One of our members, Beth McKim, works as a simulated patient (SP). Her essay, Confessions of a Professional Patient, gives a rare insight into a SP's mind-set.
"Three young doctors, their necks splotched crimson with fear, come up one at a time, to deliver the same, life-changing news to me. Their hands tremble and voices shake in these encounters as they disclose that my tests indicate I am facing a potentially serious, or even fatal, disease." Read more: Download Professional Patient
A simulated patient (SP), standardized patient or sample patient (also known as a patient instructor), in health care, is an individual who is trained to act as a real patient in order to simulate a set of symptoms or problems. Simulated patients are used in medical education, nursing education, evaluation, and research.
Author Bio: Beth McKim resides in Houston, Texas with her husband, Buddy, and their Labradoodle, Lucy. After working for twenty four years as a Staff and Parent trainer and Director of Volunteers for Child Protective Services, Beth currently enjoys studying Creative Writing and Spanish. A former marathon runner and triathlete, she is now an avid swimmer, Yoga enthusiast, and overall fitness devotee. She feels particularly rewarded by her part- time job as a medical actress. Email Ms. McKim.
