The requirement was announced in January 2018. Physicians graduating from residency after May 31, 2020, must complete the Surgical Skills Program standard. This requirement does not apply to any candidate who graduated in prior academic years.
Requiring completion of a Surgical Skills Program is part of a broader initiative by ABOG to incorporate simulation and standardize the knowledge and training completed by OB GYN residents. It also establishes an additional objective measure that all U.S. obstetricians and gynecologists applying for specialty certification must meet. ABOG’s goal is to assure OB GYN residents an opportunity to learn minimally-invasive surgical techniques in a consistent, scientifically accepted format, and to test cognitive, surgical decision-making and technical skills, all with the goal of improving the quality of patient care.
You may take the Qualifying Exam without documentation of completion of a Surgical Skills Program, but you must submit documentation of completion to ABOG to become an Active Candidate for the Certifying Exam. ABOG recommends completing the requirement before taking the Qualifying Exam.
You can take a Surgical Skills Program any time during residency, but the ideal time may be during the second year as residents gain more exposure to laparoscopy. You may apply, take, and receive your Qualifying Exam results regardless of completion status.
If you take and pass FLS, you must upload your completion certificate directly to your ABOG portal or email it to exams@abog.org.
If you take and pass EMIGS, your completion certificate will be provided to ABOG by AAGL.
No, to meet the Surgical Skills Program Standard requirement, you must take and pass both parts of the FLS or EMIGS exams and receive the certificate.