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Teaching robotic surgery skills: comparing the methods of generalists and subspecialists
Author(s) -
Pickett Stephanie D.,
James Rebecca L.,
Mahajan Sangeeta T.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
the international journal of medical robotics and computer assisted surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.556
H-Index - 53
eISSN - 1478-596X
pISSN - 1478-5951
DOI - 10.1002/rcs.1511
Subject(s) - subspecialty , curriculum , test (biology) , medical education , residency training , medicine , obstetrics and gynaecology , generalist and specialist species , family medicine , psychology , continuing education , pedagogy , pregnancy , paleontology , ecology , genetics , habitat , biology
Abstract Background To compare opinions of general and subspecialty obstetricians and gynecologists regarding teaching robotic surgery (RS) to residents. Methods After obtaining IRB approval, 2189 gynecologic surgeons trained on the DaVinci Surgical System® (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnydale, CA) were asked to complete an online survey. Anonymous responses were obtained and compared using the chi‐squared test, including opinions on training residents in RS. Results Of these 303 respondents, 161 practiced general obstetrics and gynecology (‘generalists’), and 138 were self‐described ‘subspecialists’ (+/‐ fellowship training). The majority of subspecialists (82%) taught residents, and 63% allowed resident participation. Only 44% of generalists taught residents, and 36% allowed participation. Regarding ideal RS training time, generalists favored residency (39%), while subspecialists favored fellowship. (46%, P < 0.001) Conclusions While many generalists and subspecialists incorporate training residents into their robotic cases, there is still disparity regarding the extent of participation. Standardized training curriculums should be a goal of residencies with RS. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.