From the theatre to the simulation lab, Quentin shares how his journey as an actor shaped his role as a Standardized Patient—bringing empathy, precision, and professionalism to the heart of medical education. Through 1,800 simulations, scenario co-writing, and emotional coaching, he has become more than a performer: a true educational partner. His story invites us to rethink the role of SPs—not as props in a training script, but as essential collaborators in building more human, impactful, and emotionally intelligent healthcare.
A SIMZINE exclusive based on the SIM Moove podcast interview with Quentin Menard
In this episode of SIM Moove, the podcast giving voice to the people behind healthcare simulation, host Fouad Marhar welcomes Quentin, a professional actor turned Standardized Patient (SP), who perfectly embodies the evolving role of actors in healthcare education. In this honest and engaging conversation, Quentin shares how his artistic journey enriches medical training. With nearly 1,800 simulations under his belt, he reflects on emotional intelligence, standardization, professionalism, and impact. A vibrant exchange that shines a light on the crucial—and often underestimated—role of SPs in shaping tomorrow’s healthcare professionals.
From Stage to Simulation Center: An Unconventional but Natural Path
Quentin didn’t take a traditional path into the world of simulation. At the end of high school, he had planned to study medicine—until a drama teacher spotted his potential and invited him to perform in The Trojan War Will Not Take Place. That experience changed everything. Playing Hector, he discovered the thrill of acting and the emotional resonance of stepping into another’s shoes. Conservatory training in Angers and later at the National Drama School in Montpellier followed.
But his interest in healthcare never faded. When he saw a call for standardized patients through a program mixing theater and medicine, he entered the field through the lens of performance, unaware of the broader pedagogical movement he was joining. A chance encounter with simulation pioneer Jean-Claude Granry in Angers introduced him to the national simulation network—and opened a new professional world that felt uncannily tailored to his dual passions.
Emotions and Evaluation: Putting Humanity First
What immediately stands out about Quentin is his perspective on simulation through the lens of emotional intelligence (EI). For him, being a standardized patient isn’t about “acting well.” It’s not about applause—it’s about creating a space that invites the learner into an emotionally resonant experience.
“The sentence I love hearing is, ‘Wow, that was tough… but super interesting.’ That’s when I know the debrief will be great,” he says.
This ethos is especially visible in his work with PASS (pre-med selection exams in France), where he co-writes interview scenarios to assess first-year students not on clinical skills, but on empathy, listening, and interpersonal ability. “These interviews send a strong message: from day one, your humanity matters.”
Standardization—But Keep It Alive
Quentin acknowledges the challenge of standardizing performances, especially when multiple actors deliver the same scenario across different rooms and sessions. His answer? Structure. Shared timing cues. Rehearsals with actors simulating learners at different competency levels. Scenarios built with “trigger drawers” that open at predictable times to anchor the evaluator’s observations.
He embraces a healthy dose of improvisation. “Equity isn’t about repeating the same thing word for word—it’s about responding justly to each learner. That’s where true fairness lives.”
Caring for the Carer: Emotional Safety for SPs
Portraying illness, trauma, or emotional distress repeatedly can be taxing. Quentin is clear-eyed about the toll this work can take and has built support systems into his company, Quel Monde Production: reflective tools, mental health coaching, actor-specific feedback forms, and ongoing check-ins about emotional readiness.
“Not everyone is cut out to be a SP. And that’s okay. It’s not just about being a good actor—it’s about being able to manage emotional load responsibly.”
Not a Tool, but a Partner
Quentin doesn’t mince words: “An SP isn’t a tool. It’s a partner.”
He challenges outdated perceptions that see standardized patients as mere props. He advocates for their full integration as pedagogical collaborators, even questioning why SPs—especially experienced ones—aren’t more frequently empowered to lead debriefings. “After 1,800 simulations, I know how to read people. I know how to deliver meaningful feedback.”
Professionalism: Merging Art and Enterprise
Quentin is not just an actor—he’s also an entrepreneur. He runs two businesses: a public speaking training company and a secondhand clothing store. This experience informs how he approaches simulation: structured timelines, clear communications, logistical management, and client-oriented service.
“I wanted to offer a turnkey solution that respects healthcare professionals’ time,” he explains. His company manages everything from travel and actor prep to scheduling and post-simulation support. “Formers don’t even need to talk to the actors beforehand—I handle everything and ensure the quality is there.”
Reframing Simulation: A Broader Vision
For Quentin, the potential of simulation extends beyond education. He dreams of public outreach, perhaps even a documentary, to raise awareness about the role of simulation in modern healthcare. He’s fascinated by the placebo and nocebo effects, the power of words in shaping a patient’s relationship with illness, and how simulation might train not only competence but presence.
He’s also candid about what still needs to change: “Simulation is amazing, but still too closed-off. Health professionals often stick to their own. Why shouldn’t someone with strong emotional intelligence skills lead a debrief—even if they’re not a clinician?”
Conclusion: The Future is Human
What we take away from this interview is a modern, nuanced view of what it means to be a standardized patient today. Quentin is not just a performer—he is a scenario co-author, a trainer, a facilitator, an entrepreneur, and above all, a passionate believer in the educational value of human connection.
“If learners leave saying, ‘That was hard… but I learned something,’ then I’ve done my job,” he says.
In a world obsessed with metrics and AI, Quentin reminds us of something essential: emotions matter. Presence matters. And sometimes, the most powerful simulation is one where we remember we’re all human first.
Full conversation available in French on SIM Moove
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