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Medicine student taking a medical history with a simulated patient

Becoming a healthy patient volunteer

If you are interested in helping us to train the next generation of doctors, then you could become a healthy patient volunteer. This is a great opportunity for you to help support the learning and assessment of our medical students.

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Introduction

Help to train tomorrow's doctors

Here at Hull York Medical School, we want to give our medical students opportunities to develop their practical skills in supervised conditions, before putting what they have learnt into practice in hospital wards and GP surgeries.

As part of this training, we need volunteers to take part in the OSCE examinations (Objective Structured Clinical Examinations), where our students carry out basic, non-invasive physical examinations under exam conditions.

Our volunteers come from all walks of life – from those who want to 'give something back', to students looking to broaden their work experience.

What all our volunteers have in common is the wish to give their time to help us train not just doctors, but brilliant doctors.

Become a healthy patient volunteer
Medical student with simulated patient
Become a Clinical Education Tutor

Who can volunteer?

You must be over 18 and in good health. You will need to be available to spend a minimum of one day with us to participate in the OSCE exams.

There are a number of opportunities each year to take part in our exams, which run at the University of Hull and University of York campuses.

Testimonial

Barbara Brown

Healthy patient volunteer

Being a healthy patient volunteer is a really interesting experience and an opportunity to be involved in the training of tomorrow's new doctors. The day was very well organised and everything was fully explained at the beginning of the day. I was a model for a respiratory examination and students came in at regular intervals and conducted their examination, then reported their findings to the examiner. You don't need any experience for this task, just a willingness to be examined and assist the Medical School process.

What is involved?

As a volunteer in our exams, you will experience basic physical examinations or non-invasive tests (such as blood pressure or ECG recording) performed by medical students. A qualified doctor will be present during every exam to supervise.

You do not need to undertake any formal training. You will be fully briefed on arrival prior to each exam.

What do I need to wear?

You can travel to and from the exam dressed as you wish, but for the exam you will need to wear your own shorts and a loose t-shirt. There may be a requirement to raise or remove your t-shirt to allow students to listen to your heart, for example – if so, you will be advised of this in advance.

Would I get paid?

You’ll be paid £8.21 per hour if over 25, or £7.70 per hour if you are under 25.

How to become a volunteer

If you are interested in becoming a patient volunteer, please get in touch with us using the following online form.

Please note, if this is your first session or you have not worked for Hull York Medical School within the last six months, you will need to complete a 'right to work check' at Hull York Medical School, on the relevant university campus, before you can work. This will involve completing a casual worker registration form and bringing it together with your passport as a form of identification. If you do not have a passport, other supporting documentation can be used – please contact us for further details.