Standardized Patient Program/Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer to become a Standardized Patient!
Assist Us in Educating Future Healthcare Providers
We appreciate your interest in our Standardized Patient Program. Your involvement is instrumental in ensuring the thorough training of our allied health professionals and physicians. Effective communication skills, compassionate bedside manner, and proficient clinical abilities are essential attributes of excellent healthcare professionals. These skills are best cultivated, practiced, and evaluated through interactions with real individuals. This makes patients uniquely qualified to assess the bedside skills of future doctors, nurses, and other allied healthcare professionals. Our learners value the opportunity to engage with Standardized Patients (SPs) to refine their clinical skills. Your dedication to our simulation center is pivotal to the success of our program. The simulation center staff trains volunteers to act as authentic patients to provide simulated experiences that enrich participant learning and evaluation in a secure environment.
Become a Standardized Patient
As a Standardized Patient (SP), you'll undergo structured training to portray the medical background, physical condition, and emotional state of an actual patient. You'll be interviewed and/or examined by simulation participants pursuing careers in healthcare, such as physicians and nurses, mirroring interactions with your family doctor. Each encounter typically encompasses history-taking, physical examination, and counseling, or a combination thereof. Learners focus their physical examinations which may include listening to your heart and lungs, palpating the abdomen, or conducting sensory assessments. However, invasive procedures such as breast, pelvic, genital, or rectal examinations are never performed. You may also receive counseling on various health topics, such as healthy lifestyles and disease management. Sessions may involve one-on-one interactions or group settings under controlled supervision.
No Prior Acting Experience Necessary
Previous acting experience is not required to become an SP but can be an asset. We provide comprehensive training to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge.
Standardized Patient Training
You'll receive a detailed manual outlining the scenario you're volunteering for, including medical history, family and social situations, and emotional states. Your training materials will prepare you to respond effectively to students' questions while following a detailed script.
Evaluate Future Healthcare Professionals
You may be asked to provide feedback on the learner’s skills and interactions through checklists or questionnaires. Your observations are valuable for participant evaluation and program improvement.
Video Recording
Encounters may be video recorded for quality control and educational purposes. These recordings are strictly confidential and are only viewed by authorized individuals.
We'll Reach Out to You
SPs are selected based on case requirements, which may include age, gender, or physical attributes. Your participation in specific events is voluntary, and you're free to decline if needed. Prior to each event, a staff member will contact you to confirm your availability and provide details.
Join Us in Shaping Healthcare Education
Your participation as an SP is invaluable in shaping the education and training of future healthcare professionals. We appreciate your commitment and look forward to working with you to provide a realistic and enriching learning experience for our students. If you are interested in volunteering as a standardized patient, please complete the attached form:
