Does a minimally invasive surgery fellowship impact surgical experience among gynecology residents?

Study Objective. To examine the impact of a minimally invasive surgery (MIS) fellowship on resident experience and to survey the general attitude toward effects of fellowship programs on resident education. Design. Survey (Canadian Task Force classification III). Setting. An accredited obstetrics and gynecology program in the United States. Subjects. Obstetrics and gynecology residents. Intervention. Residents received a survey regarding the potential impact of a MIS surgery fellowship on resident experience. Measurements and Main Results. One-year after creation of a MIS fellowship at our institution, we conducted an anonymous survey among residents. We also compared total number of surgical procedures and laparoscopic procedures performed before and after the fellowship commenced. We had a response rate of 70%. The overall impact of the newly established fellowship was regarded as positive. The median approval rating of endoscopic training before and after institution of the fellowship was 3.0 and 4.0, respectively (p <.001). There were no statistically significant changes in caseload between the two periods. Conclusion. A fellowship in MIS at an academic institution does not detract from resident experience in gynecologic surgery, with most residents viewing the fellowship positively.