Development of a Pelvic Floor Disorders Multidisciplinary Curriculum for Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery and Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellows

Abstract

OBJECTIVE

Current training for Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery and Colon and Rectal Surgery does not provide adequate cross-disciplinary experiences even though pelvic floor disorders and anorectal disease states often coexist. Our objective is to present a framework that covers the core topic areas for Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery and Colon and Rectal Surgery through multiple learning modalities by promoting collaboration between these specialties.

DESIGN

A cross-disciplinary curriculum for Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery and Colon and Rectal surgery fellows was created using the 6 steps of Kern’s Model for Curriculum Development. Core topic areas for each fellowship were identified as the foundation for the curriculum. Fellows from both specialties have the opportunity to master these core topic areas through clinical experiences, operative experiences, didactics, and scholarly work. A robust feedback system was created to ensure fellows are meeting curricular expectations while also providing opportunity for fellows to assist in the improvement of the program.

CONCLUSIONS

The Kern’s Model for Curriculum Development provided an optimal framework for creating a clear interdisciplinary curricular program for Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery and Colon and Rectal Surgery fellows based on current program feedback. We are implementing this curriculum at our institution and plan to continue reviewing feedback to optimize this program in hopes of it becoming standard practice for other institutions that house Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery and Colon and Rectal surgery fellowships.