Standardized Patient - College of Medicine

JOB SUMMARY:  A Standardized Patient (hereafter referred to as “SP”) is an individual who will be trained to accurately portray the role of a patient with a specific medical condition or health issue. SPs portray the specific situation or problem exactly the same way each time they encounter a student. The SP will also represent a variety of personality types and be expected to deal with sensitive subject matter. The SP may be asked to give constructive feedback and evaluate the performance of students using standardized measurement tools. The SP Program gives medical and pharmacy students the opportunity to practice their clinical skills in a controlled environment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Memorizes/learns a case script portraying a specific health concern or situation along with the specific emotions, behaviors, and disease signs and symptoms during simulated learning situations;
• Interacts with medical students in a standardized manner during simulated interactive patient history and/or medical examinations;
• Permits interviews and physical examinations, with or without a hospital gown where appropriate, wearing socks, shorts, and undergarments, while on camera, and while being observed live or on video monitor;
• Accurately remembers encounters with students for the purpose of accurately rating student behaviors;
• Permits observation by new SPs within the learning process;
• Maintains confidentiality of information related to cases, student behaviors, evaluation, and personal information regarding other SPs; and
• Perform other duties as assigned / needed to maintain Institutional efficiency and effectiveness and to support and promote LECOM’s mission.

EEO/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Must possess required knowledge and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Acting, role playing, and improvisational skills,
• Ability to portray a person other than him/herself and convincingly maintain a specified character as trained;
• Ability to recall case scenario details as cued by students in a role-play situation;
• Willingness to objectively evaluate behaviors, skills, and actions of students during and after a mock exam scenario;
• Permit examinations that may be performed awkwardly;
• Employ active listening skills and good spoken and written communication skills;
• Effectively communicate and provide written/verbal performance feedback;
• Maintain confidentiality of work related information and materials;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships;
• Willingness to work flexible hours on a scheduled and on-call basis;
• Ability to work cooperatively and collegially with others, consistent with a workplace of dignity and respect and EEO rules and regulations;
• Ability to report to work as scheduled, ready to devote full attention and energy to the important work of LECOM;
• Ability to accept work directives from managers and supervisors in a respectful and cooperative manner; and
• Ability and willingness to be flexible to accept other duties needed/assigned for the Institution’s needs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and experience equivalent to: High school degree or equivalent is required, Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred, especially in the following fields of study: health science, psychology, and/or performing arts.  Acting experience is helpful, but not required. Must be able to read, understand, and write in English, the dominant student language.