THUNDER BAY — After a long career with the Ontario government, Bev MacLeod is happy she found casual work that gives her a crucial role in the training of new doctors in Northern Ontario.
"I enjoyed my career, and I wanted to continue in something that was meaningful and made a contribution," she said Monday in an interview. MacLeod happens to have lots of experience on the stage with Thunder Bay's Cambrian Players, so when she started as standardized patient five years ago, she may have had an easier time adjusting to the role than some others.
Applicants should also have good memorization skills, and must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. "I was working in tandem with another SP who was playing the role of my son. I was showing signs of Alzheimer's, so we were there to talk to the doctor about where I was cognitively, and what the next steps might be ... I was in the moment, and the medical student asked if I had any concerns or worries. I turned to the young fellow who was playing my son and said 'I don't want to forget you,' and I broke out into tears. It was so poignant.