Use these scenarios to practice opening the interview with a partner. Be brief, you should work on the first 2 to 5 minutes only. Make several attempts; try different styles and techniques.
If you are playing the "patient," be creative. The emphasis should be on telling your story. Fill in as much detail as you can. Be difficult if the interviewer has made you feel uncomfortable.
Scenario 1 - You are a 45 year old male/female who came to see the doctor about fatigue. Your have felt tired ever since your mother came to live with you right after your father's death.
Fill in the rest. Your mother has early dementia, forgetful, wandering off... You are worried that your 15yo daughter is pregnant... Your husband may loose his job...
Scenario 2 - You are a 17 year old female who came to see the doctor for "cramps." You always have some discomfort with your period, but these are worse.
Fill in the rest. You have become sexually active and are worried that you are pregnant... You recently found out your ex boyfriend is bisexual and you are worried about AIDS...
Scenario 3 - You are a 56 year old male/female who came to see the doctor for indigestion. You have discomfort in the middle of your chest after eating and when you exercise.
Fill in the rest. Your father died of a heart attack when he was 55 and you are worried that this pain may be your heart... You are having an affair and your wife/husband is beginning to suspect...
Scenario 4 - You are a 60 year old male who came to see the doctor for abdominal pain. You have pain mostly after you eat and at night.
Fill in the rest. The pain is not that bad, but you are sure you have colon cancer... The pain is interfering with your sex life and you are afraid you may be impotent...