FAQ

In medical education, experiential learning refers to an active, hands-on approach where learners acquire knowledge and skills through direct patient interactions, simulations, and real-world clinical experiences rather than passive instruction alone. It emphasizes learning by doing and integrates reflection, feedback, and application to enhance critical thinking, decision-making, and professional development.

Experiential learning encompasses simulation-based learning, which uses simulated environments and technology to replicate real-world scenarios; immersive learning, which deeply engages learners in lifelike, interactive settings; surgical simulation, which provides hands-on experience in operative techniques; and bioskills training, which utilizes cadaveric and tissue models for advanced procedural practice.

Common methods of experiential learning in medical education include:

• Standardized patient encounters (history-taking, physical exams)

• Simulation-based training (task trainers, cadavers, high-fidelity mannequins)

• Clinical rotations and bedside teaching

• Procedural skills labs (suturing, vascular access, laparoscopic training)

• Surgical simulation and bioskills training (operative procedures, cadaveric dissection)

• Team-based emergency response training (CPR, ACLS, trauma scenarios)

This approach helps bridge the gap between theory and practice, enhancing confidence, competence, and preparedness for real-world patient care.

The Center for Procedural Innovation (CPI) is located in the Mayo Clinic Collaborative Research Building at 13208 E Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85259. Parking is available in Lot E in front of the building; please avoid reserved spaces. Upon arrival, call (480) 301-4215 or (480) 301-4886 for lab access. A Sonesta Select hotel is conveniently located on the same campus. Please refer to the map for more detailed information.

Great hotel options are available nearby! The Sonesta Select, conveniently located on campus and just a 7-minute walk from the Center for Procedural Innovation, offers easy access to our facility. If you're looking for other accommodations, there are plenty of nearby hotels to fit your preferences. Check out this page for more options: Local Amenities

Upon arrival at the Center for Procedural Innovation (CPI), call (480) 301-4215 or (480) 301-4886 for lab access. Our staff will assist you with signing in and provide scrubs for you to change into. Changing rooms and lockers are available on-site, but space is limited, so please minimize personal belongings. During the event, follow CPI policies and procedures, which will be provided when you sign in. Out of respect for the donors and to maintain confidentiality, photography is not permitted without prior approval. At the end of the event, notify our staff for cleanup instructions. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes.

We love it when you share your experiences at our facility and want to ensure it’s done responsibly. To uphold donor anonymity and protect Mayo Clinic’s brand and business interests, photography is prohibited without prior approval. If photography is needed for education, research, or marketing purposes, a written request must be submitted to the Program Manager in advance and approved by all relevant regulatory authorities. If permitted, CPI staff will provide instructions before the event to ensure all policies are followed.

Donors are individuals who made the generous decision to donate their bodies to science. Once they pass away, their donated remains—referred to as cadavers or specimens—are used for education and research. The Center for Procedural Innovation (CPI) partners with fully vetted willed body programs accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB) to ensure ethical and responsible donation practices. All willed body programs obtain informed consent from donors prior to donation, and donors are screened for blood-borne pathogens before arriving at our facility. Screening results can be provided to participants in the event of a sharps injury.

We acknowledge with gratitude the generosity of those who donate their bodies and tissues for the advancement of medical education and research. 

Mayo Clinic offers multiple pathways for product development partnerships. Mayo Clinic Ventures assists with intellectual property protection, licensing, and commercialization opportunities, while the Center for Procedural Innovation provides a state-of-the-art facility for hands-on testing and procedural training using cadavers and other anatomical models. By collaborating with both, innovators can refine their products, navigate regulatory considerations, and explore partnership opportunities to bring medical advancements to market. To learn more, we recommend reaching out to discuss your specific needs or visit Mayo Clinic Ventures | Research & Technology Commercialization.

The time needed to plan an event depends on its complexity. To ensure the best experience, we recommend reaching out several months in advance so we can coordinate logistics, finalize contracts, and secure supplies. That said, we understand that some requests may be time-sensitive, and we will make every effort to accommodate shorter timelines. Schedule a consultation with the Program Manager to discuss your specific needs or find more details about the planning process here: Event Planning

Our maximum capacity is 48 participants including faculty, learners, and vendors.

We make it easy and convenient to ship your equipment to our facility! Before sending any packages, simply reach out to our Program Manager to confirm the correct shipping address. Once confirmed, send us your tracking information and schedule a time before your event to unpack and set up.

Need to send equipment back? Small and medium packages can be conveniently shipped from the main clinic building loading dock, with daily UPS and FedEx pickups at approximately 3:00 PM. For large crates or pallets, please arrange pickup in advance with your preferred carrier to ensure a smooth process. 

Yes! CPI offers a classroom space with an adjacent kitchenette, perfect for hosting catered events. You can order catering through the Mayo Clinic Catering Department (available Monday–Friday) or choose from a variety of nearby restaurants. For more local catering options, see this page: Local Amenities