Purpose: To describe an educational pathway for robotic proficiency during obstetric and gynecology training.
Background: As utilization of robotic-assisted surgery for gynecologic procedures grows, demand for surgeons proficient in robotic procedures is increasing. Resident exposure to robotic surgery during training is variable, and career opportunities following completion of residency may be impacted by an individual’s competency in robotic-assisted surgery.
Methods: A two-track robotic training curriculum for obstetric
and gynecology residents was created, including a basic and advanced
pathway.
Components of the basic pathway, initiated in the first year, included online
training for the da Vinci surgical platform, attendance of an in-person
robotics basics course, and intraoperative bedside assistance in five robotic
cases. Advanced training included independent learning and intraoperative
experience, in addition to the components of the basic pathway. Independent
learning consisted of review of procedural videos and completion of assigned
simulation exercises with a required passing score of 80%. Intraoperative
components of the advanced curriculum included additional bedside assistance
followed by operation as primary console surgeon in a minimum of 15 cases in
years 3-4 of training. In at least 5 cases, residents were to complete
post-case review and evaluation with an attending surgeon ranking the resident
as competent.
Results: Residents planning to pursue a career that included robotic surgery completed an advanced robotics pathway and were provided with a formal letter documenting experience and competency.
Discussions: As a result of implementation of a longitudinal advanced robotic proficiency curriculum, residents acquired the skill set to become competent and confident robotic surgeons.
Topics: CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2023, Resident, Faculty, Residency Director, Residency Coordinator, Patient Care, Practice-Based Learning & Improvement,
