Surgical Training in Gynecologic Oncology: A Sea Change

Abstract

Gynecologic oncology (GYN-ONC) has undergone a rapid transition over the last 2 decades. The introduction of minimally invasive surgery, the incorporation of sentinel lymph–node mapping, and the incremental role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy have changed surgical practice significantly in our field while adding new challenges for education of GYN-ONC Fellows. Beyond the challenges of increasingly varied surgical approaches and shifting experiences, gynecologic oncology is changing demographically, with the proportion of female GYN-ONC surgeons steadily increasing. Therefore, in addition to developing new strategies to augment surgical training with simulation and video-based didactics, fellowship training programs should also take concrete steps to support the needs of female surgeons. Creating a supportive training environment will likely increase representation and reduce burnout among surgical trainees in order to maintain a healthy workforce for the future. (J GYNECOL SURG 20XX:000)