Surgical education and training in gynecologic oncology I: European perspective

Post-graduate training in oncogynecological surgery should be based on a comprehensive system with three main components: training centers, trainers and trainees. For each of these components, clearly defined requirements should be established. An international consensus on classification, terminology, and performance of standard procedures in gynecological oncology would further improve postgraduate training. One of the key features of this system should be continuous assessment of surgical and non-surgical skills that would make possible the evaluation of individual trainees' progress, as well as the quality of training centers and trainers. Special attention should be paid to the development of tailored educational tools. Internet databases of video presentations should be available to trainees, demonstrating standard procedures as well as atypical situations, including the management of complications. In Europe, the already available programs for postgraduate training and accreditation of centers developed by the European Society of Gynecological Oncology (ESGO) should become the basis for harmonization of postgraduate training in gynecological oncology.