Medical Scenario Participant
Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine (MSOM) is seeking Medical Scenario Participants-individuals who enjoy performing, roleplaying, teaching, or working in clinical environments-to help train future healthcare providers through immersive, realistic simulations.
The role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact, regardless of your background. Whether you come from a theater background, have healthcare experience, or simply feel comfortable speaking and performing in front of others, this position is a great fit.
About the Role
Medical Scenario Participants (also known as Standardized Patients) are trained to portray patients in a consistent, realistic way so students can practice communication, physical exam skills, and clinical reasoning. You'll bring scripted scenarios to life-sometimes emotional, sometimes technical-and help learners grow through your performance and feedback.
This is a flexible, as-needed position with hours that vary based on the academic calendar. You may be scheduled multiple times per semester depending on program needs.
Responsibilities
- Portray patient roles with accuracy, consistency, and emotional authenticity
- Participate in student-led clinical encounters, including:
• Medical interviews and history-taking
• Physical examinations (inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation)
• Osteopathic structural exams and OMT when appropriate
- Provide constructive feedback to students about communication, professionalism, and bedside manner
- Complete checklists and documentation with accuracy and timeliness
- Receive coaching and incorporate feedback to refine your performance
- Maintain prompt communication and updated availability with the simulation team
Requirements
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Experience: No medical background required-full training is provided
- Skills & Attributes:
• Ability to memorize scenario details and portray roles convincingly
• Comfort being physically examined by students of all genders in an educational setting
• Professionalism, reliability, and openness to coaching
• Basic computer skills and dependable access to email
• Comfort with audio/video recording for educational review
Why You'll Love Working With Us
At Meritus, you'll join a collaborative, mission-driven environment where your contribution truly matters. We offer:
- A supportive, respectful, and inclusive culture
- The chance to directly influence the development of future physicians
- Flexible scheduling that adapts to your availability
- Competitive hourly pay
- A team that values kindness, professionalism, and a "Happy to Help" mindset
What to Expect
In this role, you will:
- Train to portray patients based on detailed scripts and case materials
- Participate in physical exams that may involve touch, palpation, or guided movement
- Occasionally portray emotionally sensitive scenarios (stress, grief, receiving difficult news)
- Wear simulated patient attire (such as hospital gowns) during sessions
- Work variable hours depending on academic needs
- Complete evaluations between sessions
You will also sign a Confidentiality and Consent Agreement regarding participation and recordings.
This Role May Not Be a Fit If…
- You're uncomfortable being physically examined by students of any gender
- You prefer a predictable, consistent weekly schedule
- Memorizing scripts or following specific behavioral cues is challenging
- You find it difficult to receive or apply performance feedback
This Role Is a Great Fit If…
- You enjoy performing, roleplaying, or public-facing work
- You're reliable, flexible, and comfortable in dynamic environments
- You want to support medical education in a hands-on, meaningful way
- You're open to learning new skills and collaborating with an academic team
Happy to Help
At Meritus, we believe in a collaborative and caring work environment. Interactions are an opportunity to learn, listen, and to be there for one another. Therefore, we provide warm welcomes, hospitality-driven closures, and are always Happy to Help.