Repetition leads to excellence, and Tina Powers ensures that learners at the Augusta University/University of Georgia Medical Partnership encounter “patients” prior to interacting with actual patients.
As the head of the partnership’s Standardized Patient Program, she manages approximately 70 staff members (Standardized Patients or SPs) who portray patients, allowing medical students to practice diagnosing individuals and refine their bedside manner.
“The faculty value our SPs, and I am certain the students do too,” Powers stated. “They provide students the opportunity to inquire about medical histories, contemplate diagnoses, apply their physical examination skills, and enhance their communication abilities.”
SPs are provided with a script, which they perform for students during an “appointment.” The fictional condition can range from abdominal discomfort to chest pain. The scripts differ for each SP interaction and may include follow-up visits with situations such as delivering troubling news, telehealth consultations, managing patient emotions, addressing errors and apologies, and motivational interviewing.
Faculty observe each SP interaction in real-time and evaluate students based on their observations. SPs also fill out a checklist post-visit that includes aspects like whether the student introduced themselves, used the patient’s name more than once, and maintained solid eye contact. SPs may also provide feedback to assist students in their development.
The Standardized Patient Program commenced in 2010 as a volunteer initiative and transitioned to a paid program in 2019. The SPs receive training and are compensated hourly for their contributions. Those with more experience undergo specialized training and are employed for the students’ Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs). First-year students navigate through six stations for an OSCE, while second-year students engage with nine. Specially-trained SPs also aid in similar assessments for third- and fourth-year students. Many SPs are retired nurses who fulfill that role during “sessions.”
“They understand they are contributing to the education of future physicians,” Powers remarked. “This is how they will acquire proficiency.”
Powers serves as the initial contact for SPs and functions as their supervisor. She manages the scheduling logistics for all SP trainings and appointments. Additionally, she oversees payroll, recruits, and interviews new SPs. She organizes town hall meetings twice a year for them and assigns SP Buddies to facilitate mentorship between seasoned SPs and newer ones. Moreover, she proctors examinations and coordinates simulations.
Powers has been involved with the Medical Partnership for 16 years. She began with basic science faculty and transitioned to a clinical role four years later. She has been in her current position since 2019. Before this, she worked with the North Broward Hospital District in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in design and construction. She has also held administrative roles for a sheriff’s office, a Superior Court judge, and a public works department.
“I enjoy collaborating with others, and I cherish working with our SPs,” she expressed.
SPs are branching out beyond the medical school sphere, Powers noted. The College of Pharmacy, College of Veterinary Medicine, the School of Social Work, and the School of Law have either adopted or are exploring similar initiatives.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Powers is deeply engaged with her church. She also enjoys baking sourdough bread, tending to her flower garden, and crafting organic soaps in various fragrances. She looks forward to spending more quality time with her family, particularly her grandchildren.
“I aim to support others by offering valuable and meaningful service,” she remarked. “And I wish to find joy in doing so.”
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