National survey on the certification of competence in gynecologic surgical oncology: An AGOF (association of gynecologists in training) study

Abstract

IntroductionFemale malignancies can require complex surgeries with expert techniques. A French certification of competence in gynecological cancer surgery has been elaborated in 2021 to certify specialized surgeons. For trainees, this would require a practical curriculum (number of rotations in certain departments), a surgical logbook and the theoretical European exam. The objective of our work was to interrogate trainees in gynecology and obstetrics on their oncological training and their opinion on the certification. Material and methodsWe conducted a national French prospective, observational study, using a web-based questionnaire from 06/2021–02/2022. All trainees were interrogated on their overall training in gynecological oncology. The opinion on the certification was assessed for the sub-group willing to specialize in oncological surgical gynecology. ResultsOne hundred and twenty-five responded, and 66.1% wanted to specialize in surgical oncology. Many had completed one rotation in a specialized gynecological oncology center (45.3%) and in digestive surgery (48.8%). Concerning the theoretical training, 92% of the respondents believed it to be insufficient. Eighty participants (64%) wished to specialize in oncological surgical gynecology and were interrogated on the certification. The majority (65%) thought the three criteria were difficult to achieve but adequate. The most difficult criterium was the practical curriculum (70.5%) followed by the surgical logbook (55.1%) due to inequalities of training amongst French regions. ConclusionTrainees in gynecology and obstetrics seem ready to take a specialized certification in surgical gynecological oncology to improve patient care. However, they expressed concerns due the disparities amongst regions in accessing certain specialized departments.