AWSOM seeking program participants for physician training

The Alice L. Walton School of Medicine (AWSOM) in Bentonville is seeking “standardized patients (SP) to play a crucial role in training future physicians,” according to a news release.

Applications are being accepted for the school’s Standardized Patient Program. Participants will be trained before classes start in July.

As part-time employees, SPs are trained to portray clinical patients with symptoms, concerns and emotions. They will provide “constructive feedback to AWSOM student doctors” and allow for the “creation of a safe environment in which students can demonstrate their clinical skills,” including “effective communication” and “medical-history taking.”

According to an AWSOM spokeswoman, “standardized patients” differ from a simulated patient in that they “will portray and convey the same story using the assigned exact words repeatedly.” Simulated patients “portray a clinical patient, but they will have more flexibility on how they share their story. They don’t have to use the same words, for example, when they describe their symptoms over time with different students.”

The spokeswoman said the school is not seeking a set number of SPs. Applications will remain open and ongoing and will be reviewed regularly. AWSOM plans to offer “competitive wages” for SPs, who will work on-site for less than 20 hours per week.

“Standardized patients are essential members of our educational team, providing an active, engaging, and meaningful experience where medical students can practice their clinical skills in a safe and realistic environment,” said Ayleen Godreau, director of clinical skills and one of the founding faculty at AWSOM.

Link here for more information about the program.