Spooky simulation the key to medical student success

Here’s a chance to up your Halloween game and help train the next generation of doctors.

Bond University has opened applications for its 2023 Simulated Participant Program in which participants will be trained in the art of moulage – using makeup to simulate gory wounds.

They will also be coached to simulate the symptoms of sick and injured patients so health and medical students can test their skills in a realistic environment.

Assistant Professor of Medicine, Jessica Stokes-Parish, said the program plays an important role in developing students’ bedside manner and assessment skills. 

“It’s a really fun job that requires some acting ability as well as exceptional communication skills that help students develop their communication and diagnostic skills.

“Those that apply for the job could be working with tomorrow’s doctors, nutrition and dietetics students, occupational therapy and physiotherapy students.”

Dr Stokes-Parish is a moulage expert who draws on skills common in the special effects industry.

“Traditionally, moulage or visual effects makeup is used as a training tactic within highly-immersive hospital settings,” she said.

“But we’re trying to embed it within the course every week. That way, our students get a lot more exposure to realistic and sometimes confronting situations earlier on in their training.”

Kase Amer has been acting as a simulated patient for more than five years. 

“I’m a singer, dancer, and choreographer but I also love visual effects makeup and acting, so this job really covers the bases for me,” Mr Amer said.

“It’s a weird experience seeing yourself made up, but if you like makeup and acting and movies, it’s a great opportunity to do something really different.

“You leave each session feeling really good because you feel like you’ve helped the future generation of doctors.” 

Simulated participants are casual employees of the university and are paid to attend training sessions as well as their simulated patient activities.

They will be given a script of their patient profile prior to each session. No previous medical knowledge is required.  

The Simulated Participant Program values participants from all ethnicities, ages, and backgrounds.

For more information contact [email protected]. Applications close on November 14, 2022.