History Taking

A series of history taking practice sessions that allows medical students the opportunity to practice interviewing skills with simulated patients. Students interview one or more simulated patients portraying different and challenging cases in each session.   Students are given the option to “time in” and “time out” during their interview in order to request the assistance of their peers and mentors in the group.  Students receive immediate feedback from the patient regarding the “patient’s” perspective of the encounter.  More sensitive and challenging cases such as psychiatric and neurologist issues will be introduced as the sessions advance. This exercise introduces doctor-patient communication skills in a non-threatening and constructive environment.

Cardiac examination

Medical students receive instruction from a faculty member and simulated patient on proper techniques and strategies for performing a cardiac exam on a female patient. Students are provided with the opportunity to perform the exam on a female patient while receiving immediate feedback.

Gynecological/Urological Teaching Associate Program

Medical students receive instruction regarding the female breast-pelvic and the male genital-rectal examination from trained gynecological and urological teaching associates.  The students not only receive instruction and demonstration, but also have the opportunity to perform the examination while receiving constructive feedback from their patient instructors.

Pre-Clerkship Assessments

Description

Medical students perform a history and physical examination on a simulated patient while being evaluated by a fourth-year student silent observer.   The students also receive detailed verbal and written feedback from the simulated patient and observer.