A.J. Kleinheksel

A.J. Kleinheksel is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine at the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University. They serve as the Director of the Simulated Patients for Education, Assessment, and Research (SPEAR) Center and as Assistant Dean of Educational Simulation at MCG. Dr. Kleinheksel also holds a research position at the Educational Innovation Institute and directs the SPEAR Center, demonstrating a multifaceted career bridging academic medicine, educational leadership, and simulation-based training.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Florida (2015)
• MED in Educational Leadership and Administration from University of Florida (2009)
• BA in Religion/Religious Studies from Michigan State University (2004)
• BA in Social Relations from Michigan State University (2004)

Dr. Kleinheksel's research focuses on healthcare simulation, medical education, and educational technology. Their work explores innovative approaches to clinical training through simulation, with particular emphasis on debriefing frameworks, student assessment, and curriculum development. They integrate learning theory with practical applications in health professions education, examining how simulation can enhance patient care ownership among medical students and improve faculty development.

Recent publications reveal a strong focus on refining simulation debriefing methodologies and exploring how experiential learning theories can enhance medical education. Their research demonstrates a progression from technical aspects of simulation design to deeper investigations of learning theory application in clinical education settings.

Professional Recognition:

• Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) - Society for Simulation in Healthcare (2016)
• Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator - Advanced (CHSE-A) - Society for Simulation in Healthcare (2019)
• Fellow of the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (FSSH)

Dr. Kleinheksel actively contributes to medical education through committee service at departmental, college, and university levels, including the Curriculum Oversight Committee and Simulation Council. They serve as a reviewer for prominent medical education journals including Academic Medicine and BMC Medical Education, and chair the SGEA Medical Education Scholarship, Research, and Evaluation Section. Their work bridges educational theory with practical clinical training applications.

As Director of the SPEAR Center, Dr. Kleinheksel leads a team focused on developing and implementing simulation-based educational experiences using both standardized patients and high-fidelity manikins. Their center serves as a hub for innovation in medical education at Augusta University, supporting curriculum development and assessment across multiple health professions programs.