My interest in theatre has taken me in some unexpected directions.  It turns out that theatre skills are useful in any number of circumstances.  One very interesting and rewarding line of work I’ve enjoyed is being a Standardized Patient (SP).  An SP is usually someone who is trained to portray some ailment in order to help train medical students and other health professionals.  We need to memorize the symptoms, learn the particulars of the case (how long ago, how often, how bad, etc.), and become familiar with the “patient’s” medical history as well as that of her family.  It is NOT AT ALL like the SP episode of the old sitcom “Seinfeld!”  I do this kind of work at several teaching institutions in and around Philadelphia and have also worked as an SP in Rochester, NY  (home of Susan B. Anthony!).  SPs need to be willing to spend a lot of time in hospital gowns and submit to some non-invasive medical exams–heart and lung sounds, muscle strength, abdominal palpation, etc.  Sometimes we just have to be a body for the preceptor to demonstrate on or for practicing ultrasound techniques.  Often, we give feedback to the students after each encounter.  Our job is to focus on their interpersonal skills; we leave it to the pros to tell them if they are getting at the right diagnosis.

Somehow, these medical students get younger every year.  They are pretty nervous at first, but it’s great to see how their confidence grows and their interpersonal skills improve as they advance through medical school.  The students are always very grateful for the opportunity to hone their skills and to get honest feedback, and there is no question that they benefit from the experience.  It is all quite fascinating and I always learn a lot as well.  I like the feeling that I am helping to make good doctors.

Not all SPs come from the theatre community, but our skills do come in handy.  We need to portray the patients’ emotions with accuracy, appear to be in pain when necessary, and be able to improvise answers to the students’ questions.  I really enjoy my fellow SPs and our trainers.  We are an energetic and committed group, always helping each other out and giving each other some much needed laughs.  I guess I’m pretty good at it, since the schools keep asking me back.  People with SP training are also good at participating in other types of simulations, for training or demonstrations.  If you are looking for an SP or actor for something that is going on in your line of work, please reach out to me via the Contact Page.