Program Background: Standardized patients (SPs) first joined the program in 2004 to work with the graduating class of 2008 as they entered their first year of medical school. Since then, more than 250 SPs have participated in the program with a current pool of close to 100 SPs who participate in a variety of ways.
SP Candidate Profile: SPs come from diverse backgrounds and there is no pre-requisite work experience to become an SP. Some of the key traits of a successful SP include: fluency in verbal and written English; excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to be trained; reliable; punctual; comfortable with being examined by learners of both genders; and ability to work as a constructive team member.
SP Roles: SPs play a variety of roles including:
- Patients for demonstration and or/practice of physical examinations
- Role-playing and providing feedback to learners on their clinical performance
- Facilitating practice sessions for communication or physical examination skills
- Providing support for various CSSL activities
The list continues to expand as new and innovative ways are found to capitalize on the diverse talents that SPs bring to the program.
SP Casting: SPs are cast for specific time-limited projects which vary from a couple of hours on one day to many hours spread out over several weeks. SP selection is based on the needs of a specific project and takes a number of factors into consideration including but not limited to: SP availability, skills, attitude, experience and suitable demographics such as age, gender and body type. Registration in the SP Program does not guarantee participation.
SP Status: SPs participate on an ad-hoc basis. SPs are not considered employees of Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar.
Interested Applicants: The CSSL holds periodic information sessions throughout the year depending on the needs of the program. Interested applicants can follow the link below to register for the next information session. Notification will be sent by email once the date of the next information session is confirmed.
Note: Only individuals residing in Qatar are eligible to join the SP program.
SP Program Information Session - click here to register