Purpose: The purpose of this report is to describe the training curriculum
which has been successfully used to prepare Ob/Gyn residents for
the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) assessment at the
University of Massachusetts Medical School-Baystate campus.
Background: The FLS program was launched by the Society of
American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons in October, 2004. The program
highlights the simple aim of teaching and testing the fundamentals of
laparoscopic surgery in a consistent, validated format. In January, 2018, the
American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology announced the plan to add the FLS
program to the requirements for board certification in Ob/Gyn. This new
requirement will create education challenges for program directors across the
country.
Methods: We conducted a literature review on the implementation
of FLS in Ob/Gyn training. We then conducted an analysis of our FLS curriculum
at UMMS-Baystate, which has successfully prepared 39-residents for FLS
certification with a 100% pass rate on the skills assessment. We highlighted changes
that have occurred since FLS certification was made a graduation requirement
for our residents in 2012.
Results: Key features of our curriculum include early access to
OR participation, creation of a satellite simulation lab near L&D, practice
FLS skills exams and a faculty point person.
Discussions: This analysis highlights a strong curriculum, which has been
successfully incorporated into our program for all residents. We also highlight
ongoing speculation regarding the utility of the FLS cognitive exam in the
evaluation of Ob/Gyn residents, with knowledge of early work which is being
done to address this issue.
Topics: CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2019, Resident, Faculty, Residency Director, Residency Coordinator, Medical Knowledge, Practice-Based Learning & Improvement, GME, Assessment, Simulation,
Nicole Afuape,
MD, University
of Massachusetts Medical School - Baystate Medical Center; Donald Kirton,
MD; Heather
Sankey, MD,
MEd, CPE
