The Program

The goal of this unique educational program is to provide a practical hands-on learning opportunity for health care professionals in the area of gynecological health. The attendees will have the opportunity to begin to develop the clinical skill set necessary to perform breast and pelvic assessments. This introductory program will cover the current guidelines and sampling techniques used in screening, diagnosis and follow-up of common gynecological conditions.

Learning Objectives

1. Provide the learner with an overview of the normal gynecological anatomy
2. Review the current clinical guidelines for biologic and cytological screening for common gynecologic condition
3. Provide the learner with an overview of sexually transmitted infections
4. Demonstrate the clinical approach to the assessment of the genital tract.
5. Provide an opportunity for the learner to practice the speculum exam in a supervised educational setting with a gynecological teaching associate who uses their own body as a teaching tool
6. Demonstrate the clinical approach to the breast exam and teaching techniques for the breast self-examination (BSE) with a gynecological teaching associate who uses their own body as a teaching tool

Target Audience

• Registered nurses
• Registered practical nurses
• Nurse practitioners
• Physician assistants
• Midwives

Registration Fee

$450.00+ HST

Cancellation Policy

McMaster University reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient registration or any circumstances that are beyond our control. Cancellations up to two weeks prior to the course (for the date registered) will be refunded minus a 20 per cent administrative fee. One transfer is permitted with a $100.00 fee at the time of transfer. No refunds will be issued for cancellations received less than two weeks from the course date.

Register now.

Sensitive Exam Standardized Patients

• Gynecological standardized patient (GSP)
• Urogenital standardized patient (USP)

There is no additional training required for these roles, but standardized patients (SPs) may be required to attend an information session with the director of the Standardized Patient Program to determine eligibility for this role.

Gynecological Standardized Patient (GSP)

GSPs allow learners to perform breast/chest exams, (including inspection and palpation) and pelvic exams (including external and internal inspection and palpation), under the instruction and supervision of a medical tutor/facilitator.*

Urogenital Standardized Patient (USP)

USPs allow learners to perform genital exams, including external and internal inspection and palpation, which includes the scrotum, testicles, penis and may include examination of the rectum (prostate) as well.* Exams are taught to undergraduate medical students with a staff physician preceptor present.

*Gynecological and urogenital exam procedures may include palpation for lymph nodes.

Note: The Standardized Patient Program has implemented capacities on the number of exams GSPs and USPs can undergo in one session, with minimum times allotted per learner/exam.

Teaching Associates

• Gynecological teaching associate (GTA)
• Urogenital teaching associate (UTA)

GTAs and UTAs are specially trained to provide instruction and guidance to learners on how to perform sensitive exams (breast/chest and pelvic/speculum examinations or genital and prostate examinations) utilizing their own body as a tool of instruction. Teaching associates guide learners through the exam process while each learner performs the breast/chest and pelvic exam or the urological exam on the TAs body. Teaching associates provide learners with real-time feedback on proper technique and inclusive communication for conducting sensitive exams.

Requirements of GTAs and UTAs include:

• Must have either a cervix and at least one palpable ovary or a penis and at least one palpable testicle
• Comfort with one’s own body and ability to employ one’s own body as a tool of instruction
• Ability to learn, memorize and convey information clearly
• A high degree of professionalism and commitment to confidentiality
• A high degree of dependability and reliability
• Appropriate medical suitability for participation in multiple breast/chest and pelvic or genital and prostate examinations during a single day
• A vested interest in contributing to healthcare education and a commitment to the advancement of reproductive health and trauma-informed, patient-centred healthcare.
• Ability to establish rapport with learners and to reduce learner anxiety
• Ability to foster a supportive learning environment and provide constructive feedback to learners
• An appreciation for the importance of regular and comprehensive wellness exams
• Willingness to notify the program of any change in their health that may impact ability to safely remain in the role of a GTA/UTA (e.g., pregnancy)
• Proficiency in reading, writing and speaking English and above average verbal communication skills
• Flexible schedule and ability to adapt to changes in work environment and scheduling
• Ability to send and receive emails

Additional information:

• Prior experience as a standardized patient is beneficial but not required.
• This is a temporary, casual, contract position (renewed yearly upon review).
• There are no guaranteed number of hours per week. Hours are based off of program demand, with the most demand generally being in the spring and fall.

Individuals interested in the GTA role will first be required to interview with the director of the Standardized Patient Program. If selected to continue, the training process is a graduated one, with multiple opportunities for feedback along the way, including a review at the completion of the training process.

Please email Nicole Last if interested in being considered for the role of GTA, GSP or USP.

Note: Due to lack of requests for UTAs, we are not currently recruiting for this role.