Role of simulation in U.S. physician licensure and certification.

The evolution of simulation from an educational tool to an emerging evaluative tool has been rapid. Physician certification has a long history and serves an important role in assuring that practicing physicians are competent and capable of providing a high level of safe care to patients. Traditional assessment methods have relied mostly on multiple-choice exams or continuing medical education exercises. These methods may not be adequate to assess all competencies necessary for excellence in medical practice. Simulation enables assessment of physician competencies in real time and represents the next step in physician certification in the modern age of healthcare.