The renowned Gynecological Teaching Associate (GTA) Program with the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, NJMS has been providing high quality medical student education for over two decades. Lisa Pompeo, MD is the program's Medical Director and Isle Polonko is the Program Director. Although the majority of medical schools across the country have some type of GTA program in place, no one does GTA education better than NJMS.

Our program works with second year medical students providing a solid introduction to invasive exam procedures. We also work with third year medical students entering Ob/gyn Clerkship providing comprehensive training in this area. Students learn relaxation techniques, transition techniques and get extensive information on patient education and communication while receiving instruction on all breast and pelvic examination techniques. In addition, our GTAs proctor breast and pelvic exam stations at Clerkship OSCE s (Objective Structured Clinical Exams). Our protocol is based on a patient empowerment model focusing on patient centered care and successfully meets the challenge of integrating the examiner and female patient into a partnership which improves her health care and overall health.

Outside of medical student education, our GTAs provide high quality education to Physician's Assistant, Nurse Practitioner, Residency and SANE programs across several States. The Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health also train and supervise the Male Uro-genital Teaching Assocaties (MUTAs). Our MUTA program is modeled after our highly successful GTA program. Additionally, we have exceptional domestic violence training programs available as well as our acclaimed, "Train the Trainer" program wherein assistance is provided to those Universities and institutions looking to start their own GTA program in house. Training is tailor-made to suit the individual needs of each program for whom we are providing assistance.

There is simply no better way to learn invasive exam procedures than from a GTA at NJMS. Our Gynecologic Teaching Associate Program provides a standardized, quality controlled learning environment wherein students are provided with a systematic approach for conducting the well-woman gynecologic exam. Each GTA is extensively trained and certified by the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health and acts as both the instructor and the patient. This provides a unique opportunity to receive immediate feedback while reproducing exam techniques under GTA direction. GTAs guide each participant step by step through the entire exam and each participant gets a chance to practice all the techniques and palpate structures. Evaluation by participating students and program directors is always in the superlative and speaks to the success of this outstanding program.

Are you interested in including the GTA and/or MUTA Program in your Curriculum?

Are you interested in providing domestic violence training to your student body?

Are you interested in setting up your own GTA program but don't know where to start?

Contact Isle Polonko at 973-972-5546 or email her at polonkis@umdnj.edu