Pediatric SPs
Pediatric Standardized Patients range in age from infancy to 17 years. Accompanied by a parent, these Pediatric SPs are required to be comfortable in a clinical setting for a one to two-hour session with a small number of medical learners. There is no role-playing involved.
 
Through these sessions, medical learners will develop essential skills such as taking medical histories and performing non-invasive physical examinations. All activities are conducted with a parent present and under the supervision of a licensed physician. 
 

Teaching SPs
Teaching Standardized Patients, because of their own medical histories, offer a unique learning opportunity for students. In their sessions, they meet one-on-one and share their own health stories with students.
 
There is no role-playing involved, and no teaching experience required. Children and adolescent SPs with medical conditions are also Teaching SPs, and parents or family members usually accompany them during their sessions. 
 

Teaching Associates
Teaching Associates (TAs) are specially trained SPs who guide learners through performing sensitive physical examinations—such as pelvic, breast, genital, or rectal exams—using their own bodies as teaching tools.

Gynecological Teaching Associates (GTAs) and Urological Teaching Associates (UTAs) foster a safe, respectful environment where learners receive guided instruction and real-time feedback. The role requires strong communication skills, professionalism, confidence, and a commitment to improving the quality of sensitive care.