Course Objectives

The Instructor Course shows how to teach the ATLS Program. It covers all the aspects needed to understand and practice the established educational principles used in the ATLS Student Course.

The Instructor Course is mandatory if you wish to become an ATLS Instructor and teach ATLS courses. Please be aware that the course language is English and ATLS Instructors must be able to teach in English.

Course Description

Medical content is not presented in this course as it is in the Student Course. The majority of the presentations are given by a specially qualified ATLS Educator.

Course participants will learn about and practice each type of teaching technique used during the Student Course. They will also learn about educational principles and be trained in giving effective feedback to learners.

Lecturing: Students are assigned a five-minute interactive lecture from the ATLS core content for presentation during mini lecture sessions. They will receive feedback from the Course Director, Educator, and their fellow participants.

Skill stations: Skills-teaching abilities are practiced at assigned, abbreviated ATLS skill stations. During these sessions, participants will benefit from feedback from experienced faculty staff and also practice in critiquing skills.

Assessment station: Course participants will learn how to correctly evaluate the performance of students during assessment stations.

The faculty for the ATLS Instructor Course consists of qualified, experienced ATLS Instructors and an ATLS Educator. Enrollment is limited to 12 students.

Participants

The Instructor Course is by invitation only for selected outstanding doctors on the Student or Refresher Courses.

Student Course participants are identified as potential candidates for ATLS Instructor training based on their outstanding performance and attitude during an ATLS Student or Refresher course.

Before participating in an Instructor Course, the applicant must:

  1. Have successfully completed an ATLS Student Course within the past two years

  2. Have been identified as having fulfilled the following criteria:

  • Mastery of the Student Course content

  • Demonstrate commitment to the care of trauma patients

  • Demonstrate commitment to the ATLS principles and philosophy

  • Demonstrate the correct attitude and skills required of an ATLS instructor

  • Demonstrate effective communication skills

  • Be willing to work with the faculty Team

 
CME Recognition

Swiss Society of Surgery (SGC/SSC): 14 credits.