MD Program

Information for Current Standardized Patients

Training

Once you are invited to join the PBA Program, you will be asked to indicate your interest and availability to participate in upcoming PBA exams. Two-three weeks prior to that exam, you will be contacted to set up a convenient time to train and rehearse. We are flexible and do make an effort to work around class, work, performances, etc.

New SPs should expect to put in 6-10 hours of rehearsal prior to working with medical students. Experienced SPs should expect to rehearse at least once prior to each exam regardless of how often the role has been portrayed. All SPs should expect to train prior to each exam. Most performances occur on Thursday or Friday. Training is usually focused during the week of the exam. A variety of times are offered to accommodate a most schedules. SPs are paid for training time.

After case selection is complete, we begin the process of recruiting and assigning SPs. We begin to read and study the cases and role-play the patient-physician interaction. Additionally, we review video recordings of previous PBA exams in order to continually improve our work. After learning the roles, our SPs go through “mock encounters” or dress rehearsals with a number of faculty and lead trainers. These physicians also provide feedback on the cases and to the SPs so that the content of the cases and the portrayal of the patient are realistic. In this way, we can present the most realistic, reliable, consistent, and accurate cases possible. SPs are required to accurately complete an assessment checklist. 

Training is paid at a flat rate of pay: $11 per hour. Training is scheduled according to SP availability. We strive to train in small groups whenever possible, since this is the best way to “standardize” the performance and the checklists.

Pay Rates and Payroll

SPs are paid on  a tiered scale - each SP employed by the PBA program will be identified as a Level I, II, or III (the performance rate will increase with experience). 

 Wage Schedule for Standardized Patients and Simulated Patient Instructors 

 Pay Schedule

 Effective 8/21/2011, a bi-weekly payroll system will be used. Please refer to the Biweekly Payroll Schedule for 2012-2013 or Biweekly Payroll Schedule for 2013-2014  schedules for specific details.

SPs are required to sign up for direct deposit (scroll down for the link to the direct deposit form), as the university will not mail checks to any individual. Contact Barbara Brown (barbara-brown@uiowa.edu or call 319 384 3027) with payroll questions.

Exam Schedule

The schedule is determined by the clerkship directors and the members of the PBA staff at least one year in advance. Currently, we run PBAs for the Ambulatory Practice Module (APM), Psychiatry, Surgery, Pediatrics and Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/Gyn) clerkships.  Additionally, we run PBAs for the PA Program.

Standardized Patients (SPs) are expected to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the exam start time in order to change into hospital attire, receive instructions, obtain their schedule for the exam, and take their places. During the exam, all SPs who are not involved in an encounter with a medical student will observe another encounter from 2187. Once an SP has completed his or her encounters with the medical student, straightened the exam room, placed linens in their spot, and turned in all materials, the SP is free to go.

Please scroll down to see the current  PBA Exam Schedule.