Standardized Patients (SPs) at Upstate Medical Universitys Syracuse Campus are individuals from the community who are paid to help train future healthcare providers. No medical background is needed. SPs are trained to accurately portray patients by following a case script, answering questions, and allowing students to perform basic, non-invasive physical exams while wearing a hospital gown over undergarments.
SPs support student learning by providing verbal and written feedback, completing computerized checklists, and participating in video-recorded sessions used only for educational purposes. Training is provided to ensure SPs feel prepared and confident in each scenario.