"Standardized Patient (SP) (Part Time / Multiple Positions) (College of Medicine-Phoenix)"

Position Highlights

The University of Arizona, College of Medicine - Phoenix has an ongoing process of hiring and training a diverse and comprehensive group of Standardized Patients (SPs). SPs are integral to medical education, helping students learn, develop, and practice important communication skills and the art of the medical interview. Additionally, SPs assess and provide feedback on these communication skills. Students practice their newly acquired physical exam skills on SPs to gain confidence prior to working with actual patients. A physical exam or a head-to-toe assessment is an exhaustive process that checks the health status of all major body systems, reflexes, and includes a femoral pulse check.

The SPs are carefully recruited and trained to take on the characteristics of real patients and to portray a specific case(s). The word "standardized" means that the standardized patient repeats his or her story in a consistent manner to numerous students. Standardized Patient activities enable students to learn about medical issues that are sometimes specific to age, gender, or other criteria that may not be suited to all Standardized Patients. Once the University of Arizona, College of Medicine - Phoenix Medicine faculty or staff selects cases for an event, Standardized Patients are matched with the cases using specific criteria. Each simulation is designed to be as realistic as possible to enhance the learning experience.

Please Note: Applications are accepted year-round with hiring cycles twice a year (Fall & Spring). The Center for Clinical Skills and Assessment holds virtual interviews for prospective SPs on an as-needed basis. SPs are part-time and work on a project basis as needed. The ideal expectation is that an SP would work at least three full event days per month. Common event day schedules include Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Mandatory trainings and special events occur on Monday and Friday within normal business hours (8am-5pm), some of these trainings may be done remotely.

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Duties & Responsibilities

• Act as a client or patient in encounters with medical students and respond with programmed responses according to the questions asked.
• Portray a particular case or patient presentation accurately and consistently.
• Evaluate the adequacy of the interview and communication skills by filling out a checklist, and also by giving verbal and/or written feedback following each encounter.
• Represent patient viewpoint and provide individualized feedback to medical students on clinical, interpersonal skills, and professionalism in a constructive manner.
• Other duties as assigned.

This position has physical requirements which include:

• The ability to participate in student exam by getting on and off a standard exam table, performing range of motion with your arms, legs and hips and putting on and tying a patient gown.
• Normal range of vision, hearing and speech.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge on how to use data entry systems and scoring rubrics; giving, and receiving feedback, using video capture software and recordings in an education/training environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent, or equivalent learning attained through experience required.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience required.
• Must be able to use a computer and enter information as it relates to the program.