Sensitive Exam Teaching Associate (SETA)

Department Overview

As part of the curriculum learners practice urogenital and OB/GYN examination skills. Sensitive Exam Teaching Associates (SETAs) are individuals who are specially trained to utilize their own body as a tool of instruction, allowing learners to practice genital and rectal (prostate) or breast/chest and pelvic examination techniques in a supportive, non-threatening environment. They also address the communication skills needed to provide a comfortable exam, in a standardized manner.

Function/Duties of Position

Dependent on anatomical presentation:

• Allow students to learn technique for performing the urogenital exam, including external and internal inspection and palpation. Urological exam procedures to include palpation for lymph nodes, hernias, and examination of the scrotum, testicles, penis, and rectum (prostate). SETAs will guide the learner through the exam process while each learner performs the urological exam on the SETA’s body.
• Allow students to learn proper technique for performing the breast/chest exam, including inspection and palpation. SETAs will guide the learner through the exam process while each learner performs the breast/chest exam on the SETA’s body.
• Allow students to learn proper technique for performing the pelvic exam, including external and internal inspection and palpation. Gynecological exam procedures to include palpation for lymph nodes, external genitalia exam, vaginal speculum exam, and bimanual exam. SETAs will guide the learner through the exam process while each learner performs the pelvic exam on the SETA’s body.

For all SETAs:

• Provide learners feedback on proper integrated technique for sensitive, interactive communication before, during, and after the physical examination.
• Provide support and feedback to learners to maximize the learning experience and build learner confidence.
• Deliver feedback to learners in a constructive fashion.
• Participate in small group demonstrations of the exam as required.
• Maintain standardized instructional curriculum and teaching format.
• Assist in the training and development of other SETAs as needed.
• Note: teaching may be performed with individual learners or small groups of learners. Instructional formats may include independent teaching or partnered teaching with another SETA or SETA Trainer.

Required Qualifications

• Appropriate medical suitability for participation in multiple breast/chest and pelvic, or genital and prostate examinations during a single day.
• Must have either a cervix and at least one palpable ovary or a penis and at least one palpable testicle.
• An appreciation for the importance of regular and comprehensive wellness exams.
• A commitment to the advancement of reproductive health and trauma-informed, patient-centered healthcare.
• Comfortable with one’s own body, its contact and discussion..
• A high degree of professionalism and credibility.
• Ability to employ one’s own body as a tool of instruction.
• Ability to establish rapport with learners and to reduce learner anxiety.
• Must be highly dependable and be able to honor scheduled commitments (repeated tardiness or cancellations may lead to not being offered future shifts).
• Flexible schedule.
• Proficiency in reading, writing and speaking English.
• Ability to send and receive emails.
• Willing to notify the program of any change in their health that might result in the inability to act as a SETA without risk.
• Ability to adapt to changes in work environment and scheduling.
• Demonstrate above average verbal communication skills.
• Be familiar and comfortable with the specific examination procedures taught in the sessions they teach.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience as a SETA, Gynecological or Male Urological Teaching Associate (GTA/MUTA), Standardized or Simulated Patient (SP), or Medical Model is beneficial but not required. 

Additional Details

This is a temporary 0.0 FTE position.

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