The best patient role-players in the Standardized Patient Program at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) will be honored Mon., Oct. 21, at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. The program is part of the Clinical Skills Center at UAMS. Mary Cantrell, M.A., director of the program and the center, will present Jay Randall Awards to six role-players, two each for the years 2000-2002.

A standardized patient is a layperson who uses a proscribed, step-by-step procedure to act like a patient in a physician's office. The specific illnesses they simulate provide a way for students of medicine, pharmacy, nursing, and health related professions at UAMS to practice what they've learned about patient interaction. The role-player is not an actor, but someone who understands the needs and desires of a patient in a doctor's office.

"It's a safe way to teach patient contact," said Cantrell, "because if the students make a mistake, these 'patients' aren't going to ask to see their supervisor, and maybe vow never to come back to that clinic again. This lets them make their mistakes in a controlled environment."

The awards are named after Jay Randall, a trainer of standardized patients who died at 39. Randall was a local actor and director who founded the Arkansas Shakespeare festival. The Jay Randall Award symbolizes dedication and dependability in the job of standardized patient.

# # #

Contact:
Leslie W. Taylor, 501-686-8998
Wireless phone: 501-951-7260
leslietaylor@uams.edu

Jerri Jackson, 501-686-8149
terryjerrijackson@uams.edu