Office of Medical Education

LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine Standardized Patient Project 

All medical students will have the opportunity to learn communication and other clinical skills in our Standardized Patient (SP) training center, a comprehensive program that challenges students to engage in conversation with actors portraying patients, family members, and colleagues.  

A growing program, the center currently offers one half-day comprised of three scenarios during the third year, as well as a summative experience with six scenarios at the end of the third year. These scenarios are designed to promote trauma-informed, culturally humble communication and to align with the context of third year undergraduate education.  

Prior to each encounter, students receive their SP training dates and pre-work from Office of Medical Education faculty. Upon arrival to the SPP Center, students store their devices and other materials in lockers to become fully immersed in the experience. Before beginning, they are pre-briefed by our education staff. Next, they log into our learning software, LearningSpace, to learn about their first case. When time begins, they enter their assigned exam room to meet their “patient,” a professional actor (SP) who is trained to portray the patient or other communication partner.  

After a scenario, the student may be prompted to reflect on their experience and then undergo face-to-face feedback with the SP. After all scenarios of the day are complete, the small group of students debrief with SP staff. With the exception of the Objective Structured Clinical Exams at the end of the third year, students will be able to view their encounter and feedback videos, allowing for self-reflection and in-depth professional growth.  

Click here for more information on LSUHSC’s Standardized Patient Project.