Standardized Patient
The VCU Standardized Patient Program grew from a collaboration between the School of Medicine and the School of the Arts. Standardized patients serve as patients for learners at many levels to practice communication skills and physical examinations. They also assess students during high stakes tests throughout medical school. Some standardized patients are even trained to teach medical students to conduct physical examinations. They can portray a wide range of personalities and emotional traits to suit the needs of faculty and curriculum.
VCU standardized patients have held simulations outside the School of Medicine and VCU Health Systems for groups such as the School of Nursing, School of Dentistry, Dentistry @ VCU, and the School of Social Work.
Standardized patients are hourly, non-benefited employees of the VCU School of Medicine. They are a diverse group of community members. Some have backgrounds in education, healthcare, the arts, the service industry, or the private sector.
Ultrasound Model
The Ultrasound Program, within the Center for Human Simulation and Patient Safety, started in January 2017. Ultrasound Models serve as patients for learners to practice ultrasound skills. Ultrasound allows for a learner to see real time images inside of a patient without ionizing radiation exposure.
Ultrasound pictures work on exactly the same basis as the sonar that bats and submarines use to navigate. Since a controlled sound will bounce against any object, its echo can be used to perceive the distance the respective object is at, its shape, size and even its density. When the ultrasound scanner's transducer is pressed against the skin, it starts directing a stream of muted and high frequency sound waves into the body. The sound waves echo from the body's fluids, tissues and organs and are picked up by the transducer which record the tiny changes in the sound's pitch and direction. These echoes are then instantly measured and displayed by the computer, which will also generate a real-time picture on the display screen for the technician and doctors to view.
Ultrasound Models are hourly, non-benefited employees of the VCU School of Medicine. They are a diverse group of community members. Some have backgrounds in education, healthcare, the arts, the service industry, or the private sector.
Event Administrator
Our team help your event be successful. We offer services to help with student transition, student scheduling, case scenario development and with event flow. You may contact Liz Fredericksen-Trent, our Operations Manager, to inquire about your event needs and how our Event Administrators may be able to assist.
Event Assistant
More information to come.
How To Apply
If you are interested in applying for any of the above positions, visit Careers at VCU, search the position title, and apply.
How To Request Services
Please complete a reservation request here and select the appropriate options.