A Competency-Based Robotic Surgery Curriculum for General Surgery Training Programs

Robotic-assisted surgery has expanded rapidly in recent years and has become a core component of general surgery resident education and training. A standardized curriculum is needed to guide residency programs and trainees in achieving proficiency and preparedness for independent practice.

Our program performed an analysis of learners and faculty to create a robotic-assisted surgery curriculum to adopt during general surgery residency training. Between 2016 and 2026 the curriculum was revised to include competency-based metrics based on PGY level with dynamic milestones.

The curriculum incorporates core tenets of robotic-assisted surgical training including comprehension of the robotic surgery platform, preoperative planning, bedside assistance, and technical proficiency on the console. Additionally, the curriculum provides a framework for PGY specific goals, graduated autonomy and competency-based progression. Graduates of our program increasingly use robotic-assisted technology whether they pursue independent practice or fellowship training. After implementation of this curriculum, the quantity of robotic-assisted cases increased for trainees while both learners and faculty have expressed increased satisfaction with metrics used to monitor progression.

A standardized, dynamic curriculum is essential for general surgery residency training programs to guide their learners to develop robotic-assisted surgical skills for use in independent practice. This curriculum provides an introductory framework for assessing competency and confidence using robotic surgery technology that can be adapted to general surgery programs.