Standardized Patient - College of Medicine

About the Role

A Standardized Patient (SP) is an individual trained to accurately portray the role of a patient with a specific medical condition or health issue. SPs consistently represent the same situation, emotions, behaviors, and symptoms during simulated learning encounters. The role may involve sensitive subject matter, varied personality types, and providing constructive feedback to evaluate student performance using standardized tools.

Responsibilities

• Memorize and learn a case script portraying a specific health concern, including emotions, behaviors, and disease signs and symptoms.
• Interact with medical students in a standardized manner during simulated patient history and/or medical examinations.
• Permit interviews and physical examinations, which may include wearing a hospital gown, socks, shorts, and undergarments, while being observed live or recorded.
• Accurately recall and rate student behaviors following encounters.
• Allow observation by new SPs as part of the learning process.
• Maintain confidentiality of case details, student behaviors, evaluations, and personal information about other SPs.
• Perform additional duties as needed to support institutional efficiency and LECOM’s mission.

Requirements

• Acting, role-playing, and improvisational skills to convincingly portray a character as trained.
• Ability to recall case scenario details as cued by students during role-play.
• Willingness to objectively evaluate and provide feedback on student behaviors and skills.
• Comfort with physical examinations that may be performed awkwardly.
• Strong active listening, spoken, and written communication skills.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality of all work-related information.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a respectful and cooperative environment.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including scheduled and on-call shifts.
• Ability to follow work directives from managers and supervisors respectfully and cooperatively.
• Flexibility to accept additional duties as needed for institutional requirements.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred, particularly in health science, psychology, and/or performing arts.
• Acting experience is helpful but not required.
• Must be proficient in reading, understanding, and writing in English.