Objective To explore the application of scenario simulation teaching method in the teaching of acute aortic dissection (AAD), aiming to provide a new approach to clinical teaching and training. Methods A total of 81 trainees undergoing AAD training at the department of vascular surgery, Shanxi Bethune Hospital from January 2024 to January 2025 were selected for the study, and the trainees were divided into a control group (n=41, problem-based learning teaching method) and an experimental group (n=40, problem-based learning teaching method combined with scenario simulation teaching method) according to the randomised number table method. After training, the performance assessment, teaching effectiveness, and clinical thinking ability of the two groups were compared. Results After training, the experimental group had higher scores in theoretical knowledge, practical operation assessment, and coordination ability than the control group (all P<0.05). The experimental group had higher scores in all dimensions of the student evaluation of educational quality (SEEQ) than the control group (all P<0.05). The scores of critical thinking, systematic thinking, and evidence-based thinking in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group (all P<0.05). Conclusion The scenario simulation teaching method is beneficial for improving the assessment scores of trainees, enhancing teaching effectiveness and clinical thinking ability, and has a certain application value in the teaching of AAD.