Standardized Patients

EVMS pioneered the use of standardized patients (SPs) more than 20 years ago, and continues to be a leader in the field. SPs are individuals trained to:

  • portray a patient with a specific condition in a realistic, standardized and repeatable way,
  • document learner performance,
  • provide feedback on both clinical and interpersonal skills and
  • realistically represent patient satisfaction. 

EVMS’ standardized patient program is one of the largest in the country, utilizing more than 115 SPs ages 12 to 85+ to create a broad range of scenarios for both medical and non-medical training. This resource provides a particularly invaluable training ground for medical and health professions students by giving them access to realistic patient interactions from the earliest days of their education. 

The SP program resides within the Sentara Center for Simulation & Immersive Learning at EVMS, which helps train students and practicing health professionals through simulation and advanced educational technologies. The center is one of only a handful in the country that creates realistic training scenarios by integrating task trainers (which allow students to practice skills like suturing and placing IV lines), computerized manikins, virtual interfaces and standardized patients.

Additional Resources