Raquel N. Pérez is an Associate Professor and the Director of the Standardized Patient Program in Medical Education. With 18 years of experience, Raquel has developed an understanding of clinical interviewing and information sharing as an element of patient education in the clinical encounter.
Raquel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications with concentrations in Theater Performance and Journalism, and a Master of Arts in Sociology with a focus on the Sociology of Medicine. Her educational background provides a unique blend of skills that she leverages in her teaching and research to bridge the gap between medical professionals and patients.
Raquel received training in clinical team communications from TeamSTEPPS master training program through the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Raquel is recognized for her expertise in the social dynamics of clinical medicine. Her commitment to improving patient care is evident through her involvement in various research projects.
Among her research projects are:
“Five Days at Memorial: When Medicine Becomes Sacrifice,” explores the catastrophic impact of hurricane Katrina on the residents and staff of Memorial Medical Center in New Orleans.
“Peer Mentoring: An Ethnographic Study at a Comprehensive Acute Rehabilitation Unit,” delves into the illness experience and the healing process following a stroke, highlighting the role of peer support in reducing stigma and fostering recovery.
“Getting off the Streets and in to See the Doctor” examines the doctor-patient relationships of former drug addicts, addressing the challenges they face due to social stigma and isolation.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Raquel enjoys exploring the intersection of sociology and medicine, continuously seeking ways to enhance the patient experience through innovative educational strategies and research.
Research Interests
Social dynamics of the clinical encounter
The culture of clinical medicine
Formalizing the role of the patient in clinical medicine
Social inequalities in healthcare
Courses Taught
P130, Fundamentals of Podiatric Practice I [Graduate]
P200, Fundamentals of Podiatric Practice II [Graduate]