Standardized Patient, School of Medicine

A Standardized Patient (SP) serves as a human role player who interacts with learners in a wide range of learning environments. The SPs at Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine (MU CFVH) will report to the Director of the Standardized Patient Program. The major responsibility of this position is to portray all the characteristics of a real patient, simulating the signs and symptoms of a scripted case. SPs will undergo training to be able to consistently portray the patient’s mental and physical condition, while recalling the clinical skills behavior and techniques of multiple different learners. Standardized Patients can provide learners with the unique opportunity to practice, observe, and deliver/interpret feedback in a safe environment. This is a part-time position, and the hours will vary based on the needs of the educational programs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Specific tasks:
  • Be highly dependable and punctual
  • Demonstrate flexibility and reliability with scheduling and assignments 
  • Follow written and verbal instruction
  • Provide constructive feedback to medical students and colleagues
  • Maintain confidentiality of all information regarding student performance
  • Work in a professional manner when interacting with learners, faculty, supervisors, and peers
  • Be comfortable having repeated physical examination maneuvers performed on self
  • Be willing to wear a hospital gown with only undergarments underneath, while on camera and/or observed live through an observation window or video monitor
  • Simulate all aspects of scenarios, including the history of current problems, affect/behavior, and physical findings, in a standardized, accurate, and reliable manner
  • Remain in character during the entire encounter with the student
  • Accurately and consistently complete checklists
  • Accept ongoing feedback from facilitators and incorporate into case simulation.
  • Complete self-evaluations and peer evaluations as part of quality assurance and improvement
  • Be willing to be audio and videotaped during simulations
  • Be able and willing to learn how to use electronic scheduling and evaluation systems.
    • Be able to connect to virtual platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Webex) for training and work sessions from home on occasion
  • As opportunities arise, be willing to participate in other activities such as proctoring exams, ultrasound model, or serving as a simulation operator.
  • Other duties as assigned

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Candidate must be flexible regarding scheduling and assignments. This role may require occasional early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
• Must demonstrate the ability to be instructed by a Standardized Patient educator and consistently simulate a case scenario in an accurate, reliable and professional manner.
• Attention to Detail: Ability to memorize and consistently portray case scenarios.
• Observation & Recall: Ability to observe student performance and accurately complete evaluation checklists.
• Applicants with previous SP or acting experience are encouraged to apply, though this is not an obligatory skill set.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills (both oral and written), including demonstrating compassion when providing difficult feedback to learners or peers
• Basic proficiency with technology (email, virtual meeting platforms, etc.).