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What is the Graduate School of Medicine (GSM)?
In July 2004, the Australian Government approved the development of a Graduate School of Medicine at the University of Wollongong. The Government provided funds to help finance the purpose-built medical school buildings on the Wollongong and Shoalhaven campuses.
In January 2007, the first eighty students began their Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS). Starting with the 2008 intake, fifty-six new students per year will be based at the Wollongong campus and twenty-eight at the Shoalhaven campus in Nowra.
The aim of the GSM is to produce excellent medical practitioners who are able to contribute to the enhancement of health care for patients in all geographic settings, but particularly in regional, rural and remote communities. It is also expected that the GSM graduates will have a commitment to patient-centred, evidence-based, reflective and cost-effective medical practice.
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Why does the Graduate School of Medicine need volunteers?
The GSM has adopted a wide range of learning and educational approaches as well as state of the art technologies to assist in the facilitation of such learning. One of the key learning activities for medical students will be the interaction between students and patients. In establishing a Patient Volunteer Program, the GSM is ensuring that students are able to learn and continually practice appropriate communications with real people, make diagnoses and have immediate access to ‘patient’ feedback.
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What would I have to do as a Patient Volunteer?
If you are recruited as a Patient Volunteer you will initially be required to undergo some basic training. Once that has occurred, you will need to be available to participate in scripted role plays. Typically, a volunteer would be asked to familiarise themselves with a script, and role play an existing medical condition. This allows the medical student an opportunity to discuss and diagnose according to what signs and symptoms the patient displays or advises.
Volunteers will also be needed for students to practise their physical examination skills - this will not include intimate examinations. All volunteers will need to give informed consent to take part in any learning and teaching activities. Volunteers will also always be informed of the nature of the activity and the level of commitment required in advance.
Many Patient Volunteers continue to participate in the program over a period of time, accessing more training and becoming more skilled as they progress.
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Do I have to be trained?
Yes. Every Patient Volunteer will be required to attend some basic training and information sessions that familiarises you with the process and expectations of GSM. This is to ensure that as a Patient Volunteer you are comfortable and familiar with your role which in turn will make it easier and more effective for the medical student. You will not need any particular experience or qualification to participate, the GSM will provide all necessary training and information for.
If you choose to become a long-term Patient Volunteer, you may have the opportunity to undergo more comprehensive training and/or development that will further contribute to your skills and learning as a Patient Volunteer.
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Does it cost anything?
Training will be provided for Patient Volunteers by the GSM at no cost to volunteers. When volunteers are required to attend training and/or activities at the Clinical Skills Centre, the GSM will assist in transportation to and from the venue, and reimburse costs where necessary. Refreshments will also be provided during these occasions.
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When would I start?
GSM’s first intake of medical students was in January 2007, and subsequent intakes will occur yearly. Medical students would need to be practising their skills through out the year in situation role-plays. Volunteers will also be needed for clinical examinations.
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Where would I go to work?
GSM has two sites, Wollongong and Shoalhaven. Patient Volunteers could work at either of those sites (or both). All training sessions and activities will take place at the GSM’s Clinical Skills Centres which have purpose built facilities in both locations.
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How available would I have to be?
GSM prefers that Patient Volunteers be able to make a commitment for a length of time to participate in the program. This is not a full time commitment but may initially be training sessions, and availability to participate in clinical role-plays. This is to ensure that Patient Volunteers who are trained are able to utilise and practise the knowledge and skills developed. GSM aims to establish a pool of skilled and experienced Patient Volunteers who will be available on an ongoing basis to work with the GSM students.
If you are interested but have limited availabilities please indicate as such on your Expression of Interest Form (EOI).
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Do I need to have an illness, or a particular medical history?
No. The GSM is seeking a diverse group of Patient Volunteers which can include different cultural groups, ages, ethnicities and medical histories. We encourage everyone to apply via the Expression of Interest Form. Volunteers do not need to have any existing illnesses, conditions or symptoms to participate as Patient Volunteers with the GSM.
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Do I have to provide my whole medical history and/or health records?
As a Patient Volunteer you do not need to provide any existing medical or health records. However, if you are able to provide a brief medical history of any existing conditions it may allow us to better accommodate your needs, as well as the needs of the students. Once the program has been established and we have a large pool of Patient Volunteers, GSM will have a database identifying different circumstances, needs and availability of Patient Volunteers to match the annual curriculum needs.
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Do I receive treatment for my existing (or new) illnesses?
No. The Patient Volunteer role is to act as a patient to assist students in the development of skills. The medical students will not be treating volunteers, prescribing medication or making diagnoses except in a role-play situation. If during participation in a role-play, either a student or a tutor believes you may need to seek real medical assistance, it will be privately discussed with you and an appropriate referral will be made.
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What happens to my personal details?
All personal details and information that is provided by Patient Volunteers remains confidential. It will only be used by the GSM to determine and assist your initial and ongoing participation in the program.
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What if I change my mind or my circumstances change?
If you have put in your EOI or you begin the program but decide that you no longer wish to participate, please discuss with the Patient Volunteer Co-ordinator. There may be a minimum commitment you can make or you may need more flexible arrangements. We will do our best to consider and accommodate your needs.
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How do I benefit from being a Patient Volunteer?
There are a number of benefits in volunteering to contribute to the development of medical students. Participants in similar programs around the world have commonly identified:
- Meeting new people and making new friends
- Contributing to the education and skill development of future medical practitioners
- Having an opportunity to give something back to the community
- Developing new personal skills
- Being involved in new and growing areas of health education
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What if I know someone else who is interested in being a Patient Volunteer?
Ask them to contact the Patient Volunteer Co-ordinator directly.
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How do I sign up to be a Patient Volunteer?
If you decide you would like apply to become a Patient Volunteer for GSM, you need to:
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What happens after I have signed up to be a Patient Volunteer?
You will be contacted by the Patient Volunteer Coordinator.
Once you have received notification of acceptance into the Patient Volunteer program:
- Complete Form B – Patient Volunteer Code of Conduct
- Complete Form C – Informed Consent
- Your details will be kept at the GSM, and you will receive regular information regarding the program
- Prior to any participation in student learning activities, you will attend an initial training session
- The GSM staff will contact you to advise of when you are needed, in accordance with your availabilities
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How do I find out more?
If you have read all the provided information, and would like to find out more please contact the Patient Volunteer Coordinator at the GSM. Alternatively, you can post or email your Expression of Interest directly.
