As of today, the need for practical skills and problem-solving capabilities remains largely unmet in many medical school curricula across Europe. Medical school education, in fact, remains largely anchored to a traditional paradigm of learning a discrete amount of information about pathophysiological principles and descriptions of illnesses, without worrying about developing the skills necessary to work confidently “on the patient”.

Digital tools based on macro-and microsimulation, thanks to their flexibility, effectiveness, accuracy and accessibility, may give a fundamental contribution in solving this issue, and we want to apply their potential in undergraduate medical students’ education. The MEDSKILL school will allow students to:

a) get in touch with digital tools that facilitate the study of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and clinical reasoning.

b) confront virtual patients/mannequins, interpret their artificial symptoms/signs and make decisions, taking into account the appropriateness of the choice, as well as ethical correlates and sustainability.

c) mimic clinical situations to test patient communication skills, simulate the use of diagnostic equipment, team leaders and interventional therapies.

The MEDSKILLS initiative will deliver both lectures and hands-on lab sessions. Each practical session is preceded by an introductory lesson on the theoretical aspects of the maneuvers that will be carried out and followed by a debriefing session. The course aims to provide preparation on transthoracic and abdominal ultrasound methods and the main cardiovascular and abdominal diseases. The course is divided into formal theoretical lessons and practical internships in the Simulabo classroom with the use of the Vimedix ultrasound and advanced echocardiography simulator.

Enrollment Conditions

The course is intended for Italian or foreign university students who meet the following minimum requirements:

– To be enrolled in a degree course in Medicine and Surgery (from the fourth year onwards) or enrolled in a specialisation course or in a residency course (Medicine and Surgery), or to have completed a degree no longer than 6 months before the application’s submission.

– Have a cumulative grade average corresponding to at least 27/30 for the Italian system and B for international applicants. ( This requirement is waived for candidates enrolled in medical specialisation courses).

– Have a self-certified proficient knowledge of English (at least B2 level).

Requirements are to be met on the date of submission of the application.

WHEN

From 5 to 9 of October, 2026

WHERE

Onsite, in Pisa

APPLICATION DEADLINE

31 August, 2026