Patient Volunteer Program

The GSM is looking for patient volunteers from the local communities to support and contribute to the development of clinical skills of future doctors. Patient volunteers have a pivotal role in assisting students with their communication skills and non-invasive examinations.

As a volunteer, you will:

• Meet new people and make new friends
• Give something back to the community
• Contribute to the education and skills development of future doctors
• Be involved with growing and dynamic areas of heath education
• Chose a comfortable level of participation for you

The GSM will:

• Provide all appropriate training and information
• Support you in your role as a patient volunteer
• Respect and maintain confidentiality
• Recognise your contribution to the education of students
• Reimburse expenses, assist in travel and accommodate your needs

Volunteers are required for the Clinical Skills Centres on both the Wollongong and Shoalhaven Campuses. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, with or without specific illnesses are welcome.

Overview of the Program

The Graduate School of Medicine at the University of Wollongong welcomed our first students in January 2007. The School's objectives emphasise the desire to prepare medical practitioners for the future, who are highly skilled, motivated and reflective.

In this context, clinical skills teaching has gained increased importance in the preparation of medical practitioners over the last decade. The GSM reflects this development with its Patient Volunteer Program. The program provides students with the opportunity to develop and practice skills including communication and physical examinations in the GSM’s Clinical Skills Centre with patient volunteers.

The GSM endeavours to generate ongoing interest and awareness of the program across local communities to ensure that our volunteer demographic will reflect the diversity of the local and surrounding areas, and thus provide our students with as realistic a clinical experience as possible.

The program creates opportunities for community involvement, which will mean the ongoing recruitment of local volunteers who may be required to act as patients in scripted role plays, present to clinical tutorials with specific conditions or illnesses and provide feedback to students. Patient volunteers can be of any background or age; with or without any specific illnesses and will be trained by GSM staff to participate fully in the clinical skills education of our students.

As it develops, the GSM expects that the Patient Volunteer Program will become an integral and successful component of the student learning as well as a rewarding experience for the volunteers involved.

Last reviewed: 4 March, 2008