Feb. 12, 2026 —  On anatomically accurate models with a life-like feel, students at the University of Florida School of Physician Assistant Studies are refining their clinical skills through hands-on experience at the UF Center for Experiential Learning and Simulation.

In a new clinical procedures lab developed by clinical assistant professor Constance Weaver, MPAS, PA-C, first-year UF PA students can learn and practice with realistic models. 

“It’s such an incredible resource for them to practice here and then hopefully have a meaningful presence when they’re on clinical rotations,” said Weaver, also an otolaryngology PA at UF Health ENT and Allergy – The Oaks.

In their first week in the lab, students learned ear, nose and throat skills. Some of these skills can be practiced on peers, like casting, while others are not practical to try on each other and require additional simulation. With the simulation center’s new 3D printer, anatomically accurate models are created for students to use in their training. 

“They used the 3D printer to create the scaffolding, the mold, and then they were able to add additional materials to make it more flesh-like,” Weaver said. “It creates a realistic feeling when you’re actually feeling the ear. And then they did excellent research to make it anatomically correct in terms of measurements and proportions.”

Groups of PA students rotated through three stations, eye, nose and ear, to try their hand at new skills on the realistic models. Each station was led by a facilitator, including Sebastian Cuitivia, MPAS ’22, MPH, PA-C, and Aaron Prosser, MPAS ’24, PA-C.

After putting on their gloves, students got to work, translating what they had learned from lectures and videos into real-life practice. First-year PA student Anna Wright expressed the challenge of transitioning from watching to practicing a skill but said repetition and the ability to ask questions allowed her to refine her technique and develop muscle memory.

“The lab and staff created a comfortable, cooperative and encouraging learning environment,” she said. 

At the eye station, students practiced flushing and removing foreign objects by flipping the eyelids, while at the nose station, they performed anterior nasal packing to manage nosebleeds. 

Using the models created from the 3D printer mold, students at the ear station picked up their otoscopes to inspect the ears and remove a foreign body with alligator forceps. 

Wright explained how the use of realistic models helped build her confidence in skills for sensitive areas, like the eye and ear.

“I remember learning about the Center for Experiential Learning and Simulation lab during the PA school application process and feeling particularly drawn to and excited by the emphasis on simulation-based learning,” she said. “I am grateful to attend a program that emphasizes simulation in preparing us to provide high-quality, safe, patient-centered care as future physician assistants.”