Standardized/Simulated Patient (SP) Program
Thank you for your interest in the SP program at the Clinical
Simulation Laboratory (CSL) at the University of Vermont.
Who are we: The SP program began in the Larner College of Medicine in the mid-90s and has
grown to include the College of Nursing and Health Sciences and the University of Vermont
Medical Center and Network. Currently we have about 70 people in our program ranging in age
from babies with their caregivers, to people in their 80s. The program is overseen by the Director
of Simulation and Education for the CSL and the SP Educators. SP Educators develop educational
programs for SPs and oversee the recruitment, training, assigning work and providing ongoing
professional development. We consult the Standards of Best Practice published by the Association
of SP Educators. https://www.aspeducators.org/
What does an SP do: An SP is a person who has been trained to portray a real patient's case in a
learning or testing scenario that is linked to goals and objectives that the learners are expected to
achieve. The SP provides learners with opportunities to practice their professionalism,
patient/family centered communication skills, medical history, and physical exam skills in a safe
and supportive learning environment before seeing patients in an office or hospital setting. SPs
play a key role in assessment activities for learners.
What we look for in prospective SPs: SPs come from all walks of life in the community. This work can be interesting and rewarding but
not for everyone.
This type of work suits people who:
Have a flexible schedule: As a part-time temporary employee, there is no set schedule or
guarantee of hours, as the needs of the program vary from month to month. While most work
hours would be during the day, there are occasions when we need people to work evenings
and weekends.
Ease with people: Because we work with so many different learners in so many different
stages of training, it is important to be comfortable with your health and working with health
professional students and clinicians.
Committed to UVM’s focus on preparing learners to live in a diverse and changing world:
https://www.uvm.edu/president/our-common-ground
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: To achieve excellence, it is very important to be able to work
well with others regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity/skin color,
religious/spiritual affiliation, age, or physical characteristics. https://www.uvm.edu/diversity
Solid work ethic and commitment to professionalism: Shown by: Being professional in relationships with learners, faculty and CSL staff. Being punctual and prepared
o Following directions in role portrayal and assessment. Hearing and using feedback provided by the SPEs to improve performance, and Following all CSL and UVM policies and procedures.
https://www.med.uvm.edu/com/professionalism
Comfortable with technology: Requires a working email address, and capability to learn the
CSL and UVM technology programs with associated passwords and online video conferencing
(ZOOM).
Comfortable "being on stage": While you are not physically on a stage, you are performing a
part. You are likely to need to perform that same part over and over again, within a 4-8 hour
period, as each learner gets a chance to interact with your case.
Good memory: You will need to memorize all the details about the case you are portraying and
be consistent across learners.
Good listening and observation skills: You may be giving the learners verbal or written
feedback about their performance, and you will need to be "in role" and observing at the same
time.
Enjoy working with a group of people who are truly committed to making a difference in the
education of our future health care providers, one learner at a time.
Payment: SPs are part time employees of UVM. SPs are paid for training and working
with learners at a rate of $20.00 per hour for most sessions.
SP Educators
Bob Bolyard
Nicole Heneveld
Shirley McAdam CHSE
If you are interested, please fill out the questionnaire below and return it to Nicole Heneveld
2022 SP Recruitment Questionaire