In 1972, the Volunteer Patient Program started to enrich health sciences education at Queen’s University in facilities specifically designed to replicate a variety of hospital and clinical settings. People from the Kingston community were brought in to discuss their health histories and experiences, providing first-hand insights and perspectives to learners. These interactions provided learners with that “human” touch that would not typically be found in a textbook or lecture hall. The patient experience became a priority in clinical learning at Queen’s and our volunteers have been offering their lived experiences for over 50 years.
Debuting in 1992, the Standardized Patient Program ran its first simulation-based learning sessions for students making experiential learning with specific curricular outcomes possible. Since then, we collaborate with Faculty and educators to facilitate standardized exams and learning events for students on their path towards becoming practicing professionals. With experiential excellence at the forefront of what we do, we support Queen’s Health Sciences in maintaining its current Top 10 Ranking across Canadian institutions.
Today, the Health Sciences Experiential Learning Program (HscELP) encompasses both patient programs and the operation of our unique clinical learning spaces. The Program has grown significantly and now plays a part in administering assessments, providing clinical space and equipment, supporting the learner’s transition to “the real world,” and exposing them to the challenges and intricacies of patient care.
Through expansion and innovation, the HscELP now provides hands-on learning opportunities for a variety of educational and professional programs such as: law, business, human resources, corrections, justice studies, security, emergency response, and anywhere people can learn by doing. With our expanding clientele, our team has become experts in the planning, administering, and evaluation of experiential learning.