An in-hospital training program in gynecologic laser therapy

Because of the success of a previous pilot program developed to introduce laparoscopy as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool to residents and attending physicians not previously familiar with the instrument and procedures, a similar program was initiated in laser surgery in gynecology. With a similar format of didactic lectures, journal clubs reviewing the literature on laser surgery and supervision of the attendings learning the procedures, it was thought, the attending could then be certified to perform laser surgery independently and could be used as a teaching resource with other attendings and residents. To date, 15 attendings and 5 senior residents have been so certified. This program is an excellent alternative to laser courses and perhaps a superior method of introducing the instrument and procedure to practicing gynecologists and those in training. Since certification by the Joint Commission of Hospital Accreditation must be obtained, this program allows teaching and certification sessions simultaneously.