title: Gynecology resident laparoscopy training: present and future.
abstract: Simulator education is essential to surgical training and it should be a requirement at all training programs across North America. Yet, in a survey of North American obstetrics and gynecology program directors (response rate 52%), we found that while 73% (n = 98) of programs teach laparoscopic skills, only 59% (n = 81) were satisfied with their curriculum. Most programs lacked standard setting in the form of theoretical examinations (94%, n = 127) or skills assessments (91%, n = 123) prior to residents performing surgery on patients in the operating room. Most programs (97%, n = 131) were interested in standardizing laparoscopy education by implementing a common curriculum. We present 3 core recommendations to ensure that gynecologists across North America are receiving adequate training in gynecologic laparoscopic surgery as residents: (1) uniform simulator education should be implemented at all training programs across North American residency programs; (2) a standardized curriculum should be developed using evidence-based techniques; and (3) standardized assessments should take place prior to operating room performance and specialty certification. Future collaborative research initiatives should focus on establishing the content of a standardized laparoscopy curriculum for gynecology residents utilizing a consensus method approach.
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St Michael's Hospital and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address: shoree@smh.ca.
authors: Eliane M
authors: EM
authors: Shore
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St Michael's Hospital and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors: Guylaine G
authors: GG
authors: Lefebvre
authors: Department of Surgery, St Michael's Hospital and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors: Teodor P
authors: TP
authors: Grantcharov
mesh_terms: D002170:Canada; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003479:Curriculum / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003625:Data Collection; D006176:Gynecology / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000193:education*; D014481:United States