Purpose: Understanding perspectives of residents in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) regarding gynecologic surgical training requirements including the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) case minimums.
Background: The specialty of OB/GYN has changed substantially over the past several decades, including a reduction in overall surgical volume and more focused practice patterns. The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) and ACGME have instituted surgical training requirements . This study assesses the alignment of resident preferences with these requirements.
Methods: Current residents and newly matched first year residents within OB/GYN residency programs during the 2018-2019 academic year at the University of Colorado, University of Washington, University of California San Francisco, Loyola University, St. Joseph’s Hospital, University of Utah and Texas A&M (n=225) were invited to participate in a 13-item electronic survey regarding the FLS requirement and case minimums.
Results: One hundred fifty six respondents completed the survey for a response rate of 69%. PGY 2-4 residents were less likely to indicate that the FLS requirement strengthens surgical training (71% v. 43%, p< .001) or makes them more confident with laparoscopy (79% v. 26%, p< .001). PGY2-4 trainees found the current abdominal hysterectomy requirement too low (66% v. 43%, p< .001).
Discussions: PGY2-4 OB/GYN residents report that FLS will not enhance their surgical training, and that the current ACGME case minimum number for abdominal hysterectomy is insufficient. New requirements for gynecologic surgical training are discordant with resident perspectives. Involving trainees as stakeholders in specialty training reform is critical.
Topics: CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2020, Resident, Faculty, Residency Director, Residency Coordinator, Patient Care, Medical Knowledge, GME, Assessment, Simulation, Minimally Invasive Surgery, General Ob-Gyn,
Meredith Alston, MD; University of Colorado, Department of OBGYN and Denver Health Medical Center; Amanda Allshouse, MS; Sarah Wagner, MD; Abby Watson, MD; Belinda Kohl- Thomas, MD; Alyssa Stephenson-Famy, MD
