The Island Medical Program (IMP) is looking for healthy individuals to help train our next generation of physicians to perform sensitive physical examinations – such as chest, gynecological, and urogenital exams – in a safe and respectful way.
“Clinical Teaching Associates (CTAs) have a unique role in teaching IMP students as they are both the instructor and patient during these sensitive exams,” explains Sammie Gough, Patient Program Coordinator. “CTAs support students to perform a safe and attentive exam as it is performed on their body, focusing on consent, appropriate touch, respectful language, and clean technique.”
CTAs must be comfortable with their own bodies, have strong communication skills, and be able to provide effective feedback. They must also be able to learn related anatomy and medical terminology, exam techniques, and physician-patient communication skills.
This program runs throughout the academic year. Combined chest and gynecological exams occur both in the fall term, from September – October, and in the winter term, from January – April. These sessions normally take place on Thursdays, but not always. Participating CTAs can be scheduled for up to six sessions.
Urogenital exams occur in the winter term, from January – April. These sessions normally take place on Tuesdays, but not always. Participating CTAs can be scheduled for up to two sessions.
All CTAs must have some flexible availability during the day of their sessions. Sessions are held at Royal Jubilee Hospital and Victoria General Hospital in Victoria, BC.
CTAs participate in two or three exams per teaching session, which are attended by a small group of students and a supervising medical doctor. Our students and staff are held to the same criteria as any medical professional and must uphold the same confidentiality standards.
“CTAs are integral to how medical students learn to conduct sensitive examinations in a compassionate and competent fashion. As students enter their clinical rotations in outpatient settings, having the background experience with performing examinations on CTAs ensures that patient safety and comfort is prioritized,” adds Dr. Alison Walzak, Clinical Skills Site Director.
“It’s very reassuring for patients to know that they are not the first sensitive examination this student has performed. This program also provides students with a foundation of knowledge regarding patient consent and confidentiality, which is of utmost importance in their role as healthcare providers.”
If you’re interested in becoming a CTA, please contact Sammie Gough, Patient Programs Coordinator, at patientprograms@uvic.ca or 1-250-370-8111 ext. 12386. Potential candidates will be screened to assure their suitability. You can also learn more on our CTA webpage.
All selected CTAs are paid for training and teaching sessions.