At the Larner College of Medicine’s clinical branch campus in western Connecticut, Danbury Hospital’s Harold A. Spratt Center for Simulation and Clinical Learning recently achieved five-year accreditation from the American College of Surgeons (ACS) as a Focused Accredited Education Institute (AEI). This prestigious accreditation shines a light on the institution’s commitment to advancing patient safety and high-quality surgical care through innovation in education.

Medical students and residents use the Spratt Center to build hands-on skills in suturing, laceration repair, endoscopic and laparoscopic procedures, robotic-assisted surgery, trauma care and even clinical, patient, and family communication—all in a safe environment to equip them for real-world scenarios.

“Surgical simulation is a top way to teach learners in a safe space to learn before a real operation,” says Krishan Patel, M.D., clinical assistant professor of surgery for the Larner College of Medicine and surgical director for the Spratt Center. “Surgical education has changed dramatically over the past 20 years, with more innovation and surgical options than ever before.”

The AEI accreditation is a rigorous, voluntary peer-review process that includes a comprehensive onsite survey and evaluation of the simulation center’s people, curriculum, governance, and impact on the field of surgical education. In its review, ACS noted that the Danbury Hospital simulation center plays a vital role within the health system, it is particularly strong in its governance and assessment practices, and it is well positioned for continued growth and leadership in simulation-based education. The surveyor also highlighted how Danbury Hospital’s integration with the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, which is also AEI accredited, has contributed to making significant strides in simulation-based surgical education.

“We work in conjunction with the sim lab at the Connecticut campus and strive to ensure identical simulation experiences for students at both campuses,” said Daniel Ackil, D.O., associate professor of emergency medicine and assistant dean of clinical simulation at the Vermont campus

With this accreditation, the Spratt Center joins a worldwide movement to improve surgical training and patient safety. It will now have access to shared research opportunities, innovative curricula, and collaboration with other simulation leaders.

“We were delighted to get the accreditation recognizing our robust surgical services education curriculum,” said Ramanathan Seshadri, M.D., clinical assistant professor of surgery for the Larner College of Medicine and director of simulation at the Spratt Center. “This gives us a platform to collaborate with other leading centers and further our goal of being a national leader in patient safety, team-based care, and improving the patient experience.”