the International GTA MUTA Association: It is finally here! Years in the making, but the International GTA MUTA Association is open and ready for membership. IGMA is the official association for professionals working in the field of GTA MUTA programming. Akin to sister simulation organizations such as SSIH, AMEE and ASPE, IGMA will provide those working in the field of GTA/MUTA methodology a way to connect with one another offering support and networking opportunities. As part of IGMA’s mission, IGMA will provide a platform for creation of Standards of Best Practices for the field of GTA MUTA by those professionals specifically working in the field.

Because the organization is so brand new, startup is small. However, eventually IGMA will have a bibliography page on the website in order to track research being done in the field. We hope to eventually provide funds for research opportunities and to be able to act as a certifying body for those GTA and/or MUTA programs that meet Standards of Best Practices. As the official organization, we will have annual meetings and host annual conferences where we will be able to learn from each other and hear about innovative techniques and new trends in the field. Task forces in areas of special interest will be an integral part of the composition of this organization and acting to support this methodology world wide as the superior method of urogenital examination technique training is the vision of this new organization.

If you are working in the field of GTA/MUTA, we hope you will join IGMA as a founding member. This first year, founding membership in IGMA is only $100 to join. The organization needs members who are interested in heading committees and task forces. We are looking to fill positions on the Board of Directors and following committees:

• Standards of Best Practices
• Membership
• International
• Social Media and Outreach
• Conference
• Forensic GTA MUTA

If you would like to make an impact on the ground floor of this organization, please join us as a founding member please visit our website membership page to let us know what committee you would be interested in serving on.

Here’s to working together to promote patient centered methodologies that is the foundation of GTA MUTA programming.