Volunteer patients needed

Island Medical Program students and their tutor enjoy having hands-on practice with volunteer patient Allen Paul at the Jubilee Hospital. Posing for a fun photo, from left to right (top row): Ben Wilson; Dr. Derek Carroll, tutor; Candy Cheng; Jennifer Phillips; Genevieve Tam; and, kneeling in front, Amanda Fiander and Gentson Leung.

Say "Ahhhhh," please.

Student doctors at the new Island Medical Program are looking for volunteer patients so that they can practise their bedside manner and examination skills. Program coordinators aim to establish a roster of about 70 people of all ages, including children, who are willing to fake a few aches and pains and undergo non-invasive examinations for the sake of training future doctors.

"It will be just like going to a regular doctor's office and we need people who are comfortable with being examined by a group of medical students," says Janice Valdez, patient coordinator. "This is a valuable community service because volunteer patients can make a real difference in the quality of service that these doctors of tomorrow will provide."

Student doctors in the program do much of their clinical training in the community. Practice sessions involving volunteer patients are between 1 and 5 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, at the Royal Jubilee Hospital. Volunteers, who will be needed for a couple of hours at a time, will get a $15 honorarium toward travel and parking expenses.

To volunteer as a patient, or for more information, contact Janice Valdez at 472-5524 or e-mail jvaldez@uvic.ca.