[Actor as a simulated patient in medical education at the University of Pécs].

Introduction: Medical training in the 21st century faces simulation-based education as one of the challenges that efficiently contributes to clinical skills development while moderating the burden on the clinicians and patients alike.

Aim: The University of Pécs, Medical School has launched a simulation program in the MediSkillsLab based on history taking with actors to improve patient interviewing communication skills.

Method: This new program was inspired by experiences gathered in previous medical language teaching and integrates the method of the "Standardized Patient Program". The method has been applied in America since the 1960s.

Results: This is the first time the program has been introduced in Hungary and implemented in an interdisciplinary design, where medical specialists, linguists, actor-patients and medical students collaborate to improve professional, language and communicative competence of the students.

Conclusion: A course like this has its pivotal role in the medical training, and as a result more efficient and patient-oriented communication may take place at the clinical setting. Orv Hetil. 2017; 158(26): 1022-1027.