Is there a need for a formal gynecology curriculum in a pediatric surgery training program? A needs assessment

Purpose

Fellows in Pediatric Surgery need to learn to manage a variety of gynecologic conditions. We completed a needs assessment of Pediatric Surgery training programs to inform development of a standardized gynecology curriculum.

Methods

A survey was sent to Program Directors of Canadian Pediatric Surgery training programs with 27 questions that focused on the fellowship program, surgical practice, and trainee exposure to pediatric gynecology, and how the envision a standardized gynecology curriculum.

Results

Six of eight Program Directors responded. All respondents had treated ovarian-related conditions and genital injuries in the past 5 years, and most felt trainees received adequate training in managing these conditions. Most respondents felt trainees had minimal or inadequate training in imperforate hymens, Müllerian anomalies, vulvar abscesses, vaginal foreign bodies, and labial adhesions. Program Directors currently allot an average of 3.5 h to delivering the gynecology objectives. All Program Directors expressed interest in a formal gynecology curriculum delivered through some combination of case-based teaching and/or simulation.

Conclusion

There is a need for a standardized gynecology curriculum for Pediatric Surgery trainees. Most Pediatric Surgeons will manage gynecological conditions as part of their practice and current Program Directors feel that training is inadequate for a number of gynecological conditions.

Type of Study

Observational Cross-Sectional Study.

Level of Evidence

Level IV.