Specially trained actors, Standardized Patients accurately portray the role of a patient with a specific medical condition. They provide students with direct human interaction in a safe learning environment. Performing a competent physical exam, taking a thorough medical history, and building a rapport with patients are fundamental clinical skills that all graduates should possess. MCOM’s Standardized Patient Program’s primary objective is to ensure that all graduates possess these essential skills. Feedback is given by faculty, staff, as well as the standardized Patients, and is valued by students in their health care education.

The integration of scientifically-based, outcome-evaluated clinical knowledge and skills, biomedical sciences, and osteopathic principles practices with the behavioral and communications skills required for health care providers can be advanced and evaluated for pre-doctoral and postdoctoral students as well as physicians and other providers in practice. In keeping with the mission and vision of Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, the Standardized Patient (SP) Program provides a safe setting in which students may practice and receive feedback concerning their ability to become competent communicators, as well as knowledgeable, skilled compassionate and ethical, professionals.

The SP Program, additionally, is responsible for the design, development, delivery and assessment of faculty development programs to enhance the continuous improvement of the faculty who teach our students. This duty is in keeping with the mission and vision of the university to provide our students and faculty with the well-researched and validated methods of instruction and evaluation, including mentoring and supervision, state of the art instructional technology, and continuous professional advancement. Assessment of all facets of the curriculum, faculty, and students is one duty placed within the domain of the SP Program that will be integral to the accomplishment of its other duties.