The University of Arizona, College of Medicine – Phoenix has an ongoing process of hiring and training a diverse and comprehensive group of Standardized Patients (SPs). SPs are integral to medical education for students to learn, develop and practice important communications skills and the art of the medical interview. Students also practice their newly acquired physical exam skills to gain confidence prior to working with actual patients. The SPs are carefully recruited and trained to take on the characteristics of real patients and to portray a specific case(s). Students will do a brief medical interview and/or a focused physical examination, and have the opportunity to learn and to be evaluated in a simulated clinical environment. The word “standardized” means that the standardized patient repeats his or her story in a consistent manner to numerous students.

Standardized Patient activities enable students to learn about medical issues that are sometimes specific to age, gender or other criteria that may not be suited to all Standardized Patients. These individuals are carefully recruited and trained to take on the characteristics of a real patient thereby affording the student an opportunity to learn and to be evaluated on learned skills in a simulated clinical environment. Once the University of Arizona, College of Medicine – Phoenix Medicine faculty or staff selects cases for an event, Standardized Patients are matched with the cases using specific criteria. Each simulation is designed to be as realistic as possible to enhance the learning experience.

There are various types of SPs in which you can play a significant role in helping shape the health care providers of tomorrow. In addition to our SPs that performed brief medical interview and/or a focused non-invasive physical exams, we also select and carefully train a small portion of our SP employees to perform specialized duties as Gynecological Teaching Associate (GTA) or Male Urological Teaching Associates (MUTA). More information about GTA and MUTA opportunities will be discussed at the interview sessions.

The Center for Clinical Skills and Assessment holds group interviews for prospective SPs on an as needed basis. We have been fortunate to have had a large amount of interest in our program. We are not able to employ all of the talented individuals who contact us. SPs are part time and work on a project basis as needed, and may work a few times a year to a few times a month. Standardized Patients are most commonly scheduled Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 12:30pm-5:30pm, however mandatory trainings and special events occur Monday through Friday within normal business hours. (8am-5pm) Flexible availability throughout the work week is ideal.

The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix anchors the 28-acre Phoenix Biomedical Campus in the heart of the Valley of the Sun. The College inspires and trains individuals to become exemplary physicians, scientists and leaders who are life-long learners and inquisitive scholars. We embrace professionalism, innovation and collaboration to optimize health and health care for all. The Phoenix Biomedical Campus embodies the University’s priorities of engagement, partnership, innovation, and synergy in its world-class academic and research initiatives, with clinical facilities throughout Greater Phoenix. The campus also houses the UA Colleges of Public Health, Pharmacy, and Nursing, as well as Northern Arizona University’s College of Health and Human Services, the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) and the International Genomics Consortium.

The University of Arizona has been listed by Forbes as one of America’s Best Employers in the United States and WorldatWork and the Arizona Department of Health Services have recognized us for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona, please click here .

• Act as a client or patient in encounters with medical students and respond with programmed responses according to the questions asked.
• Portray a particular case or patient presentation accurately and consistently.
• Evaluate the adequacy of the interview and communication skills by filling out a checklist, and also by giving verbal and/or written feedback following each encounter.
• Represent patient viewpoint and provide individualized feedback to medical students on clinical, interpersonal skills, and professionalism in a constructive manner.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Must be reliable, punctual and dependable.
• Be able to memorize case materials.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to provide feedback to students.
• Professional demeanor.

• Must be able to use a computer and enter information as it relates to the program.
• This position has physical requirements which include:
  • The ability to participate in student exam by getting on and off a standard exam table, performing range of motion with your arms, legs and hips and putting on and tying a patient gown.
  • Normal range of vision, hearing and speech

• Previous job experience where customer service is a key component of the job.
• Previous experience as a Client Patient Simulator / Standardized Patient.
• Experience teaching, tutoring, coaching or evaluating.

College of Medicine-Phoenix
Office of Human Resources
COMPHX[email protected]

Application: The online application should be completed in its entirety. Blank or missed information may be considered an incomplete submission.

Letter of Interest: Should clearly indicate how your skills and professional employment experience meet the Minimum and the Preferred qualifications (if applicable).

References: Please list 3 professional references including address, title, phone and email address.

At the University of Arizona, we value our inclusive climate because we know that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating an inclusive academic community. We translate these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience and expertise working with diverse students, colleagues and constituencies. Because we seek a workforce with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, we encourage diverse candidates to apply, including people of color, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. As an Employer of National Service, we also welcome alumni of AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service programs and others who will help us advance our Inclusive Excellence initiative aimed at creating a university that values student, staff and faculty engagement in addressing issues of diversity and inclusiveness.