Ethical dilemmas in medical education: can medical simulation bridge the gap between theory and practice?

Ethical dilemmas are an inevitable part of medical practice and represent one of the main challenges in making patient-centered decisions. For years, the teaching of bioethics in medical schools has been mostly theoretical, which is not sufficient when it comes to applying these concepts in clinical settings. In this regard, medical simulation has emerged as a pedagogical approach that provides controlled and safe environments where students can face realistic scenarios involving bioethical issues. This method supports the development of previously acquired competencies, and although the evidence in the literature remains limited, it is important to continue studying and designing simulation strategies that allow undergraduate medical students to apply their knowledge of ethical dilemmas before entering clinical practice, thereby improving patient care.