When I got my first pap smear there was a training doctor at the school clinic. I was told that the person would like to observe, but it was up to me. I was told this without the student in the room. I said that I didn't feel comfortable and the NP was totally cool with that. The second (at a hospital) time I was offered by the NP to have someone else in the room if I wanted because I was so scared. I didn't take her up on the offer but it was nice that they wanted to make me comfortable.

I in no way think that consent for surgery means consent for pelvic exams. As a sexual assault survivor, I find this practice repugnant. If they are going to do training at this time, they need to have explicit consent. I talked to someone once who volunteered as a "practice patient" for pelvic exams. There are respectful ways for the students to get the education they need. This is not one of them.

I'm traveling to Canada soon. This makes me hope even more that nothing goes medically wrong.