Physical Exam Teaching Associate

Program Summary:

The PETA program aims to improve clinical excellence through the education of future physicians. The program provides a unique opportunity for health professional students to learn head-to-toe non-invasive physical exam in a non-threatening, standardized, nurturing and safe environment. PETAs receive specialized training to portray patient models to teach medical students basic techniques of performing a comprehensive non-invasive physical examination. PETAs use their own bodies as teaching tools, excluding any invasive exams, in small group settings.

Position Summary:
The Physical Exam Teaching Associate is an integral member of the clinical training team, responsible for facilitating hands-on clinical skill education for healthcare learners, using their own body to demonstrate and teach standardized non-invasive physical examination techniques. In accordance with ASPE Standards of Practice, the Teaching Associate creates a safe, respectful, and learner-centered environment to foster effective skill acquisition, professional communication, and patient-centered thinking.

Key Responsibilities:

• Teach, model, and guide learners through standardized non-invasive physical examination techniques (e.g., general exams, focused system exams) using their own body as the model.
• Foster a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for all participants, adhering strictly to professional boundaries and personal safety protocols.
• Provide immediate, constructive, and individualized feedback to learners about exam techniques and communication skills, enhancing learner growth and confidence.
• Demonstrate patient-centered behaviors and trauma-informed approaches during all teaching interactions.
• Participate actively in training, program meetings, and quality improvement initiatives to maintain professional skills and uphold ASPE’s Standards of Practice.
• Maintain confidentiality, respect, and dignity for both self and learners at all times.
• Accurately document participation and report any concerns or incidents according to institutional protocols.

Qualifications:

• Commitment to ASPE Standards of Practice, including professionalism, safety, learner-centered practice, respect and confidentiality.
• Comfortable teaching and modeling non-invasive physical examination techniques in a clinical educational setting.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to foster respectful, supportive learning.
• Skilled in providing constructive, nonjudgmental feedback and maintaining appropriate boundaries.
• Reliable, punctual, and professionally discreet.
• Previous experience as a teaching associate or standardized patient is helpful but not required; extensive training is provided.

Physical Requirements:

• Willingness and ability to participate in repeated non-invasive physical examinations during teaching sessions.
• Ability to sit, stand, or lie on an examination table as necessary.

Work Schedule & Compensation:

• Flexible, part-time schedule.
• Competitive hourly rate of $50 per hour, commensurate with role complexity.

Application Instructions:
To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter describing your qualifications and interest. All applications are managed confidentially.

About the Simulation & Immersive Learning Center

The Simulation & Immersive Learning Center at Texas A&M University is dedicated to advancing healthcare education through innovative simulation-based practices. Seeking accreditation by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, our center collaborates with faculty, learners, and community partners to deliver evidence-based, high-fidelity simulation experiences that improve patient safety and clinical outcomes.

Note: This position description is informed by the ASPE Standards of Practice (SOP) and SSH guidelines for simulation-based education, ensuring alignment with best practices in healthcare simulation. For more information on ASPE SOP, visit www.aspeducators.org. For SSH standards, visit www.ssih.org.