SPs in conversation

Wage and Work Expectations

What is expected of a Standardized Patient:

  • Punctuality – Whether you are arriving on foot, via public transit or driving yourself, allow time for missed connections, parking challenges and weather/road conditions.
  • Preparation – Once you are confirmed for a session, the case materials will be available to you on SharePoint.  You are expected to be familiar with the case(s) and have any questions ready when you arrive at Medskills for your training session.
  • Presentation - SPs are expected to dress accordingly for the role when engaged for an instructional or exam session. When in the MSC for training or other purposes, SPs are expected to dress appropriately in clean, casual clothing that avoids overexposure. It’s also prudent to always have gym shorts, T-shirt and/or sports bra  available  in case an unexpected physical exam is included at the discretion of a preceptor.
  • Professionalism – SPs are expected to maintain the highest standard of conduct when working with the MSC staff, with each other, with students, with preceptors and with exam candidates. You are presumed to be reliable and capable and to perform your role accordingly. Confidentiality, particularly when it comes to certification exams, is of paramount importance. The MSC does not tolerate racism, sexism, bullying or physically or verbally abusive behavior.

What a Standardized Patient can expect:

  • Employment on a casual or part time basis. Rates of pay, working conditions and terms of employment are outlined in a letter of agreement between the Alberta Union of Public Employees (AUPE) and the University of Calgary.
  • Thorough training to prepare you for casework, and provision of any specific wardrobe, prop or makeup requirements
  • Paid parking for MSC engagements
  • Punctuality and courtesy from trainers and MSC staff

 

How do SPs get booked for work?

All MSC work is coordinated through SharePoint, a Microsoft web-based collaborative platform. Once you’ve been hired as an SP, you’ll be assigned your personal @ucalgary.ca email, and be invited to access SharePoint.

There you’ll find all open bookings listed. When you see a session where you match the required demographic, and your time is available, you register your interest in the session.

The Trainers and the Team Leader process all of the registrations, first determining appropriateness of the SP based on specifics for the case/session. This can include age, gender, body type, fluency in a second language, even having a toddler.  The case/session is then cast from the pool of SPs who’ve registered. You’ll receive either a confirmation, a notice that you’ve been wait-listed, or a notice that you’ve been declined.  

Medical Skills Home

Outline of SP Program

Program Requirements

Applying to SP Program