Need for formalized robotic training and curriculum in obstetrics and gynecology residency: an examination of current resident outlooks and perspectives.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate current robotic surgery training methodologies for ACGME-accredited obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) residency programs, better understand current resident perspectives, and explore potential areas for improvement within resident education. A cross-sectional study was done of ACGME-accredited OB/GYN residents in the 2023-2024 academic year. The study was done on a national setting via web-based survey. 75 surveys were included. The study was conducted via a 33-question survey study using a mixture of multiple choice, multiple answer, and Likert scale questions. Participants noted that 98.7% of their institutions perform robotic surgery and 90.7% have access to robotic console trainers. Outside of the operating room, slightly more than half of participants (57.3%) have formalized robotics training curriculums. A variety of training modalities were noted to be utilized by residents with the most helpful being hands-on training (67.7%) followed by dual-assist console (45.6%). The least helpful was noted to be online modules (58.7%). Most residents either strongly agree (45.3%) or agree (36.0%) that standardized robotics curriculums should be implemented for all OB/GYN residency programs. The largest barriers to completion of this training were noted to be attending comfort with resident participation in the case (74.0%), personal time (58.9%), and availability or access to trainers (42.5%). A formalized and standardized robotic training curriculum should be considered for OB/GYN residents with a multi-modal model utilizing a combination of training modalities as well as dedicated didactic hours.

The importance of non-technical skills in robot-assisted surgery in gynaecology.

Robot-assisted surgery (RAS) in gynaecology has undergone exponential growth in recent decades, with utility in treating both benign and malignant gynaecological conditions. The technological complexities and amended theatre dynamics that RAS demands mean that effective non-technical skills (NTS) are vitally important to overcome these unique challenges. However, NTS have been neglected in RAS-training programmes with focus placed instead on the exclusive acquisition of technical skills (TS). NTS include teamwork, communication, leadership, situational awareness, decision-making and stress management. Communication is the most frequently cited NTS impacted during RAS, as the physical limitations imposed by the robotic hardware make communication exchange difficult. The full immersion that RAS enables can contribute to situational awareness deficits. However, RAS can complement communication and teamwork when multidisciplinary (MDT) surgeries (such as complex endometriosis excisions) are undertaken; dual-console capabilities facilitate the involvement of specialties such as general surgery and urology. The development of NTS in RAS cannot be achieved with in-situ experience alone, and current training is poorly standardised. RAS-training programmes and curricula for gynaecology do exist, however the integration of NTS remain limited. Simulation is a viable tool to facilitate enhanced-NTS integration, yet cost implications form a barrier to its wider implementation. However, given that RAS will continue to occupy a greater proportion of the gynaecological caseload, integration of NTS within gynaecological RAS training curricula is necessary. Patients undergoing gynaecological RAS would benefit from the improved safety standards and enhanced surgical outcomes that would result.

Interdisciplinary Simulation Courses to Train Residents on Communication of Unexpected Complications from Perioperative Care: A Randomized Comparison of Within-Event (Microdebriefing) and Postscenario Debriefing.

INTRODUCTION: Training to disclose bad news in a pluridisciplinary format facilitates communication and improves learning. There are many different debriefing methods described in the literature. The aim of this study was to compare and evaluate the value of final debriefing and microdebriefing with interruptions of the scenario in a simulation program about communication in unexpected complications from perioperative care. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, randomized, single center study between October 2018 and July 2019 in a simulation center. Three scenarios were related to patient or family disclosure of complications which had occurred during gynecologic surgery by a dyad involving 2 residents (a gynecology and an anesthesia resident). All sessions involved 6 residents (3 gynecologist and 3 anesthesiologist). The main outcome measure was the immediate residents' self-assessment of the impact of the course on their medical practice immediately after the session. RESULTS: We performed 15 simulation sessions including 80 residents. Thirty-nine residents were included in final debriefing group and 41 in micro-debriefing group. There was no significant difference on the impact for medical practice between groups (9.3/10 in the micro-debriefing group versus 9.2 in the final debriefing group (p = 0.53)). The overall satisfaction was high in the 2 group (9.1/10 in the 2 groups). CONCLUSION: This study is the first one to compare two debriefing methods in case of breaking bad news simulation. No difference between the 2 techniques was found concerning the students' feelings and short and long-term improvement of their communication skills.

Procedure-specific simulation for vaginal surgery training: A randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Vaginal surgery has a superior outcome profile compared with other surgical routes, yet skills are declining because of low case volumes. Graduating residents' confidence and preparedness for vaginal surgery has plummeted in the past decade. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether procedure-specific simulation skills, vs usual training, result in improved operative competence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We completed a randomized controlled trial of didactic and procedural training via low fidelity vaginal surgery models for anterior repair, posterior repair (PR), vaginal hysterectomy (VH), recruiting novice gynecology residents at three academic centers. We evaluated performance via global rating scale (GRS) in the real operating room and for corresponding procedures by attending surgeon blinded to group. Prespecified secondary outcomes included procedural steps knowledge, overall performance, satisfaction, self-confidence and intraoperative parameters. A priori sample size estimated 50 residents (20% absolute difference in GRS score, 25% SD, 80% power, alpha 0.05). CLINICALTRIALS: gov: Registration no. NCT05887570. RESULTS: We randomized 83 residents to intervention or control and 55 completed the trial (2011-23). Baseline characteristics were similar, except for more fourth-year control residents. After adjustment of confounders (age, level, baseline knowledge), GRS scores showed significant differences overall (mean difference 8.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.2-16.1; p = 0.044) and for VH (mean difference 12.0; 95% CI: 1.8-22.3; p = 0.02). The intervention group had significantly higher procedural steps knowledge and self-confidence for VH and/or PR (p < 0.05, adjusted analysis). Estimated blood loss, operative time and complications were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to usual training, procedure-specific didactic and low fidelity simulation modules for vaginal surgery resulted in significant improvements in operative performance and several other skill parameters.

Teaching principles of electrosurgery to OBGYN trainees via simulation: A hands-on approach.

BACKGROUND: Surgeons use electrosurgery daily, though most of them are unfamiliar with its basic safety principles. METHOD: We have designed a hands-on simulation session to teach OBGYN trainees principles of electrosurgery with practical implications for safety in the operating room. 15 participants completed post-session surveys. EXPERIENCE: Our experience of serially refining teaching materials and electrosurgery demonstrations resulted in a comprehensive guide to electrosurgery in OBGYN. CONCLUSION: This report will allow surgeon educators to implement simulation training in their institutions.

A national survey of surgical training in gynaecology: 2014-2021.

OBJECTIVES: Over the last decade barriers to surgical training have been identified, including reducing access to theatre lists, reducing numbers of major surgical procedures being performed, increasing numbers of trainees and reduction in working hours since the introduction of the European Work Time Directive (EWTD). We aimed to assess the impact of these challenges on training in gynaecology over time. STUDY DESIGN: We designed a study which aimed to assess both trainers and trainees perception of gynaecological surgical training in Ireland. The purpose of this was to identify confidence levels and challenges and to highlight potential areas for future improvement of surgical training in gynaecology. A a cross-sectional survey was distributed to all trainees and trainers registered with the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland Obstetrics and Gynaecology higher specialist training programme in 2014, 2017 and again in 2021. RESULTS: During the study period trainees' confidence that the training programme prepared them to perform gynaecological surgery fell significantly. This fall in confidence was most evident for trainees' ability to perform abdominal hysterectomy (40.9% vs 15.2%, χ2 = 4.61, p =.03) and vaginal hysterectomy (31.8% vs 12.1%, χ2 = 4.58, p =.03) when comparing 2014 with 2021. All trainees reporteded that gynaecology was not given adequate time in the training programme to prepare them to practice independently as consultants. Themes identified by participants to improve training included dedicated access to theatre time with a named trainer, increased simulation training and subspecialisation at later stages of training. CONCLUSION: Our findings show an overall decrease in trainees' and trainers' confidence in the surgical training available in gynaecology over an eight-year period.. This is particularly true for major gynaecology procedures. Efforts must be made to ensure trainees have improved access to surgical training in gynaecology. Potential solutions include improving access to simulation and incorporation of subspecialist training into later stages of training.

Ticket to perform: an explorative study of trainees' engagement in and transfer of surgical training.

BACKGROUND: Research suggests that simulation-based surgical skills training translates into improved operating room performance. Previous studies have predominantly focused on training methods and design and subsequent assessable performances and outcomes in the operating room, which only covers some aspects of training engagement and transfer of training. The purpose of this qualitative study was to contribute to the existing body of literature by exploring characteristics of first-year trainees' engagement in and perceptions of transfer of surgical skills training. METHODS: We conducted an explorative study based on individual interviews with first-year trainees in General Surgery, Urology, and Gynaecology and Obstetrics who participated in a laparoscopic skills training program. Informants were interviewed during and two months after the training program. A thematic cross-case analysis was conducted using systematic text condensation. RESULTS: We interviewed 12 informants, which produced 24 transcripts for analysis. We identified four main themes: (1) sportification of training, (2) modes of orientation, (3) transferrable skills, and (4) transfer opportunities. Informants described their surgical training using sports analogies of competition, timing, and step-by-step approaches. Visual orientations, kinaesthetic experiences, and elicited dialogues characterised training processes and engagement. These characteristics were identified in both the simulated and the clinical environment. Experiences of specific skills transfer included ambidexterity, coordination, instrument handling, and visuospatial ability. General transfer experiences were salient in informants' altered training approaches. Informants considered the simulation-based training an entry ticket to perform in the operating room and mentioned supervisor-trainee relationships and opportunities in the workplace as critical conditions of transfer. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings elucidate characteristics of surgical training engagement that can be interpreted as self-regulated learning processes that transcend surgical training environments. Despite appreciating the immediate skills improvements resulting from training, trainees' narratives reflected a struggle to transfer their training to the clinical setting. Tensions existed between perceptions of transferable skills and experiences of transfer within the clinical work environments. These results resonate with research emphasising the importance of the work environment in the transfer process. Our findings provide insights that may inform the development of training programs that support self-regulated learning and transfer of training from the simulated to the clinical environment.

A review of gynaecological surgical practices for trainees and certified specialists in Australia by volume using MBS and AIHW databases.

BACKGROUND: There is a finite volume of surgery performed annually by trainees and certified specialists alike. The detailed assessment of this surgical substrate is important, since it guides true exposure in gynaecological surgical training and practice after fellowship. AIMS: This study quantifies the volume and profile of major gynaecological surgical procedures performed in Australia within a specified five-year period and discusses the implications for training and practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data were examined to quantify the total number of major gynaecological procedures performed between 2013 and 2018. Medicare data were analysed to quantify the number of billed procedures. These data were compared with published Australian RANZCOG trainees and operative gynaecologists, to estimate the potential annual average exposure for each procedure. RESULTS: Major open, laparoscopic and vaginal surgeries constitute less than 27% of the 600 000 gynaecological procedures performed annually in Australia. Most major gynaecological surgeries are performed at rates lower than 12 cases per year for both trainees and specialists. Over the study period, laparotomies, vaginal hysterectomies and continence procedures decreased, and operative laparoscopies and laparoscopic hysterectomies increased. CONCLUSIONS: The volume of available major gynaecological procedures in Australia may not allow sufficient exposure for optimal training and practice for all trainees and specialists in operative gynaecology. This shortfall may compromise the ability to obtain and maintain proficiency in some core gynaecological operative procedures.

Linguistic Differences by Gender in Letters of Recommendation for Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Fellowship Applicants.

OBJECTIVE: Various surgical specialties have reported gender bias in letters of recommendation (LOR). We aimed to determine if linguistic differences exist in LOR for female and male physicians applying to Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (FMIGS). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study including application cycles 2019 and 2020. SETTING: Academic university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: FMIGS applicants. RESULTS: Applicant demographic and baseline data included age, race, gender, geographical region of residency training, Step 1 and 2 scores, number of research and volunteer activities, Alpha Omega Alpha and Gold Humanism status and number of LOR, as well as the gender and academic rank of the letter writer. The Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count software, a validated text analysis program, was used to characterize LOR linguistic content. A total of 118 applications, including 391 letters, were analyzed. Seventy-six (64.4%) applicants were female and 42 (35.6%) were male. Most female applicants were white (46% vs. 36%, p = 0.04), had Alpha Omega Alpha status (13% vs. 0%, p = 0.01), higher Step 2 scores (239.7 vs. 230.4, p < 0.01), and more service activities (7.7 vs. 4.7, p < 0.01), compared to male applicants. Male applicants were more likely to graduate from international medical schools (45% vs. 16%, p < 0.01). Female authors wrote 159 LOR, and male authors wrote 232. Following multivariable analysis controlling for race, Step 1 score and letter writer gender, no significant differences in average LOR word count for female and male applicants (406.7 ± 24.2 words vs. 340.1 ± 35.4 words), or differences in Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count linguistic categories existed. CONCLUSIONS: Although Baseline differences were noted between female and male FMIGS applicants, no differences in LOR length or linguistic categories were noted. These results likely reflect the impact of female predominance and increased efforts to address gender bias within Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Obliterated Posterior Cul-de-sac Laparoscopic Surgical Simulation.

BACKGROUND: Obliteration of the posterior cul-de-sac is a challenging, often unexpected surgical finding. Developing the dissection skills required to manage this finding during laparoscopy is essential for optimizing treatment of many pain disorders during hysterectomy or ovarian surgery; however, exposure of trainees to cul-de-sac dissection is variable. Currently, there are no widely available simulation models for teaching and practicing this technique. METHOD: Our aim is to design a low-cost and high-fidelity laparoscopic simulation model that represents key anatomical structures and emphasizes skills for laparoscopic dissection of an obliterated posterior cul-de-sac. EXPERIENCE: A three-dimensional model was created and is described. Nine experts (gynecologic surgery fellows and attendings) and 17 residents completed a single 30-minute simulation session and completed several assessments to begin establishing the face validity of this model. CONCLUSION: Experts and residents rated the obliterated cul-de-sac simulation as highly realistic and useful. Residents showed a statistically significant increase in comfort with the dissection, from a median Likert score of 1 out of 5 (interquartile range 1-1) to 3 out of 5 (interquartile range 2-3) (P<.001). Experts scored better than residents on blinded video grading of model performance (P<.001). This low-cost and easily reproducible model fills a critical gap in gynecologic surgery education.

[National certification for gynecological cancer surgery]. / Certification nationale pour la chirurgie des cancers gynécologiques.

OBJECTIVE: In France, we are lacking an identified pathway for training in gynaecological cancer surgery. The four competent French learned societies: the SFOG, the CNGOF, the SFCO and the SCGP supported by the CNU of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, and UNICANCER agreed to materialize this course and attest it by a certification awarded by a national jury. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The national committee of certification in gynaecological oncology made up of ten members, representing the 6 concerned organizations, set itself five objectives: the definition of the eligibility criteria for training centres; the determination of a check-list to be filled by the candidate; the determination of a targeted curriculum for the training in gynecological oncological surgery; the determination of the assets necessary for the certification of a candidate already in practice; and the practical organization of the certification. RESULTS: Criteria for approval of centres for training included 150 gynaecological cancer cases per year, among which 100 excisional surgeries, including twenty advanced-stage ovarian cancers. For certification of candidate who followed the curriculum established by the committee or by validation of prior experience for an actual practitioner, a candidate must validate a logbook and fill out a checklist including four parts: theoretical and practical training; research and publications; teaching and subscription to a continuing education program. The accomplished elements of the logbook and the checklist will be evaluated by a score. The first certification session is planned for the end of 2021.

Understanding Minimally Invasive Gynaecologic Surgery Fellowship Training in Canada: A National Survey of Recent Graduates.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize fellowship training experiences in the 11 Canadian minimally invasive gynaecologic surgery (MIGS) programs and compare the surgical exposure of fellows in these programs to that of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL) accredited fellowship in MIGS (FMIGS). METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 2017 and 2018 MIGS fellowship graduates across Canada were given a web-based survey via SurveyMonkey software to evaluate 5 key components of postgraduate fellowship curricula: 1) surgical exposure; 2) teaching and evaluation methods; 3) research experience; 4) clinical responsibilities; and 5) pursuit of other academic endeavours. Interest in creating a national standardized curriculum and seeking accreditation for MIGS fellowships were also examined. RESULTS: The survey attained a 91% (20/22) response rate of the target population. All Canadian MIGS programs met the minimum standards for at least 62% (8/13) of the surgical competencies listed by the AAGL, with office hysteroscopy being the procedure with the largest discordance. Half of respondents (10/20) attended a program with an established curriculum, and 75% (15/20) believed there would be a benefit to standardizing training nationwide. Seventy percent (14/20) had published at least one manuscript during their fellowship and 60% (12/20) pursued postgraduate degrees. The majority (55%; 11/20) felt certain that MIGS should become a credentialed fellowship in Canada. CONCLUSION: Canada has made meaningful progress in MIGS training over the past decade with 11 well-established fellowship programs. Although this survey identifies a general interest in standardized training and accreditation for Canadian MIGS programs, more research is needed on how best to accomplish this.

An analysis of operating time over the years for robotic-assisted surgery in gynecology and gynecologic oncology.

Robotic-assisted surgery has a shorter learning curve enabling the surgeons to do complex surgeries in a minimally invasive way. This study analyzed how the time taken for robotic-assisted procedures in gynecology and gynecologic oncology has changed over the years in a university teaching institution. Details were taken from a prospectively maintained electronic database after obtaining permission from the hospital ethics committee. All patients who underwent robotic surgery for gynecologic problems at this center from February 2015 till December 2019 were included. The clinical, perioperative, postoperative and pathologic details were collected from the prospectively maintained database. To analyze quantitative data, student t test was used. Chi-square test was performed to compare categorical variables. 655 patients underwent robotic-assisted surgery during this period. The majority of the patients underwent surgery for uterine cancer (49%). There was a significant improvement in total surgical time (250 vs. 165 min), docking time (12.6 vs 8.9 min), and console time (130 vs. 95 min) between the first and second year (2015-16). The next 2 years (2017 and 18) did not show a significant decrease in the total surgery time and console time, but docking times improved in 2017 (5.5 vs 8.5 min) compared to 2016. In 2019, there was a significant improvement in all surgical times compared to previous years. This study shows that robotic surgery has a lot of scope for improvement in surgical performance beyond its first and second years. The surgical performance as seen from the improved surgical times keeps on improving even after many years.

Relation between educational reliability and viewer interest in YouTube® videos depicting endometrioma cystectomy surgical techniques.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the reliability of YouTube® endometrioma cystectomy videos based on technical video analysis and considering the surgical steps. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The present study yielded 756 videos after a search on YouTube® with the keywords "endometriosis cystectomy, endometrioma cystectomy, chocolate cyst cystectomy, and endometrioma surgery'' during the period from January 7, 2007 to January 7, 2019. The viewer interest parameters such as total number of subscribers, views, likes, dislikes, comments, source of the videos, and the date of upload were assessed. Besides, the surgical steps were also evaluated considering committee suggestions. RESULTS: There were 140 (78.7 %) videos in Group 1 (not useful and slightly useful) and 38 (21.3 %) videos in Group 2 (useful and very useful). The mean numbers of subscribers, views, and likes were 5737.843 ± 15741.302, 10614.257 ± 32702.339, and 17.7 ± 43.57, respectively, in Group 1, and 851.052 ± 1613.599, 8192.55 ± 15989.955, and 11.92 ± 27.52, respectively, in Group 2. The type of surgery was significantly different between the study groups. The videos of cases with robotic surgeries presented more useful descriptive information (p = 0.003). There was a significant difference between the study groups regarding the type of hemostasis. The presence of didactic steps was higher in Group 2 (47.4 %) compared to Group 1 (28.6 %) (p = 0.02) CONCLUSIONS: Overall, only around 21 % of YouTube videos presenting endometrioma surgery were defined as useful or very useful. The interest rates of the viewers may not compatible with the usefulness rate of the videos.

Current Trends in Compensation for Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Graduates: A 6-Year Follow-Up.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To present updated information regarding compensation patterns for Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (FMIGS)-graduated physicians in the United States beginning practice during the last 10 years, focusing on the variables that have an impact on differences in salary, including gender, fellowship duration, geographic region, practice setting, and practice mix. DESIGN: An online survey was sent to FMIGS graduates between March 15, 2019 and April 12, 2019. Information on physicians' demographics, compensation (on the basis of location, practice model, productivity benchmarks, academic rank, and years in practice), and attitudes toward fairness in compensation was collected. SETTING: Online survey. PARTICIPANTS: FMIGS graduates practicing in the United States. INTERVENTION: E-mail survey. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We surveyed 298 US FMIGS surgeons who had graduated during the last 10 years (2009-2018). The response rate was 48.7%. Most of the respondents were women (69%). Most of the graduates (84.8%) completed 2- or 3-year fellowship programs. After adjustment for inflation, the median starting salary for the first postfellowship job was $252 074 ($223 986-$279 983) (Table 1). The median time spent in the first job was 2.6 years, and the median total salary at the current year rose to $278 379.4 ($241 437-$350 976). The median salary for respondents entering a second postfellowship job started at $280 945 ($261 409-$329 603). Significantly lower compensation was reported for female FMIGS graduates in their initial postfellowship jobs and was consistently lower than for that of men over time. Most FMIGS graduates (59.7%) reported feeling inadequately compensated for their level of specialization. CONCLUSION: A trend toward higher self-reported salaries is noted for FMIGS graduates in recent years, with significant differences in compensation between men and women. Among obstetrics and gynecology subspecialists, FMIGS graduates earn significantly less than other fellowship-trained physicians, with median salaries that are lower than those of generalist obstetrics and gynecology physicians.

Resident and Program Director Confidence in Resident Surgical Preparedness in Obstetrics and Gynecologic Training Programs.

OBJECTIVE: To assess self-reported readiness of U.S. obstetrics and gynecology residents to perform surgical procedures compared with the perceptions of their program directors. METHODS: The 2019 Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology Survey assessed resident self-confidence and perceived readiness to independently perform common surgical procedures. Concurrently, obstetrics and gynecology residency program directors were surveyed about the readiness of their graduating residents to independently perform the same procedures. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 99.3% for residents (5,473/5,514 examinees attempted to complete the survey) and 83% for program directors (241/292 returned surveys). There were no significant differences in graduating residents and program directors' assessments of graduating residents' surgical confidence in performing cesarean delivery (99.6% [95% CI 98.9-99.9] vs 100% [95% CI 98.2-100.0]), vacuum delivery (96.5% [95% CI 95.2-97.4] vs 98.6% [95% CI 95.9-99.7]), abdominal hysterectomy (95.1% [95% CI 93.6-96.2] vs 96.7% [95% CI 93.3-98.7]) or operative hysteroscopy (99.5% [95% CI 98.9-99.9] vs 100% [95% CI 98.2-100.0]). Ninety percent, 86%, and 69% of graduating residents felt that they could independently perform an abdominal hysterectomy, laparoscopic hysterectomy, and vaginal hysterectomy, respectively, in the event of an emergency. Ninety-seven percent (95% CI 93.3-98.7) of program directors reported their residents could perform a laparoscopic hysterectomy by graduation, as did 93% of graduating resident respondents (95% CI 90.8-94.0). Ninety percent (95% CI 85.3-93.8) of program directors felt their residents could perform vaginal hysterectomies by graduation, compared with 79% (95% CI 76.9-81.8) of fourth-year residents. CONCLUSION: Graduating obstetrics and gynecology residents and their program directors are confident in their abilities to perform the majority of core surgical procedures by graduation. By the second year, more than 90% of residents and their program directors were confident in their ability to perform cesarean deliveries and operative hysteroscopy. Sixty-nine percent and 86% of graduating residents felt comfortable performing vaginal and laparoscopic hysterectomies, respectively.

A fellow-run clinic achieves similar patient outcomes as faculty clinics: A safe and feasible model for gynecologic oncology fellow education.

OBJECTIVES: Fellow involvement in patient care is important for education, but effect on patient care is unclear. Our aim was to compare patient outcomes in gynecologic oncology attending clinics versus a fellow training clinic at a large academic medical center. METHODS: A retrospective review of consecutive gynecologic oncology patients from six attending clinics and one faculty-supervised fellow clinic was used to analyze differences based on patient demographics, cancer characteristics, and practice patterns. Primary outcome was overall survival (OS); secondary outcomes included recurrence-free survival (RFS), postoperative complications and chemotherapy within the last 30 days of life. Survival analyses were performed using Kaplan-Meier curves with log-rank tests. RESULTS: Of 159 patients, 76 received care in the attending clinic and 83 in the fellow clinic. Patients in the fellow clinic were younger, less likely to be Caucasian, and more overweight, but cancer site and proportion of advanced stage disease were similar. Both clinics had similar rates of moderate to severe adverse events related to surgery (15% vs. 8%, p = .76), chemotherapy (21% vs. 23%, p = .40), and radiation (14% vs. 17%, p = .73). There was no difference in median RFS in the fellow compared to attending clinic (38 vs. 47 months, p = .78). OS on both univariate (49 months-fellow clinic, 60 months-attending clinic vs. p = .40) and multivariate analysis [hazard ratio 1.3 (0.57, 2.75), P = .58] was not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSIONS: A fellow-run gynecologic oncology clinic designed to provide learning opportunities does not compromise patient outcomes and is a safe and feasible option for fellow education.