Simulated Patient

To serve as a Simulated Patient (SP) for medical and physician assistant students, starting spring semester (January-June) 2023.

SPs work with students in one-on-one and/or in small group settings so students can practice the patient interview and physical exam.

SPs are required to attend ongoing and regularly scheduled group training sessions with other SPs and a trainer and will be asked to utilize specific skill sets, including memorizing scripted patient scenarios, portraying those scenarios repeatedly in a realistic, accurate, and consistent manner, and providing written or spoken patient-centered feedback to students according to the guidelines provided by the program. In addition, SPs complete timed, computer-based rating forms immediately following interactions with students.

SPs are expected to learn basic physical exam maneuvers and be able to rate students’ physical exam skills according to the specifications provided by medical faculty. SPs must be comfortable wearing examination ponchos, gowns, robes, and/or drapes over standard undergarments (e.g. bras, full-coverage underwear) while working with students, and will allow students to perform non-invasive physical exam maneuvers on their bodies (e.g. listening to the heart and lungs on skin with a stethoscope, pressing on the abdomen with the pads of their fingers on the SP’s skin, looking into eyes and ears with medical equipment.)

Interactions between SPs and students are video recorded and are utilized for educational purposes only. SP performances are reviewed on a regular basis for quality assurance purposes.

SPs must maintain the confidentiality of all case materials, descriptions of patient scenarios, and interactions with students and other SPs. Punctuality, reliability, good interpersonal skills, and an ability to follow written and spoken instructions are essential. A valid email address and internet access are required. Basic computer skills (e.g. accessing Zoom, typing a short paragraph, opening an email attachment, clicking on a web address, checking boxes on an electronic checklist) are required.

Temporary, part-time position with sporadic hours on an as-needed basis, typically taking place Monday-Friday between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Sessions occur year-round. Pay rates vary according to the assigned task and range from $11/hour for training and $14/hour for performance. Acting experience is not required. Medical knowledge is not required.

Our program welcomes and encourages applications from all qualified persons and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, religion, associational preference, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Currently, our patient scenarios target medical problems common to patients 16-59 years of age and usually in an outpatient setting.