PCSOM recruiting patients for new program

PIKEVILLE, Ky. – “I have terrible, pounding headaches,” the young woman tells the student-doctor. Looking at her chart he asks, “How often do your headaches occur?” A tired expression on her face and hint of worry in her voice, she begins to answer the questions that will help him determine the cause of her pain.

Today, she’s complaining of headaches, nausea and a sensitivity to light. On her next “visit” she just might be experiencing heart palpitations, a nagging cough or something more as a participant in the Standardized Patient and Human Model program at the Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine (PCSOM).

“We are excited about what this new program has to offer our students,” said Peter Zajac, D.O., associate professor of Family Medicine and director of the medical school’s Clinical Skills Training and Evaluation Program.

As part of the curriculum and clinical experience in medical schools across the country, Zajac said the use of standardized patients and human models helps students master good physician and patient relationships and allows them to develop patient history and physical examination skills.

A standardized patient is a person willing and trained to portray an actual patient with a specific medical history and physical exam findings. Human models serve as an actual patient for physical examination.

PCSOM is recruiting individuals from across the region to participate in the program, which is being coordinated by Ms. Susan Wetzel. Standardized patients and human models receive compensation for their training and services and must be 18 or older to apply. Candidates should have flexible schedules and an interest in medicine and medical education, according to Wetzel, who is leading recruitment and training efforts.

Participants in the program will receive training based on their role as either standardized patients or human models. Standardized patients, for example, will learn how to portray patients with specific medical problems. Case scenarios will vary, from a typical headache, sore throat, upset stomach or back pain.

“The response to our program has been a positive one,” said Zajac. “If one is community service oriented, interested in the health care profession, has a desire to help train medical students become competent professionals, has a flexible schedule and would like to earn some additional income, then we are interested in having them participate.”

Applications are being accepted and available at jobs.pc.edu. For more information, contact Susan Wetzel at 606.218.5445 or dwetzel@pc.edu.

The Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine was established in 1997 with a mission to provide men and women with an osteopathic medical education that emphasizes primary care, encourages research, promotes lifelong scholarly activity, and produces graduates who are committed to serving the health care needs of communities in Eastern Kentucky and other Appalachian regions.