WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) - It's healthcare simulation week and some second-year medical students worked toward improving safety, effectiveness, and efficiency of healthcare delivery Monday at the Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine.  

Students acted as doctors roleplaying with real people pretending to be patients. They gathered a history, did exams and even provided diagnosis.  

One volunteer said the technical and academic part of learning is important but added bedside manner is essential.  

"If they have an actual live patient who is having the stress, whatever symptoms we may have that day, um they can not only diagnose and treat but learn how to communicate," said volunteer Liz McNown.  

The Associate Dean for Pre-Clinical Education Angela Carrick said this exercise is important for not only building confidence in these future doctors, but helping them become confident.  

These simulations are run once a trimester as part of the curriculum for doctors in training. They receive a pass/fail for today's exercise and feedback on what they need to improve.