How Being a Standardized Patient Helped Me Effectively Talk to Doctors and Advocate for Myself

Sara Pilling spent her encore career as a standardized patient. This experience taught her how to talk to healthcare providers and advocate more effectively for herself. 

Jennifer Schwartz, Sara’s Friends Life Care Wellness Coordinator, joins this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR for a co-interview. We learn what a standardized patient is, essential skills for this field of work, and lessons to take into our next healthcare appointment.  

Sara Pilling spent her encore career as a standardized patient for the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners, University of Pennsylvania medical school, and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Along with being a constant source of income, her experience as a standardized patient helped Sara learn to talk to physicians and effectively advocate for herself. Sara is also a Friends Life Care member.    

Jennifer Schwartz has 20 years of experience working for Philadelphia non-profits serving older adults and people with disabilities in roles including care manager and long-term care ombudsman. She holds a bachelor’s degree in History and a master’s degree in Social Work.   

https://www.friendslifecare.org/about-us/care-coordinators/jennifer-schwartz/   

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