt, and grow. “Simulation helps students gain confidence and prepares them for high-stakes situations where errors are not an option,” she added.

The value of simulation was particularly evident during periods of national crisis. Assistant Dean for Graduate Medical Education Rajaa Chatila recalled how simulation became indispensable during the COVID-19 pandemic and times of armed conflict. “Through simulation, we maintained, complemented, and sometimes even replaced practical training on real patients,” she explained. “Emergency drills ensured our trainees were ready when real-life crises struck, allowing them to respond effectively and safely.”

Looking ahead, the LAU-CSC continues to position simulation as a cornerstone of modern medical education, “as a platform for interprofessional education, systems testing, quality improvement, patient safety initiatives, and faculty development,” said Dr. Barakat.

“Emerging technologies, such as AI-powered virtual patients, immersive reality environments, and data-driven performance analytics, will further enhance realism, scalability, and personalization of learning.”

Participants in the fifth edition will train at LAU’s state-of-the-art CSC on the Byblos campus through a blended curriculum that combines online learning with immersive, hands-on experience.

The program consists of three modules in 2026: On January 24 and February 28, March 26–28, and May 21–23, each building progressively to support immediate application in educational and clinical settings.

Healthcare professionals ready to advance their teaching practice and promote a culture of excellence and patient safety are encouraged to apply.

Registration for the fifth edition of the Clinical Simulation Diploma is open until January 15, 2026. For more information, click here.