title: Teaching robotic surgery skills: comparing the methods of generalists and subspecialists.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  To compare opinions of general and subspecialty obstetricians and gynecologists regarding teaching robotic surgery (RS) to residents.
  
  
  METHODS
  After obtaining IRB approval, 2189 gynecologic surgeons trained on the DaVinci Surgical System® (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnydale, CA) were asked to complete an online survey. Anonymous responses were obtained and compared using the chi-squared test, including opinions on training residents in RS.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of these 303 respondents, 161 practiced general obstetrics and gynecology ('generalists'), and 138 were self-described 'subspecialists' (+/- fellowship training). The majority of subspecialists (82%) taught residents, and 63% allowed resident participation. Only 44% of generalists taught residents, and 36% allowed participation. Regarding ideal RS training time, generalists favored residency (39%), while subspecialists favored fellowship. (46%, P < 0.001) CONCLUSIONS: While many generalists and subspecialists incorporate training residents into their robotic cases, there is still disparity regarding the extent of participation. Standardized training curriculums should be a goal of residencies with RS.
authors.affiliation: University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA.
authors.forename: Stephanie D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Pickett
authors.forename: Rebecca L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: James
authors.forename: Sangeeta T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Mahajan
mesh_terms: D003625:Data Collection; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000193:education*; D006176:Gynecology / Q000193:education*; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013513:Obstetric Surgical Procedures / Q000193:education*; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000193:education*; D012371:Robotics / Q000193:education* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000193:education* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014481:United States
keywords: gynecology; robotic; specialists; surgery; training