AUPN 2025 Preview: Simulation as a Tool to Develop Nonclinical Competencies in Trainees

WATCH TIME: 3 minutes

"These are things we do every day as clinicians—breaking difficult news, handling ethical challenges—but we’re rarely observed or given feedback. Simulation lets us finally teach and assess these essential skills in a structured, safe way."

The Association of University Professors of Neurology (AUPN), a professional non-profit organization, was founded in 1967 as a way to represent the chairs and leaders of neurology departments and divisions at accredited medical schools across the U.S. and Canada. This year’s meeting, taking place September 13^th in Baltimore, Maryland, is open to all academic neurology leaders, including chairs, vice chairs, and program & clerkship directors.

The event, which comes a day prior to the American Neurological Association’s (ANA) annual meeting, is expected to feature practical workshops, peer forums, and expert insights–including a high-profile keynote address from Walter Koroshetz, MD, PhD, director of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. During the Program Directors Workshop, one session will focus specifically on using simulations (OSCE/OSTE/AI) to evaluate competencies beyond medical knowledge. Moderated by Nuri Jacoby, MD, the session is expected to feature other prominent leaders including Jeremy Moeller, MD, and David Lerner, MD.

Prior to the meeting, NeurologyLive^® sat down with Jacoby to gain insights on the session and why the clinical community should tune in. Jacoby, a neurologist at Maimonides Medical Center and SUNY Downstate, outlined how clinical simulations–including OSCE, OSTE, and AI-powered tools–can be designed to evaluate critical skills such as professionalism, communication, and teaching. In the interview, he highlighted real-world examples like breaking difficult news, managing disagreement with colleagues, and navigating ethical gray zones, all within structured feedback frameworks.

Registration for the 2025 AUPN Meeting is open! Click here to learn more information about the event.