SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
CLINICAL SKILLS PROGRAM
STANDARDIZED PATIENT & TEACHING ASSOCIATE POLICIES
MAY 2007
Emory University’s School of Medicine is dedicated to establishing competencies in clinical,
communication and professional skills of health care providers AND competencies in
communication and interpersonal skills in the community and corporate world.
Sessions conducted by the Clinical Skills Center staff provide educational experiential sessions
using Standardized Patients (SPs), Physical Examination Teaching Associates (PTAs) and
Genital Teaching Associates (GTAs). Your commitment and dedication as a SP/PTA/GTA are
appreciated and we want to ensure that your continued work at the Center is fulfilling,
enriching and enjoyable. As a SP/PTA/GTA you need to be aware of the policies and
procedures that contribute to the successful implementation of the day to day events at the
center. Please carefully review the following policies and procedures for the Center.
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Table of Contents:
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CONTACT INFORMATION
PROCEDURES & EXPECATIONS FOR SP/TAS IN ROLE
POLICIES & PROCEDURES DURING ASSESSMENTS
POLICIES & PROCEDURES DURING TEACHING SESSIONS
CONFIDENTIALITY
QUALITY ASSURANCE
TRAINING PROCEDURES & POLICIES
PROFESSIONALISM
PAYMENT & PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
PARKING
WAITING ROOM CONDUCT
EXAM ROOMS & HOUSEKEEPING
SELECTION OF SP/TAS
SCHEDULING PROCEDURES
CANCELLATION PROCEDURES & POLICIES
FOLDERS & PAPERWORK
GENERAL INFORMATION
RESIGNING
TRAVELING CONTRACTS
ALCOHOL & DRUG POLICY
HARASSMENT & GRIEVANCE POLICIES
PERSONNEL ASSISTANCE GUIDE
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
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Contact information for Center Personnel:
Connie Coralli
Clinical Skills Coordinator
Room 316
Emory School of Medicine
1648 Pierce Dr.
Atlanta GA 30322
Emory Phone: 404 712-9925
Grady Phone: 404 778-1324
Cell:
404 218-6668
connie.coralli@emory.edu
Emory Office of Medical Education
Central Office
404 727-0045
Grady Office of Clinical Education
404 778-1372
Locations:
Emory Campus
Clinical Skills Center
School of Medicine Bldg.
Room 316
1648 Pierce Dr.
Atlanta GA 30322
Grady Campus
Clinical Skills Center
Faculty Office Building
Room 126
49 Jesse Hill Jr Dr SE
Atlanta GA 30303
Phone: 404 712-9925
FAX: 404 727-0045
Phone: 404 778-1324
FAX: 404 778-1370
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PROCEDURES, POLICIES & EXPECTATIONS OF THE SP/TA:
IN ROLE:

Do not speak with the learners “out of role” before or during the simulation. - You should
not be seen by any of the students unless you are "in role." Given the configuration of the
new building it is not unlikely that you will encounter students before they enter your exam
room so while on campus be aware of your behavior at all times.

Remember, the videotapes are recording – even when the students leave the room. Do not
make gestures (rolling eyes, thumbs down, etc) or make comments about the students at any
time. The tapes may be sent to faculty or observed by the student at a later date. At the end of
the encounter, simply complete checklists or feedback without any editorializing.

Feel free to bring bathrobe or slippers for use during breaks. Getting to the restrooms
requires walking down a public cooridor.

Realism - It is very rare that real patients wander the halls in gowns and sheets! Our
priority is realism at the Center as much as possible within our configuration lilmitations.
Thus, do not walk in the hall or chat at the door between sessions in a gown and sheet. If you
need assistance use your signal to summons staff.

To signal staff take the brightly colored piece of paper from the top drawer in your
bed and place it on the end of your stretcher. Someone will talk to you via intercom
or come to you.
ASSESSMENTS:

Student Assessment: for all assessments, before leaving for the day, you will need to check
over each form/checklist for completeness.

SP/PTA/GTA Assessment - Feedback forms must be given to all faculty and
students/residents who you have interacted with during your session if so instructed. You are
responsible for giving these to the faculty or students after your session. These forms help to
determine your competence and allow us to give feedback to you on your performance.
TEACHING SESSIONS

For small group sessions, if you have questions, talk with the facilitator prior to the session
Do not conduct this business in front of the student group. See the facilitator in the hallway.

Do not allow a facilitator to change your simulation. You have been trained from a case with
the realistic physical findings, history and psychosocial problems. If the facilitator wants to
change your simulation, explain your need to remain as you were initially trained and refer
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him to the Center’s office. However, if the facilitator wants to “tune” your affect (to increase
your anxiety or decrease your anxiety, for example) or your “setting” (i.e., clinic office, ER,
etc.) this is appropriate. Please record this change.


A “time out” is a valuable learning process for the students. When you are in a “time-out”
period it is important for you to continue the simulation (i.e., facial expressions, body
language, etc.). However, do NOT interact with the student or group until “time in” is called.
Note: your subsequent performance must not be modified by the discussion during the “timeout” period.
Time outs are only used during teaching sessions, never in assessment sessions.
CONFIDENTIALITY

CONFIDENTIALITY is of utmost importance to this Center; on-site and off-site.
a) Student/client Confidentiality: No student or client performances are to be discussed
with anyone by name or identifying specifics other than with the Program Director and/or
the Deans for Medical Education. We must maintain total privacy for the students at all
times.
b) SP/TA confidentiality: Any observations of other SP/TA’s performance during training
or quality assurance/reliability sessions are to be kept in the strictest confidence.
Discussion of SP/TA performance is to be limited with the trainer/center staff.
b) Confidential Materials: The cases/checklists used for training are the property copyright
of Emory University School of Medicine. These cases/checklists are to be used
exclusively for experiences booked through the Center. Unauthorized use or discussion
of these cases/checklists will result in expulsion from the program. The training manuals
are the property copyright of Emory University School of Medicine. These manuals are
to be used exclusively by SPs trained at the Center. Unauthorized use/sharing of these
manuals will result in expulsion from the program.
QUALITY ASSURANCE:
* IT IS IMPORTANT TO RETAIN A HIGH QUALITY SIMULATION AT ALL
TIMES.

Quality of the SP/TA performance is a priority at the center. Quality assurance will be
maintained using several methods:
 Direct observation during training
 Direct/scheduled observation during sessions
 Direct/random observations during sessions
 Videotape review
 Self-Videotape review by SP
Feedback will be provided ASAP. This may be verbal or written or both.

If, at any time, you feel you are in need of a review, or if you have questions or concerns with
the simulation, arrange some time with the staff through Connie Coralli.
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
Center Quality Performance is also a priority. Please complete the SP/TA feedback survey
after each event with your comments about our performance. This will allow us to continue
positive practices and identify those that need improvement. Place these in the inbox on
Coordinator’s door.
TRAINING

All cases require training and all training is provided by the Staff & Faculty at the
Center. Please ask the trainers for assistance at anytime. Training MUST be done by a
designated trainer.

Basic SP Training procedures*:
1. Initial training session to discuss case & checklist
2. May be asked to observe a case.
3. Home study
4. Additional training of physical examination techniques (event specific)
5. Dry run the case/checklist/reliability (it is expected that the SP arrives for the dry run
prepared to portray the case with detailed knowledge of case/checklist/feedback)
6. Second dry run scheduled
7. Tune up just prior to beginning session.
*training procedures may be modified for the client/event if necessary. Assessments will require more training time
than teaching sessions.

Basic GTA Training procedures*:
1. Initial meeting to discuss overview and orientation of the job requirements
2. Observe a session
3. Physical examination by a clinician
4. GTA curricula & training
5. Home study
6. Small group dry run
7. Additional training/observation as required
*training procedures may be modified for the client/event if necessary. Assessments will require more training times.

Basic PTA Training
o Revisions in progress.

If a SP/TA/GTA does not attend the training session, they will not be able to participate in the
event. If there are mitigating circumstances that requires re-scheduling of the training with
the trainer, please contact the Coordinator. The amount of training required is at the
discretion of the Coordinator.

If a GTA/PTA has been inactive for 3 months, a refresher session(s) will be required with the
appropriate trainer.

All cases, checklists and training materials are developed by the Program staff/Emory faculty
and the property and copyright of Emory University School of Medicine. These cases,
manuals, checklists and all written materials are to be used exclusively by SP/TAs booked
through the Center. Upon resignation, all written materials are to be returned to the center.
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
The center recognizes the different learning styles of the SP/TAs. If an individual SP/TA
develops materials that assist them in the learning of the case/checklist etc. and feels it would
assist others in the training, they must submit the materials to the Coordinator. Please do not
distribute materials without prior review by the Program Coordinator.

Feedback & Basic skill training and review is compulsory. Workshops are held on an
annual or semi annual basis for all simulators. If you cannot attend a workshop, you will not
be able to work at the Center.

Orientation to specific event requirements will be provided prior to the event. This may be
the a few days prior to the event or the day of the event. You will be notified of details in
your confirmation email.

A debriefing of the event usually follows each day’s performances. Please plan to stay 15
minutes after the event for this debriefing. Your observations and comments are always
welcome, verbally or written after the event.
PROFESSIONALISM – PREPARATION & PUNCTUALITY

PROFESSIONAL PREPARATION – It is your professional obligation to come to the session
prepared. This includes knowing the details of the case, checklist, and format (ie: asking for
a copy of the case/checklist 15 minutes before you are working is not considered
professionally prepared). Details about an event are in the confirmation email (example in
Scheduling section). Please read this carefully. If you have any questions, please contact the
Coordinator.

PUNCTUALITY is of dire importance for the reputation of the Center. You must be
available for the full time requested. It is mandatory that you arrive at the Center 30
minutes prior to the start of the session. This paid 30 minutes give you time to prepare
your room, equipment and paperwork for the session. It also gives Center staff time to
communicate last-minute client changes. Punctuality is of key importance during
performance reviews and pay level increases.

You will be required to sign in upon your arrival in Room 126 at Grady FOB and in
Room 316 at Emory where you will pick up and drop off your daily work folders.

Arriving late – The SP/TA sign-in sheet will be reviewed and filed after each event. You
will be given the opportunity to add your comments to the form. Unforeseen circumstances
arise for everyone, but punctuality is a professional courtesy for our students. The Center
cannot use you if you are unable to arrive on time.

For those unforeseen emergencies make sure you have the coordinator’s Cell phone
number with you so you can let the Center know as soon as possible that you are
delayed.
PAYMENT, LEVELS & PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Employee Status: As a SP/TA at Emory University School of Medicine, you are considered
an Independent Contractor, unless you are an Emory Employee (you are in a different
category in this case-see below.) . This status does not allow for benefits nor are taxes
withheld.. Please allow up to 6 weeks for your paycheck to arrive.
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
Emory employees for another department will be hired as part time employees for the School
of Medicine. You will be paid on the HR bi-weekly or monthly schedule upon submission of
your pay sheet. Schedules available from Connie Coralli. You are not eligible for benefits but
taxes are withheld for this position.

Currently we only use one level of SPs however there is being thought given to recognizing
advanced ability at some point in the future. SP level advancement is based on performance,
evaluations, punctuality/reliability and duration in the program. Level advancement is only
given after a performance evaluation with the appropriate trainer and Director (see criteria
next page). It is the responsibility of the SP/TA to contact Connie Coralli to schedule the
performance review. Should and when this becomes a reality you will be notivied.

Definition of Standardized Patient & Performance criteria: Standardized Patients are
trained to portray a patient case, assess/document student performance, provide
individualized feedback on clinical, interpersonal skills, professionalism and represent patient
satisfaction. During a specific event, the Standardized Patient may receive specific training
for completion of a checklist including physical examination techniques (done-not done or
correct technique-incorrect technique). Feedback will consist of informing the student of
your documented checklist.. As an SP gains experience, knowledge and expertise he/she will
be assessed using the following criteria for advanced recomgition:
1. Ease of training & time training for a high quality performance: As experience increases for
the SP, training time is more efficient & effective.
2. Quality of Feedback: Review of feedback forms from student/faculty/trainer, quality and detail
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
of feedback verbally and written. Written and verbal feedback is accurate and consistent in
quality. Upholds training, uses phraseology as specified, and completes professionalism forms in
detail.
General Attendance/lateness: Consistently arrives on time or provided notice when late.
Preparation: Prepared with case details, knowledge of checklist and feedback.
Working with staff, students & peers: Works well with center admin, students and peers.
Flexibility: ability to adapt to quick changes and working with changes.
Ability to receive feedback & integrate feedback: Integrates feedback readily and
consistently.
Consistently performing a high quality job: Understanding details necessary to portray cases
& document student performance..
Contributes positively to the attitude and morale of peers: Consistently contributes to center
morale and attitude. Does not contribute or spread malicious gossip or rumors
Checklist accuracy & reliability : consistent checklist accuracy and reliability
Professionalism: Represents Center professionally at all times and is conscious of impact to
internal external clients.
Levels:

LEVEL 1 (novice) - mandatory MIRS training and attendance at annual training
session, appropriate performance for novice level.

LEVEL 2 (intermediate) 1+ year’s active involvement and attendance at annual
training session, appropriate performance for intermediate level. Performance
evaluations indicate high level of performance, flexibility, quality, responsibility and
reliability, trained in some aspects of the physical examination for
documentation/assessment/feedback of done-not done, correct/incorrect techniques.
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LEVEL 3 (advanced)- appropriate performance for advanced level. Performance
evaluations indicate highest level of portrayal, flexibility, quality, responsibility and
reliability. Trained in some aspects of the physical examination for
documentation/assessment/feedback of correct/incorrect techniques.
LEVEL 4 (specialized training) – Simulations that require specialized feedback and
training outside the normal training of the MIRS and simulation. This training
requires understanding medical concepts and additional training customized for
CME, GME levels. SPs must have achieved level 3. Performance assessment
includes specialized knowledge, advanced feedback training and understanding of
medical concepts.
Definition of PTA & Performance criteria: additional training is provided to select
Standardized Patients to teach and refine physical examination skills in which the PTA uses
their own body as the model. They have attended intensive training (approx 40 hours of
instructed time + home study) and have been assessed and certified as PTAs by Emory
Clinical Skills Center staff/faculty. PTA levels are determined by
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Knowledge Of Physical Exam Techniques
Use of Terminology
Facilitation of Student Learning
Time Management
Written Assessments
Completion of Feedback Forms
Adheres To Techniques Supported By Emory University School of Medicine
Clinical Skills Center
Ability To Receive PTA Feedback And Implement Changes
Accuracy In Assessments
Adaptability
Professionalism
Details on criteria for assignment of levels available upon request.

Definition of GTA: additional training is provided to select Standardized Patients to teach
and refine the male GU and rectal and female breast and pelvic examination skills in which
the GTA uses their own body as the model. They have attended intensive training (approx
20 hours of instructed time + home study) and have been assessed and certified as GTAs by
EUSOM faculty/staff. Please contact the appropriate GTA trainer for criteria.

Pay sheets are located in SP waiting areas at both Grady and Emory (Room 126 at
Grady and 116 at Emory). Please complete your pay sheets after each event and leave them
in the designated place..

Sign in at the time you are scheduled to start or whenever you arrive whichever is later
You cannot be paid for hours prior to the time you are scheduled to start.

Sign you when you are finished for the day, have cleaned your room and been
debriefed. This rarely takes longer than 15 minutes following the end of your last case.

Lunch Breaks: EUSOM does pay for lunch breaks when you are working both morning and
afternoon sessions. If you are scheduled to work during a meal you will be paid for the time
provided to eat (usually ½ hour). Make sure you are clear on when lunch breaks are paid.
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
You letter of acceptance for a job will specify the hours you will be paid (everything between
your start and stop time).
Meals: Meals will be provided when you are working or training 4 hours or more. Breakfast
is provided for morning sessions, lunch for afternoon sessions, and both for all day sessions.
For shorter sessions snacks will be provided.
Fee schedule for Internal and External Events:
Training:
SP training/office work/event admin
Basic PTA training (after first assignment)
Basic GTA training (after first assignment)
Additional PTA training
Additional GTA training
$
$
$
$
$
Standardized Patient
LEVEL 1
LEVEL 2
LEVEL 3
LEVEL 4
$ 20
$ 20
$
$
Physical Examination Teaching Associate (PTA)
LEVEL 1 - Physical Examination Teaching Associate (internal)
LEVEL 1 - Physical Examination Teaching Associate (external)
LEVEL 2 - Physical Examination Teaching Associate (external)
LEVEL 3 - Physical Examination Teaching Associate (external)
$
$
$
$
Genital Teaching Associate (GTA)
LEVEL 1-3 - Genital Examination Teaching Associate (internal)
Female, per exam
Male, per exam
LEVEL 1-3 - Genital Examination Teaching Associate (external)
* Dependant on client contract
$
$35
$25
$
Set up/Break down (external events)
PTA Set up and break down (external)
GTA Set up and break down (external)
Stand-by rates:
1.5 hours of role rate (SP/PTA/GTA)
$ per site or event
$ per site or event
Event Rates
Event Rates are calculated with the formulae below. These formulae are provided to assist you in
understanding your paycheck and the external event contract rates.
 Internal Event rates:
Level rate x # of hours = internal event rate.
The calculations of your pay will be done by the Center from the information on your pay
sheet, and then submitted to HR for processing on a bi-weekly basis.

You will be paid a minimum of 2 hours of simulating.
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
You are paid an hourly rate calculated to the nearest 1/4 hour. (Example: If you
worked for 1 hour and 10 minutes, you would be paid for 1 1/4 hours)
 External Event Rates:
(Level rate x # of hours) + ($10.00 x travel time) + ($ set up and break down) = event rate.
External event contract rates will be provided in the “request for availability” email. It is
important to understand that you may refuse a contract at any time without penalty. If
the contract rate is not satisfactory for you – please decline the contract.

Pay sheets must be submitted on Friday of the week you are performing.
Human resources will not allow staff to enter your hours on your pay sheet. Additionally,
pay sheets cannot be processed unless properly completed with a signature. HR will only
accept fully completed pay sheets.
PARKING:

Paid parking is available at both sites in designated lots.

At Grady the designated lot is located beside Grady Hospital at the corner of Edgewood and
Jesse Hill Jr. Dr. SE. Bring your parking ticket with you to get it stamped so you can leave
the parking lot with a paid ticket.

At Emory the parking lot is beside the Emory Clinic on Clifton Road (across the street from
Emory Hospital). At each performance you will receive a parking token that will allow you
to get out of the parking lot without paying. It is your responsibility to get parking stamps or
tickets from the staff before leaving for the day. In addition to the lot beside Emory Clinic,
Emory parking tokens will get you out of any visitor lot on Emory campus.
VIEWING ROOM CONDUCT:

Should you have reason to be in the Faculty Viewing Room, maintain silence so that others
can listen and concentrate.

Beverages are not allowed in the viewing rooms unless in covered containers such as travel
mugs with lids (we just can't risk spills). You may bring your own container for this.

Privacy is critical at the Center. You may be observing (or being observed by) another
SP/PTA/GTA for training purposes. If the examination is sensitive every effort will be made
to protect your privacy by the staff. Alternatively, it is important for you to be sensitive to
the activities on the monitors, it is essential that you restrict your viewing to the monitor you
are assigned to watch. Remember that the cameras are always on when you are in an exam
room so please dress/undress in a private area and behave with decorum.

While Grady exam rooms have an area out of camera range, Emory rooms do not. Therefore
changing in the rest rooms or having on your performance clothes under your street clothes
would be appropriate.
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
We are in a public building so even if you are comfortable walking to the bathroom in
your underwear, the public using the hallways may not be! Please bring a bathrobe with
you. If it would be helpful to have a locker to store your stuff in-between sessions let me
know.
EXAM ROOMS & HOUSEKEEPING:

SPs are responsible for the set up and clean up of their exam rooms for each session.

Check that you have sufficient stock of all supplies before the session begins and restock any
supplies that are getting low. Make sure you have linen and any props needed for your case.
You are also responsible for returning these to their storage area at the end of your session
and tearing off the used paper on your table and straightening up. Leave your room in
pristine condition after each session.

When finished with your linen for the day please put it in the hamper in the “write-up area”
and indicate what you put in on the inventory list on top of the hamper. If you are working
the Wednesday afternoon session, at the end of the session please bring the full bag of used
linen to the Coordinator’s Office – do not bring the hamper, just the bag - along with the
inventory list.

Should you have a problem or a question during an assessment or teaching session, please
put out your signal so we will know to assist you.

Do not leave your confidential materials (case/checklists/instructions) or any other material in
the desk drawer even if you are just going to the bathroom or on a meal break. This applies
mainly to assessment sessions.

Linen – Please only use one gown (like a real patient) at a time, tied in the back. One sheet
should be used by SPs and two by PTA/GTAs. Please place used linen in the laundry hamper
each day.
Rooms are cleaned daily by the housekeeping staff but each SP is responsible for changing
the table paper, and putting all trash in the bins straightening the room and turning off the
lights and wall mounted equipment at the end of their session. PLEASE MAKE SURE TO
TURN OFF THE OTOSCOPE/OPTHALMASCOPE UNIT AT THE END OF EACH
SESSION AND ON AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH SESSION. Rooms are assigned
according to the logistics of the sessions being run and the parameters of the cases.
Additionally if you have problems with the equipment, notify the staff.


Please do not leaven any personal belongings in exam rooms at the end of your session as
they may not be there when you return.
SELECTION OF SP/PTA/GTAS:
The SP/PTA/GTA is selected for events using a combination of the following criteria.
Selection Criteria

Client specifications (case, age, gender, ethnicity, physical characteristics, etc.)
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Case requirements (affect to be portrayed, case difficulty, knowledge base needed to
portray case, life experience)
Role of SP/PTA/GTA/MTA
Ability to master the role, personality and requirements of the case.
Ability to interact with the staff & trainees in a professional manner.
Level of experience in portraying case
Level of experience in teaching
Level of experience and quality of feedback (verbal and/or written)
Past training and experience with requested case
Performance history and ability to integrate feedback
Performance history and ability to maintain changes of case/feedback
Level of experience for level of learner (M1, M2 …physician)
Client preferences (client will identify a specific SP/PTA/GTA or ask NOT to send a
specific SP/PTA/GTA)
Prior confirmation for an EUSOM event. Once confirmed for an EUSOM event, you will
not be contacted for additional events at the same time/date.
Development/maintenance of skills*
* The Center reserves the right to distribute work to develop/maintain SP/TA skill levels and to meet the needs of the
Program. Final casting selections are the prerogative of the Program Staff and are not disputable/contestable.
SCHEDULING:
The EUSOM curriculum has top priority in scheduling events.
The Center’s main method of communication is email. To participate as a SP/TA/GTAs it
will be necessary to have or obtain an email address and to read your email regularly.
SCHEDULING PROCEDURE:
Full time Teaching Associates are scheduled first.
Contractual SPs/PTAs/GTAs:
* A contact is made via email regarding the available date(s) to work (for all SPs, PTAs or
GTAs).
To assist you in making a decision to accept the event the availability notification will consist of:
 Date
 Time
 Location
 Topic
 Client/participant level

Upon hearing back with availability -- the schedule is completed. (Criteria for doing so are
“First come, first serve” as well as consideration for amount of work given lately –
distributing work as required).
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
Confirmation emails will be sent once schedule set. The confirmation will consist of the
following information:
EVENT DATE(S)
DEPARTURE TIME & LOCATION:
EVENT START TIME & END TIME:
LOCATION OF EVENT:
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES:
LEVEL OF PARTICIPANT
ADMIN FOR EVENT
ROLE:  SP
 PTA
 GTA
FORMAT :
SESSION:
time per session, ___ students per group
CHECKLISTS:
time to complete checklists, location & format
FEEDBACK:
time for feedback & type
PAY SHEET:
Information
EXPECTED SITE SET UP

If possible, a standby is scheduled for each Program.

If possible, a Reminder email is made for each Event Scheduled.

No SP will be required to participate in an activity or session or be penalized for choosing not
to participate. However, if you do consent to an activity or session, we will assume you will
demonstrate responsibility and arrive at the scheduled time.

Scheduling notice: We try to give you as much notice as we get! If you are available on an
“emergency basis,” let the Coordinator know. We know SPs are people too, and emergencies
and illnesses may occur. If you must cancel attendance at a session, LET US KNOW
IMMEDIATELY. This allows us to find a replacement (from our “emergency pool”). Please
see additional contact numbers on page 18.

You will be scheduled 30-minutes prior to your first student. This paid time is for room
preparation, review of format and any last minute instructions from the Center staff.

Confirmation is sent out via email and/or followed up by phone.

If we have the opportunity to confirm your schedule the day before the session, we will.
Please consider this a courtesy call and it may not occur for each session. We assume when
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you confirm a session you will be at the Center on the appropriate day and time whether we
have additional contact with you or not.

While you are employed by the Clinical Skills Center all scheduling is done by the staff.
CANCELLATIONS:

In the event of circumstances that prevent you coming to a scheduled session, please notify
Center staff as soon as possible. Last-minute cancellations cause stress for the center
personnel, the students and the SP who is called at the last minute to cover your event. A
pattern of last minute cancellations will affect your selection for future work.

Cancellations must be made with Connie Coralli directly – phone messages or emails are not
acceptable. Although we appreciate your conscientiousness, please do not directly contact a
replacement SP/TA on your own unless you have been given a back up to call specifically for
your case. Please see emergency phone numbers at the end of this document.
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SP cancellations must be reported to the Center within 24 hours prior to the start of an event.
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Events canceled by the Center with three or less hours notice to Standardized Patients will
result in 1 hour's pay to Standardized Patients. Cancellation with more than three hours
notice will not be reimbursed. We regret any inconvenience this may cause.
CLIENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO SCHEDULE OUR SP/PTA/GTAS.
If you should receive a call from a client (internal or external) please contact us immediately.
If you privately schedule sessions unauthorized by the Emory University School of Medicine
Center, you will be immediately terminated as an EUSOM SP.
FOLDERS & PAPERWORK:
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Cases & checklists - Please retain all of the cases you are trained in for future use. It is
highly recommended that you obtain a daily planner and a 3-ring binder to keep track of your
schedules, manuals, simulations, and training and pay information. Bring your cases (or the
relevant case) each time you come to work.
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Folders will be made up with your name on it for each of your sessions. They will be placed
in the SP waiting room for pick up and drop off. Each folder will contain the materials
needed for the session. Instructions may also be placed in your folders, please read each item
carefully. If you have nay questions please contact the site administrator.
GENERAL:

Dating or ‘hanging out” with Medical Students: It is our policy that SPs do not personally
interact with the medical students, since you are in a position of evaluating them.
We are not providing a professional service to the student if he/she has to expend energy to
discriminate between you as a patient and you as a friend while at the center.
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Conflicts - If you are experiencing any difficulties with simulators, faculty, staff or clients,
please address these concerns in a timely manner and in detail to the Coordinator.

Telephone Numbers: It is the policy of the Center never to give out personal phone
numbers - even to other SPs. However we may ask if we can share phone numbers with SPs
who are backing your up. Otherwise, if you want to share your telephone numbers you must
do it yourself.

Newsletter – We plan to begin a quarterly E-mail newsletter for the Center and volunteers
are always needed for articles and to put this together.

Personal advertisements or business information, memos and any information you wish to
share with other SPs can be submitted to the Coordinator for consideration for the Emory
Clinical Skills Center “Sim Times.”
RESIGNING OR DEPARTING FROM THE CLINICAL SKILLS CENTER
All cases, checklists and written materials are the property and copyright of Emory University
School of Medicine or are on loan from another institution and being used with permission.
These cases are to be used exclusively by simulators booked through the Center. Upon
resignation, all written materials are to be returned to the center.
The training manuals (MIRS, CALS, TIPS, PTAs and GTA) are the property and copyright of
Emory University School of Medicine. These manuals are to be used exclusively by EUSOM
simulators. Upon resignation from the center, all materials must be returned to the center.
Emory University School of Medicine Clinical Skills Center supports a quality assurance
policy. If, after 6 months of inactivity the Center reserves the right to place the
SP/PTA/GTA on an inactive list. After 12 months of inactivity, the SP/PTA/GTA
employment status will be terminated. Reinstatement to an “active status” can be discussed
with the Coordinator by appointment.
If a “leave of absence” is requested, please contact the Center as soon as you know this status
is needed. Date of departure and date of return is appreciated.
An exit interview is appreciated by the Director. Your perspective is important to us. The SP
may request Connie Coralli, Margo Kuisis, or Dr. Otsuki to conduct the exit interview.
TRAVELING CONTRACTS AND PROFESSIONALISM

EUSOM curriculum events have top priority for all scheduling. Once confirmed for an
EUSOM event, you will not be contacted for additional events at the same time/date unless
specifically notified.
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All SP/TAs must be active and in good standing in EUSOM internal events to be
considered for external events.
 Selection of SPs traveling to off-sites is determined by specification of the client and the case.
These will include:
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Client specifications (case, age, gender, ethnicity, physical characteristics, etc.)
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Case requirements (affect to be portrayed, case difficulty, knowledge base needed to
portray case, life experience)
Role of SP/PTA/GTA/MTA
Level of experience in portraying case
Level of experience in teaching
Level of experience and quality of feedback
Past training and experience with requested case
Performance history and ability to integrate feedback
Performance history and ability to maintain changes of case/feedback
Level of experience for level of learner (M1, M2 …physician)
Client preferences (client will identify a specific SP/PTA/GTA or ask NOT to send a
specific SP/PTA/GTA)
Prior commitments to EVMS curriculum
Distribution for skill maintenance*
* The Center reserves the right to distribute work to develop/maintain SP/TA skill levels

Scheduling procedure is the same as internal clients.
Early morning departures:
o We recognize that some external client travel contracts will require very early
morning departures. Unfortunately, the client cannot always support an
overnight stay. We sincerely appreciate your dedication & commitment to the
center when you accept these early morning departure contracts.
 As with internal activities, all external activities are optional. No SP will be required to
participate in an external activity, or be penalized by choosing not to participate.
 If you are selected to travel off-site, you are representing EUSOM and Clinical Skills Center
and staff. You are required to dress professionally and in “business casual” to and from
the site. Short or casual shorts, T-shirts/tank tops, jeans (of any color), sweats, sneakers, flip
flops, beach sandals etc. are not professional attire. If your role requires specific attire, change
at the site.
 DO NOT discuss student’s performance/behaviors and or faculty behaviors in public places.
Walls have ears, and comments about specific student/faculty behaviors/actions (humorous or
otherwise) are inappropriate in public.
 IT IS IMPORTANT TO RETAIN A HIGH QUALITY SIMULATION AT ALL TIMES.
Quality assurance will be constantly monitored and you will be provided feedback on site if
necessary OR when we return to EUSOM.

Exam rooms off-site: We have established a reputation for leaving a site “cleaner” than when
we arrived. Any modifications for an event that you have made to a room (including moving
equipment) must be returned to original condition/set up.

Hotel policy: Contracts for 1 – 3 nights, you may be asked to share a room. If the contract
involves hotel rooms for 4 nights or more, you will be registered at the hotel in a single room.
If the opportunity arises for spouses or family members to attend and you are sharing a room,
the individual will be required to obtain a room at their own expense. Of course if you have a
single room, your family/friends are welcome to share your room.
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
Meals: The center follows the EUSOM travel policies (see below). If a client specifically
requests receipts, we will notify you prior to departure. In these cases, expenses without
receipts will not be reimbursed. If the client provides meals, these meals are for EUSOM
employees contracted for the activity. Unfortunately, this does not include family members.
Please do not ask EUSOM staff if you can invite your family members to meals or activities
provided to you by the client – it is not their decision. Nor should the client ever be asked to
accommodate family or friends traveling with you. This would be highly unprofessional and
cause for termination from the program.

Travel days: for travel that requires an overnight stay, you will receive a per diem cheque
prior to leaving on the event.
The following represents an excerpt from the travel policy and unless stated in writing, will
be the standard for all external travel.
Meal Per Diem
REIMBURSABLE
Full day meal per diem for all full days
of business-related travel while away
from home. Receipts not required.
¾ day meal per diem on date of
departure and on date of return.
Receipts not required.
Meal per diem includes meal gratuities.
Full day per diem if travel requires a
full day of travel, based on flight times.
NON-REIMBURSABLE
Meal per diem for travel that does not
require an overnight stay.
Meal per diem for any day before or
after business travel dates.
Meal per diem for meals or paid for in
addition to cost of conference.
Meal per diem when cost of hotel
includes full-course meals.
 External Event contract rates: determined by the formulae below.
(Level rate x # of hours) + ($10.00 x travel time) + ($ set up and break down) = contract rate.
Event rates will be provided at the time of availability contact. It is important to
understand that you may refuse an event at any time without penalty. If the
contract rate is not satisfactory for you – please decline the event.
 Receipts: If receipts are requested by the client, all receipts must be submitted 7 days after
return for reimbursement. Receipts received after 7 days will not be paid.
 Cancellations: The client has the right to cancel the activity at a moment’s notice. We
apologize for the inconvenience this may cause you. The Center is not responsible for any
contract rates if the event is cancelled or modified prior to leaving the Center.
 Transportation: The Center will arrange all transportation to external events. It is preferable
that all SPs travel to the site together and arrive together. If for any reason you would like to
drive your personal vehicle, please contact Connie.
EUSOM is the central meeting place for traveling by van.
accommodate each of you, we cannot pick you up at your home.
While we would like to
Your safety is a priority for the center. EUSOM has adopted guidelines to avoid driver
fatigue. If you would like to obtain a copy of the guidelines, please contact Connie Coralli.
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For distances greater than 400 miles, air transportation will be requested from the client.
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MISCELLANEOUS:
 All recreational activities suggested by the Clinical Skills Center staff are optional. No SP
will be required to participate in a recreational activity, or be penalized by choosing not to
participate.
 Problems, complaints and comments are to be brought to the attention of the Coordinator or
staff on-site. Please do not address concerns with the client staff’s. All concerns will be
addressed – if not on site, then at Emory upon your return. This relates to both internal and
external events.
If you have a concern with a Center on-site staff member, please speak with Connie directly
and immediately after the incident.
If there are any questions about these policies, please contact Connie Coralli. All questions or
comments are welcome. Contact Connie at 404 712-9925 or email at connie.coralli@emory.edu.
THE EMORY ALCOHOL AND DRUG POLICY:
Emory Policy states:
“It is the policy of Emory University adheres to the Provisions for the Drug Free Workplace Act
of 1988 and the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989.: In addition it
recognizes that its faculty, staff and students may participate in events where alcoholic beverages
will be served. Such events should provide an atmosphere where the consumption of alcohol is
not the primary focus and where choosing not to drink is as acceptable as drinking.”
Additionally the Clinical Skills Center policy extends to:
 Drinking alcohol prior to sessions is not permitted.
 Drinking alcohol during activities sponsored by the client is not permitted.
 Drinking alcohol at the conference or workshop site where participants or
clients may observe consumption of alcohol is not permitted.
 SPs under the age of 21 will not be permitted or assisted in purchasing
alcoholic beverages.
THE EUSOM HARASSMENT & GRIEVANCE POLICIES & PROCEDURES:
It is the policy of Emory University that all employees and students should be free to be able to
enjoy and work in an educational environment free from discriminatory harassment. Harassment
of any person or group of persons on the basis or race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual
orientation, age, disability or veteran status is a form of discrimination specifically prohibited in
the Emory University Community. Any person working or studying at Emory who violates this
policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including exclusion from the University.
In addition sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors,
and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature under certain circumstances and is
unacceptable and violators are subject to disciplinary action and exclusion from the University.
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It is the policy of EUSOM to provide support for prompt resolution of employee and student
complaints relating to conditions of employment. Every effort will be made to resolve any
problems informally.
Procedures:
Please use the coordinator, Connie Corallli as your first point of contact with concerns. If she is
not able to resolve your concerns, Dr. Alan Otsuki (Associate Dean, Office of Medical Education
and Student Affairst) is available to discuss your concerns. If problems are not resolved after
working with Connie and Dr. Otsuki, you may be advised to contact Office of Equal Opportunity
Program located in the University Administration Building (phone 404 727 6016, website
http://www.emory.edu/EEO).. We take problems of this nature very seriously.
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EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
First point of contact: Connie Coralli
Emory 404 712-9925
Grady 404 778-1324
Cell
404 218 6668
Office of Medical Education
Emory 404 727-5655
Margo Kuisis, Director of Medical Education can also be reached at this number as can
Dr. Otsuki, Associate Dean for Medical Education.
Office of Clinical Education
Margo Kuisis
Grady 404 778-1372
Direct Line: 404 712-8417
Cell
770 313-3355
C:\Documents and Settings\ccorall\My Documents\CSC Policy & Procedure Manual\5.
Standardized Patients\SP Handbook.doc
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