[Surgical training of trainees, specialists in obstetrics and gynecology: results from a national electronic survey].

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this dissertation is to assess the current situation of surgical training provided to French trainees in obstetrics and gynecology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An online survey was made available to all French gynecologists. Within six months, 657 answer forms had been submitted and respondents were sorted out into five subgroups: residents (group 1 [G1]), fellows (group 2 [G2]), public sector surgeons (group 3 [G3]), private sector surgeons (group 4 [G4]) and all surgeons and fellows (group A [GA]).

RESULTS

Only 30% of interns (G1) and 78% of surgeons (GA) were satisfied with their training. Most respondents agreed that two general surgery courses as currently offered in the curriculum do not provide enough good basic surgical knowledge. Courses that allow residents to train in other hospitals are generally preferred to those that focus on a particular hospital. Ninety-two percent of respondents consider camaraderie and bonding within a medical unit to be key to a successful course. Theoretical training, including lectures and access to listed references, is thought to be weak. Resources and tools for practical training outside the operating room, including pelvic trainer and anatomical dissection, are scarce. Course evaluation is expected by 83% of all respondents, although it is now virtually nonexistent.

CONCLUSION

Surgical training of residents in obstetrics and gynecology can be improved in many ways, such as using synthetic materials and operating on animals or cadavers. Rigorous course evaluation is key to improving surgical training of French residents in obstetrics and gynecology.