Standardized Patient (SPs)

School of Medicine – Medical Education Support Services, Clinical Training Facility

Standardized Patients (SPs) portray patients and serve as models for students who are learning medical practice competencies, such as interviewing patients, performing physical examinations and/or interacting with family members.

SPs are trained to portray specific roles in a consistent (or “standardized”) manner, so all learners receive the same cases as prescribed by faculty. During some encounters, learners may perform non-invasive physical exams, such as listening to the lungs, pressing on the abdomen or checking reflexes.

Additionally, SPs assess learners from the patient/family perspective, using objective checklists or participating in debriefing sessions as directed by faculty.  All UMKC SPs receive training from School of Medicine faculty in physical examination techniques and communication competencies, plus instruction in how to evaluate and give constructive feedback to learners.

Those selected for the standardized patient pool are eligible to be “cast” for upcoming SP events if they fit specific case profiles as requested by faculty. Availability of work is sporadic and on an as-needed basis only.

Applicants must possess the following skills:

• Dependability and punctuality with event assignments and email responsiveness
• Professionalism when interacting with learners, faculty/staff and SP peers
• Accurate memory for case details in order to portray the role of a patient
• Accurate memory to evaluate learners after each scenario
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Comfort with wearing a hospital gown (with undergarments beneath) during SP events
• Comfort with allowing learners to conduct general physical exams repeatedly
• Comfort with sessions being recorded for faculty assessments of learners or for learners to review later
• Basic knowledge of web conferencing (Zoom, WebEx, Microsoft Teams) and common software (Microsoft Word)

Applicants must have the potential (and willingness) to develop the following skills with training and will be provided training and feedback by our program upon hire:

• Flexibility with assisting as facilitators and proctors during large-scale SP events
• Ability to deliver constructive, written and verbal feedback to learners

UMKC Standardized Patients may be invited to participate in virtual patient portrayals (for patient cases mimicking tele-health visits or for educational programs desiring a virtual option for learners). As such, applicants should have:

• Access to a computer and keyboard, and intermediate-level ability to use that computer
• Access to consistent internet connectivity
• Access to a private, secure and distraction-free area in which to conduct assessments
• Access to a computer-based webcam, speaker and microphone

$20 per hour

Applicants must combine all application materials (resume, and list of three references with contact information) into one PDF or Microsoft Word document and upload as a resume attachment. Cover letters are appreciated, but are not required for this position.

Limit document name to 50 characters. Maximum size limit is 11MB. Do not include special characters (e.g., /, &, %, etc.).

If you are experiencing technical problems, please call (800) 488-5288.

Apply Online: http://www.umkc.edu/jobs

Part time, as needed

We are always looking for SPs that are bilingual.  We have active events for which we are seeking SPs fluent in Spanish!

This position is not eligible for University benefits.  Individuals in non benefit eligible positions may choose to participate in the Tax Deferred Annuity Plan (403b).  For information about this plan, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.
Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement.  This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call Human Resources at 816-235-1621.