Training the Gynecologic Surgeon

Abstract

In Brief Educators in obstetrics and gynecology are concerned that the surgical training of residents is not sufficient to meet the needs of new graduates. Since the current standards for time and requirements in training were established, our specialty has greatly increased its body of knowledge, expanded the number and variety of procedures performed, and become more business oriented. With the current emphasis on evidence-based decision making, shouldn't this same philosophy guide the education of future gynecologic physicians and surgeons? This presentation discusses resident teaching, curriculum, and time in training and challenges educational leaders to apply the same robust standards appropriate for scientific investigation to resident education. Surgical teaching in obstetrics and gynecology residency training needs systematic evaluation and major curricular revision to satisfy mandated competency-based requirements.