Standardized Patient Program

The Standardized Patient (SPP) Program at the University of Michigan Medical School was established in 1989 as one of the first medical schools in the United States to implement a formal SP program as part of its curriculum. 

The SPP is a part of CELA-The Center for Experiential Learning and Assessment, located in the THSL- Taubman Health Science Library on the 3rd floor. CELA serves as the central learning hub for medical students, supporting student practice and assessment with SPs using 30 clinical skills rooms. 

The UMMS curricular model provides medical students with a competency-based curriculum, integrating scientific and clinical learning across all four years.  Students experience SP cases that allow them to directly apply their understanding of chief concerns and medical issues from the curriculum while building their patient communication skills. As medical knowledge and communication skills grow, SP cases become increasingly challenging.