In an effort to provide a hands on, realistic learning environment, Queen’s University provides a Standardized Patient Program that allows undergraduate and postgraduate medical, nursing and rehabilitation therapy students to practice their skills before working with “real” patients.

Standardized Patients (SP) are actors who are trained to convincingly portray the physical, historical and emotional features of a specific clinical problem. This is done through simulated interviews and examinations.  In addition to taking part in high level simulation, SPs are trained to provide feedback so students can gain insight into their strengths as well as areas requiring improvement.  

Due to its years of success within the Faculty of Health Sciences, next fall, program manager Kate Slagle is preparing to launch the program across campus and community wide, in line with the program’s 25^th year anniversary.   “There are a wide range of applications for SPs outside of medicine.  We’re looking forward to sharing this style of learning with other faculties and organizations outside the University,” says Ms. Slagle. 

Standardized Patients were first introduced in the United States in 1963 and are now integral to Canadian medical curriculums.  The Program at Queen’s employs over 100 SPs who range in age from 2 to 83.  To make the learning environment as true to life as possible, SPs take part in training programs to prepare and give them confidence in the roles they are portraying.

“We invest a lot in our SPs to give students the best learning opportunity possible,” explains Ms. Smith, Community Outreach Consultant and SP Trainer.  “The roles our SPs play vary in complexity, from simple physical exams to intricate medical histories, our aim is to make the scenarios as lifelike as possible.”

Some example scenarios include a young child attending a general checkup, an adolescent struggling with addiction, an adult receiving a life changing diagnosis and a grieving family member.

With the upcoming expansion into the Queen’s and Kingston communities, the SP Program is looking for new SPs. SPs are casual employees of the University who work flexible hours and are paid an hourly wage based upon the scenario(s) they participate in.  No acting background is required, just a desire to make a difference.

“Our team of SPs are invested in the program.  It’s their way of giving back. This dedication is what has made the program so successful” says Ms. Slagle. “The students truly appreciate the work the SPs do, which makes the experience worthwhile.”

For more information on the program or to apply to be an SP, visit the website. Other Queen’s faculties and community groups interested in joining the program can contact Ms. Slagle spprogram@queensu.ca.