The role of simulated patients in medical education

Dr. Pauline Chen's Doctor and Patient column last week focused on the role of simulated patients in medical education. The article sheds light on a practice that few outside medical education get to see. The simulated patients and situations can be quite complex and allow medical educators and students to practice procedures in a safe, standardized environment. Standardization is also important in assuring that students are trained in the same way, creating an environment where best practices can be reinforced from the beginning of a student's education.

Of course, simulated patients and medical scenarios can only go so far. There is absolutely no substitute for real-life experience. But students and teachers are finding that the simulated patients can provide a valuable place to start gaining that experience.