Curriculum for surgical training

Abstract

Since introduction, flexible endoscopy has been a mainstay of surgical practice for the management of gastrointestinal disorders. In rural settings, many surgeons are the primary providers of flexible endoscopy. However, in larger institutions gastroenterologists perform the majority of endoscopic procedures. Surgical training primarily occurs in large cities and academic institutions leaving many surgical trainees with inadequate exposure and training in flexible endoscopy during their residencies. Additionally, as the technology has developed, the utility of flexible endoscopy is being recognized and surgeons are taking advantage of the value added by being able to provide endoscopic therapy for their patients. This has led to an initiative by the American Board of Surgery and the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons to formalize a flexible endoscopy curriculum to promote endoscopic training in US surgical residencies. The comprehensive curriculum includes progressive cognitive and skills-based learning objectives to enhance training efficacy and ensure proficiency when completed. As of 2018, surgical trainees must successfully complete all components of the curriculum in order to be eligible for graduation. This paper reviews the development and components of a flexible endoscopy curriculum for US surgical residents.