Catherine O’Brien embarked on her acting journey years ago, never envisioning it would eventually lead her to a role within a medical school setting. Initially involved in Ontario, collaborating with the University of Toronto on a program where laypeople portrayed patients in simulated medical scenarios to aid in the training of future healthcare professionals, she now continues this work at the University of Prince Edward Island’s (UPEI) new medical school.
O’Brien now serves as a part-time standardized patient at UPEI’s Clinical Learning and Simulation Centre (CLSC), where she enacts scripted roles to assist students in honing their skills in realistic scenarios. The goal is to help students practice interviewing techniques, ask appropriate questions, and demonstrate empathy towards patients.
The CLSC’s team of standardized patients, including O’Brien, come from diverse backgrounds beyond acting to provide students with a safe learning environment that mirrors real-life patient interactions. Paul Charles, the simulation program manager, highlighted that the program utilizes various tools, such as simulation rooms resembling hospital settings and high-fidelity manikins, to bridge the gap between classroom education and real-world clinical experiences.
Furthermore, the training resources at the centre are not limited to students but extend to healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their skills. Tammie Muise, the centre’s director, mentioned a new addition called a “simulation rig,” designed to bring training directly into authentic healthcare environments like ambulances, allowing for real-time simulation scenarios to improve patient outcomes.
As O’Brien eagerly anticipates working with the first cohort of UPEI medical students, she expresses excitement for upcoming training sessions. The engagement with students during orientation day has set a positive tone for the collaborative training sessions ahead.
