Laparoscopy fellowships?

[NYC Girl]

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Hi everyone,

I was wondering if anyone had any info on the competitiveness of gyn MIS fellowships? In my program, we have an emphasis on MIS, and several people in my class are planning to apply for the fellowship, but I don't have a great sense of how popular the field is nationally. Does anyone know anybody who has matched in MIS?

Even though the field is new, and it's not as competitive as say REI, it's still a little terrifying to be applying for a field with <25 positions available per year!!

 

[manleyjb]

Are these programs solely for gyn MIS? I have seen a number of programs that let you tailor your fellowship to your needs (i.e. gyn, urology, GI, transplant) so I was just wondering if there are specific programs for just gyn. If you are competing against all the gen. surgery folks then I would think it is fairly competitive.

 

[Global Disrobal]

I think the original post is referring to GYN-specific MIS fellowships. We have one at the Washington Hospital Center which entails 10 months of general GYN laparoscopy/robotics and 2 months of Uro-Gyn (including vaginal, laparoscopy, and robotics) and it is run under regulations by AAGL I believe.

I know there are several other forms out there, with the most well known one being run by the Nezhat brothers around the States which might be worth looking at.

As for competetiveness, I'm not sure but will definitely ask our MIS fellow for the scoop next week and will post her thoughts.

Good luck!

 

[GYN DOC]

MIS Gyn fellowships are not yet board certified. They will become more competetive as more patients start seeking doc specialized in laparoscopic surgery. Most are only 1 year but many will be converting to 2 year programs. There are some that are not listed under AAGL like baylor's program.

 

[NYC Girl]

Thanks everyone - I was referring to the AAGL (American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists) gyn-only fellowships, which others have mentioned.

Does anyone else have any insights on the competitiveness of this fellowship? I have a general gestalt that there were something like 40-60 applicants for 20 or so spots last year, but don't have any idea of the typical applicant profile (research experience, numbers, etc.) Global - if you or anyone else who knows someone who is a fellow, could ask about this, that would be great! Thanks so much 🙂

I never thought I would be one of the people posting here, like "tell me the stats, do I have a chance?!" But with such a new field, I just have no ballpark idea whatsoever, which is unsettling....😱

 

[NYC Girl]

Ack!! AAGL just posted their 2009-2010 application on their website, and there are only TEN confirmed sites this year!! The rest are either taking an internal candidate, or haven't yet stated that they're participating in the match.

Now I'm truly freaking out. Ten spots!! Is anyone at a program with a fellow, who can get a sense of what they did to earn a spot? I have a feeling that it all comes down to research and contacts, since their application is very research/publication heavy....

 

[Global Disrobal]

According to our fellow (Hopkins Graduate), alot of the programs will be moving toward combining MIS with UroGyn fellowships. I didn't delve into the details, but thought you might want to know.

In terms of requirements, I know our director looked at research and recommendations last year. I haven't heard anything more useful but can tell you from my own experience with the MFM fellowship match that it came down in great deal to my research, then my recommendations, and lastly to their perception of my clinical training (i.e. program details, volume, pathology).

Just apply and see what happens... I'm sure you'll be fine! Let me know if you interview in my neck of the woods.

Best of luck!