Retraining in endoscopy

This article outlines a program developed by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) for training gastroenterologists in endoscopy techniques that had not been introduced at the time of their fellowships. Discussed are prerequisites for students, criteria for teachers, elements for the teaching program, and methods for documenting the experience. Problems to be anticipated are highlighted and include liability, justification of an attenuated training experience, and the acceptability of such a program for purposes of obtaining privileges. Also considered is ASGE's experience with this program and the potential for its use in other nontraditional teaching situation, for example, managed care.