Frequently Asked Questions about Standardized Patients

What do standardized patients do?
Standardized Patients are trained to accurately and consistently portray specific types of patients. The simulation includes a specific history, physical findings, body language, and emotional and personality characteristics.

Who can be a standardized patient?
Men and women of all ages and ethnic groups are needed to represent the various cases and patient problems used for simulations. Acting experience is not necessary but a good short-term memory is required because as a standardized patient it is important to remember the specifics of your role. Necessary training is provided by staff of the Clinical Learning Center. Standardized patients are paid for time spent in training.

What are the advantages for medical students?
Standardized patient encounters provide simulations that give students the opportunity to work with a variety of routine, difficult and sensitive clinical situations. Faculty, peers and the standardized patient can offer immediate feedback about the students' performance. Periodic evaluations of interactions with Standardized Patients also allow students and faculty to develop individualized learning plans based on the students' performance.

What is the time commitment?
Standardized Patients can work occasionally or as much as four hours weekly, depending on their availability and curriculum needs. Training for each case portrayal involves one to three coaching or training sessions. Each coaching session lasts one to two hours and is usually between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Case portrayals typically vary in length from two hours to half a day and are also typically between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

Why should I become a standardized patient?
Being a Standardized Patient provides a unique opportunity to be involved in shaping the medical education of tomorrow's physicians. Standardized Patients typically enjoy working with other SPs and Clinical Learning Center faculty and staff. SPs are paid $15.00 an hour for the time spent in the training and simulation periods.

Will I need to expose private parts of my body?
No. However, some patient portrayals require the standardized patient to wear a cloth hospital gown, but undergarments may remain on under the gown. An example of when a gown may be necessary is when the case requires the student to listen to the patient's heart or lungs or examine the patient's abdomen. Many cases do not require changing clothes and persons hired to be standardized patients can choose which cases they want to portray after learning all the requirements of the case.

Will the students be practicing procedures that are painful or that cause discomfort?
No. Standardized patients are used only for routine physical examinations.

If a student is examining me and I no longer feel comfortable with what we are doing, can I stop the process?
Yes. The Clinical Learning Center staff members are committed to making the experience a rewarding one for all involved.

Can I still be a standardized patient if I am not willing to be videotaped?
Yes. Not all uses of standardized patients require videotaping. However, to work as a standardized patient for student testing, videotaping of the encounter is required.

How do I find out if I can be a standardized patient?
It's easy. Either click here to download an application or call the Clinical Learning Center at the FSU College of Medicine at (850) 644-9800. If you get voice mail, simply leave your name and address and we will send you an application in the mail. Complete the application and mail to the address below.

Mail Applications to:
Standardized Patient Program
Clinical Learning Center
Florida State University
College of Medicine
1115 W. Call Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32306-4300

Fax applications to:
(850) 644-9399
Attention: Wanda Gaines

After the FSU College of Medicine receives your application, group interviews will be scheduled. The College of Medicine needs a minimum of 10-15 standardized patients for 2-4 hours per week.