The University of Michigan Advanced Training Program in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery is a two-year American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL) accredited program. The AAGL Fellowship in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery was established in 2001 for gynecologists seeking subspecialty training advanced endoscopic procedures in gynecology. The University of Michigan established its Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Advanced Training Program in 2003 and became accredited by the AAGL in 2005.
Clinical Goals
The clinical educational objective is to provide trainees with the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to independently manage complex gynecologic patients that may benefit from advanced endoscopic procedures. Specific educational goals for each trainee include the development of the following:
- Sufficient understanding, experience, and proficiency to perform advanced laparoscopic, robotic, hysteroscopic, abdominal and vaginal surgery for complex, benign gynecologic conditions. These conditions include uterine fibroids, advanced endometriosis, benign ovarian neoplasms, ovarian remnants, and chronic pelvic pain.
- To evaluate and appropriately select the appropriate medical and/or surgical treatment plan for women presenting with complex, benign gynecologic conditions such as abnormal uterine bleeding, symptomatic uterine fibroids, chronic pelvic pain, and/or endometriosis.
Teaching and Research Goals
Each trainee will be provided with resources and experience to develop academic skills. Specific objectives for the teaching and research curriculum include the following:
- Ability to use appropriate methods and educational aids to teach medical students, residents, and allied health care professionals in clinical or classroom environments.
- Sufficient understanding and proficiency to complete clinical and/or health-services research projects, in addition to the development of collaborative skills with others that foster ongoing research activities.
- Ability to write scientific articles and grant applications, and to contribute in an academic setting.
The comprehensive goal of the Program is to train academic trainees who are outstanding clinicians, teachers, and research contributors.