The state of residency training in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery

Abstract

To evaluate the state of resident training in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, the American Urogynecology Society (AUGS) education committee surveyed obstetrics and gynecology program directors on resident training and competence in performing common urogynecologic surgical and office procedure skills. One hundred thirty-two programs (50%) responded. Programs averaged 9 weeks of pelvic floor rotations during residency training. Program directors reported that 77% of residents could independently do some type of anti-incontinence procedure, but only 58% could independently perform apical vaginal support procedures. In 85% of the programs, residents could perform without help only four out of ten urogynecological procedures identified as procedures that residents should be able to do independently by the Council for Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology and AUGS' guidelines.