The Standardized Patient (SP) Program at Duke University was established in 1991 for testing students in the School of Medicine. Since then, it has grown and evolved into a dynamic program serving the entire university. We have well over 100 actors available and a number of basic scenarios. Each year hundreds of Duke learners are treated to this unique, effective and entertaining instructional method.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Standardized Patient?
A standardized patient is a healthy actor trained to portray a patient. Because adult students learn so well by “doing,” hands-on teaching methods are increasingly popular. To avoid the liabilities of using real patients, most medical schools have turned to simulation. SPs are now often used to teach and test relationship development, interviewing, physical exam, counseling, etc.

Standardized patients are used in teaching and testing situations; individual and group settings; videos and demonstrations. This format is extremely flexible and thus can be useful in a variety of settings.

What is the Clinical Skills Lab?
The Standardized Patient Program is based in the Clinical Skills Lab (CSL) in the basement of Duke South. The CSL has seven simulated clinic rooms and one simulated hospital room. All rooms are equipped with remote-controlled, pan/tilt/zoom cameras and microphones. A central monitoring room houses the individual monitors and digital recorders. It is possible to utilize the CSL even if you don’t need SPs. For more information, tours or scheduling the CSL, contact the Education Training Coordinator of the Standardized Patient Program.
 

Contact Information
Randa McNamara is the Education Training Coordinator for the SP Program and Coordinator of the CSL. Her contact information is:

Address: DUMC 3628
Durham, NC 27710
Email: randa.mcnamara@duke.edu
Phone: 919/681-8652
Fax: 919/684-0249

The Clinical Skills Lab is located in Duke South, basement, orange zone between the orange elevators. The coordinator's office is located in the CSL, Room 0232.
 

Directions

• Driving Directions to Duke Clinic
• Map of Duke Clinic and Parking

From the Duke Clinics Parking Garage:

• Exit the parking deck on the ground level. You should be facing the main entrance to the Duke Clinics building.
• To the left of the main entrance is the older, stone portion of the building called Baker House. Enter at Baker House Entry #3.
• Past the information desk, go up the four steps and through the door.
• Turn right and immediately go down the steps to the basement level. (If you are unable to maneuver steps, see below.)
• Proceed straight off the steps. On the left you will see a recessed door. This is the Clinical Skills Lab.

If you require an elevator, enter the building at Baker House Entry #4. Turn right and follow the hallway (left, then right). Go up the ramp and through the double doors. Take the Orange Elevator to the basement. Turn right out of the elevator and immediately right again into the Clinical Skills Lab.