Robotic Resident and Fellow Surgery Training

Abstract

The number of robotic surgeries performed in the United States has been growing over the last decade. There has been a similar growth in academic centers, exposing residents and fellows during their training. As a result, residency programs are now incorporating its use into their training. However, there are no standardized training models, which creates challenges in establishing a uniform curriculum. With current work restrictions, focus on patient safety and minimizing complications, and focus by hospitals on optimizing operative times and block utilization, simulation for advanced technologies and techniques will be required. Unlike laparoscopy, where these skills can be practiced on box trainers or via cost-effective dry labs, this is not an option for robotic surgery training. The cost of acquiring stand-alone simulators and simulator backpacks for robotic consoles, housing a full robotic system solely for training, or having a dual console system is expensive and possibly cost prohibitive, creating a challenge for training the next generation of surgeons. Therefore, programs will need to assess their capabilities in order to develop the best curriculum to teach the fundamentals of robotic surgery. Some programs may have the case volume and access to more robotic resources than others, allowing their trainees to transition into practice using these technologies without further training. While those lacking this may require additional training, whether from fellowships in minimally invasive, robotic surgery, or postgraduate courses. Ultimately, the trainee’s ability to utilize this technology in their future practice will be determined by individual hospitals and their credentialing committees.