A. Standardized Patients are laypeople that are trained specifically to portray a wide range of symptoms and medical conditions.  They are used both in and teaching and examination situations to assess students' clinical exam and communication /interpersonal skills by the Faculty of Medicine.  

Q. Who can be a Standardized Patient?

A. Since normal, day-to-day patients come from all walks of life, the Standardized Patient Program also requires people from all walks of life: all ages, income groups, ethnic backgrounds, etc.  You needn't worry about "being an actor."  All that's important is that you are willing to learn and willing to teach.

Q. What would I have to do?

A. Learn a fictitious person's background, or medical history.  Sometimes you need to be able to reproduce the symptoms that would accompany that medical history, but not always: the roles all have varying degrees of complexity.  Some roles also require careful written or verbal feedback from you regarding how well a candidate may (or may not) have done.

Q. Are the exams ever, well . . . "invasive"?

A. You would never have to do anything that made you uncomfortable.  With two notable exceptions – the MURTA and the CTA programs - the roles are all fairly straightforward and no more invasive than a basic check-up at your local doctor - some of them are actually quite fun! 

Q. What if I have a pre-existing medical condition?

A. Having a chronic illness does not necessarily mean that you cannot be an SP but some medical conditions may restrict your participation in roles where your medical condition may confuse the students.

Q. What is the time commitment?

A. Training usually takes place in the evenings one to two weeks before the role is required, but it depends on when you and the other Standardized Patients in your role are available.  The more complex the role, the more training is required.  Roles are usually performed during the day at teaching/exam sessions with students.

Q. How much does it pay?

A. Pay is rated upon how complex a role may or may not be.  In order to be compensated properly, you will need to become an employee of the University, meaning that the Faculty of Medicine will hire you as a "Special Academic."

Q. Am I hired as soon as I fill out the application forms?

A. Receipt of the application form does NOT mean you are hired - it only means that your information will be added to our database.  If a suitable role comes up you may be contacted for an initial interview.  Once the decision is made to hire you as a Standardized Patient, you'll receive an official Letter of Offer from the University of Manitoba.

Q.  What if I don't want to join, but I know someone else who might?

A. Please forward this link along to those people.  Parents may also apply on behalf of their children.