Job Description

Medical Scenario Participant

Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine (MSOM)
$18/hour • Flexible, as‑needed scheduling

Bring your talent, presence, and professionalism to a role that directly shapes the next generation of physicians. The Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine is seeking Medical Scenario Participants—individuals who enjoy performing, roleplaying, teaching, or working in clinical environments—to help train future healthcare providers through immersive, realistic simulations.

Whether you come from a theater background, have healthcare experience, or simply feel comfortable speaking and performing in front of others, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

About the Role

Medical Scenario Participants (also known as Standardized Patients) are trained to portray patients in a consistent, realistic way so students can practice communication, physical exam skills, and clinical reasoning. You’ll bring scripted scenarios to life—sometimes emotional, sometimes technical—and help learners grow through your performance and feedback.

This is a flexible, as‑needed position with hours that vary based on the academic calendar. You may be scheduled multiple times per semester depending on program needs.

What You’ll Do

• Portray patient roles with accuracy, consistency, and emotional authenticity
• Participate in student‑led clinical encounters, including:
  • Medical interviews and history‑taking
  • Physical examinations (inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation)
  • Osteopathic structural exams and OMT when appropriate
• Provide constructive feedback to students about communication, professionalism, and bedside manner
• Complete checklists and documentation with accuracy and timeliness
• Receive coaching and incorporate feedback to refine your performance
• Maintain prompt communication and updated availability with the simulation team

What You Bring

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent
• Experience: No medical background required—full training is provided
• Skills & Attributes:
  • Ability to memorize scenario details and portray roles convincingly
  • Comfort being physically examined by students of all genders in an educational setting
  • Professionalism, reliability, and openness to coaching
  • Basic computer skills and dependable access to email
  • Comfort with audio/video recording for educational review

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

At Meritus, you’ll join a collaborative, mission‑driven environment where your contribution truly matters. We offer:

• A supportive, respectful, and inclusive culture
• The chance to directly influence the development of future physicians
• Flexible scheduling that adapts to your availability
• Competitive hourly pay
• A team that values kindness, professionalism, and a “Happy to Help” mindset

What to Expect

In this role, you will:

• Train to portray patients based on detailed scripts and case materials
• Participate in physical exams that may involve touch, palpation, or guided movement
• Occasionally portray emotionally sensitive scenarios (stress, grief, receiving difficult news)
• Wear simulated patient attire (such as hospital gowns) during sessions
• Work variable hours depending on academic needs
• Complete evaluations between sessions

You will also sign a Confidentiality and Consent Agreement regarding participation and recordings.

This Role May Not Be a Fit If…

• You’re uncomfortable being physically examined by students of any gender
• You prefer a predictable, consistent weekly schedule
• Memorizing scripts or following specific behavioral cues is challenging
• You find it difficult to receive or apply performance feedback

This Role Is a Great Fit If…

• You enjoy performing, roleplaying, or public‑facing work
• You’re reliable, flexible, and comfortable in dynamic environments
• You want to support medical education in a hands‑on, meaningful way
• You’re open to learning new skills and collaborating with an academic team

Happy to Help

At Meritus, we believe in a collaborative and caring work environment. Interactions are an opportunity to learn, listen and to be there for one another. Therefore, we provide warm welcomes, hospitality-driven closures, and are always Happy to Help.