The program employs approximately 50 trained patient-teachers between the ages of twenty and eighty. Many individuals in the program have real medical conditions such as arthritis, back pain, knee pain, shoulder pain, hypertension, headaches and HIV positive. Interested individuals are also trained to simulate medical conditions.
Different programs focus on different skills.
Not all patient teachers teach all skills. Programs are held at UIC and at other sites including community hospitals and medical centers in the greater Chicago area. In small groups, new medical students interview patients who have a real medical problem. Following each interview, the students receive feedback about their communication skills and the thoroughness of their interview. For second year medical students , we provide two programs.