Role of standardized patients in medical education.

Standardized patients are volunteers from the community who participate actively in the teaching and evaluation of our future physicians. The SP program augments medical student learning in both clinical and basic sciences by providing opportunities to practice on patients who are available and willing to be examined. SPs allow "teachable moments" to be created, rather than waited for. SP-based examinations are the most reliable and standardized methods for performance-based assessment of bedside clinical skills. The problem-based-learning (PBL) approach to medical education at JABSOM is designed to foster self-directed learning, interpersonal skills and early hands-on clinical experiences. JABSOM SP experiences are integrated within the PBL curriculum. The CCS and SPs are now vital components of the JABSOM educational model.