AEI Consortium

We have created a consortium of comprehensive and focused accredited education institutes (AEIs) that work together to offers opportunities for members to collaborate; conduct research and have access to resources from fellow AEIs and the ACS in order to effectively train their various learner groups to promote patient safety through simulation.

The work of the Consortium is supported by the 10 volunteer committees highlighted here—all provide resources and education to Consortium Institutes.

Terms are two years and committee members can serve up to two, two-year terms. Additional terms will be approved by the program’s leadership. In addition, broad committee representation by AEIs is encouraged.

How to Serve on a Committee

The work of the ACS-AEI Consortium is done voluntarily through its committee structure. The primary goal of the Committees is to facilitate the value of being in the Consortium through products and services.

Types of Committees

Standing Committees are the working Committees of the Consortium. Currently, the ACS AEI Standing Committees include:

• Administration and Management
• Curriculum
• Dissemination of Educational Resources for AEIs
• Faculty Development
• Fellowship
• International
• Program and Review
• Research and Development
• Technologies and Simulation
• Virtual Grand Rounds

Nomination Process

Generally, a Call for Nomination is advertised to the Consortium membership, requesting the names of AEI members along with their CVs for review and approval on a particular Committee. AEI staff will keep files on all of the nominations that come in for consideration. These files will be a reference when a position on a committee opens up. AEI Members are nominated to a Committee through Consortium leadership, by self-nomination or another AEI Member. Committee member selection is in part based on an interest or expertise in the work of the Committee, as well as some familiarity or experience with running or working in an AEI center. Consultants from non-AEIs are brought aboard a committee on an as-needed basis and approved by the Chair of the ACS Program for the Accreditation of Education Institutes/Director, ACS Division of Education. The Consortium leadership has the final approval of all Committee candidates.

For information on becoming involved in a committee contact Amy Johnson, Program Administrator, at edinstitutes@facs.org or 312-202-5415.

Become an AEI Surveyor

Before applying to be an AEI Surveyor, please review the Minimum Qualifications Checklist to ensure you meet all requirements. The surveyor application is available for download at the bottom of this section.

Minimum Qualifications Checklist

Credentials and Affiliations

AEI Surgeon Surveyors

• An actively practicing (treating, teaching, or administrative role) surgeon who specializes in the development of simulation-based surgical education and training
• Employed or affiliated with an AEI-accredited program

Skills and Knowledge

• Have extensive and demonstrable knowledge of the current AEI standards
• Previous experience teaching or presenting instructional or educational information to a learner-based audience
• Have substantial computer skills, and access and familiarity with Microsoft Office software products
• Possess excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to convey knowledge and suggestions clearly and professionally

Responsibilities

AEI Surveyors must:

• Commit to the required amount of time needed to perform AEI Surveyor duties and sign and abide by the requirements contained in the Surveyor Application:
• Perform a minimum of 2 (no maximum) AEI site visits required per calendar year when needed. Due to our five-year accreditation terms, some years you may not be assigned to any site visits.
• Average time (varies) commitment: Time for each site visit is 6–8 hours plus 6–8 hours for preparation and final review for each application. This does not include travel time when conducting an in-person visit.
• Be willing and able to travel to simulation centers across the United States. In rare occasions, international travel may be required. AEI Surveyors are assigned to site visits outside of their home state.
• Be willing and able to perform a virtual site visit.
• Attend the mandatory new Surveyor Orientation and participate in live and/or virtual training sessions as requested.
• Remain knowledgeable and up-to-date with changes in AEI policies and Standards.
• Be responsive and timely in communications with AEI Staff and assigned simulation programs.
• Complete all federal accounting forms, such as 1099; disclosure signed annually.
• When applicable, comply with on-premise hospital and university requirements and guidelines related to COVID-19, including requests for vaccination status.
• Arrange all travel. Surveyors are responsible for arranging their own travel means to all site visits, as well as keeping track of expenses for reimbursement. Coach airfare and reasonable hotel accommodations are expected. 
• Submit all food, lodging, and transportation receipts to the center in a timely manner after the site visit for reimbursement. Complete any accounting forms required by the center for reimbursement.
• Complete and submit the survey report and all required site visit information and documentation to the AEI Program within 7 calendar days post-site visit. An honorarium will be issued after receipt of the survey report.

To apply, download and complete the surveyor application. E-mail the completed application along with (1) a current CV; (2) a statement of your interest in becoming an ACS surveyor for the AEI Program; (3) and 2 letters of professional recommendation to aeiaccreditation@facs.org.