Factors that Influence Applicants Pursuing a Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

Study Objective: The Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (FMIGS) has been the most competitive fellowship in Obstetrics and Gynecology since 2015. Since its inception, it has served to provide advanced endoscopic training and addresses the need for additional proficiency beyond residency. We sought to identify factors that influence applicants in choosing to pursue minimally invasive gynecologic surgery training. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: 2018 FMIGS application cycle. Patients: Not applicable. Interventions: A novel, 32-item Web-based survey was distributed to all FMIGS applicants during the 2018 application cycle. Measurements and Main Results: Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the applicant sample and responses. Our survey response rate was 47.4% (37/78). Interest in the subject area of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery was the single most influential factor driving applicants to pursue FMIGS, followed by an interest in an academic career. Income level was the least important factor in their decision, with 37.8% rating this as not important. There were no differences in motivational factors between male and female applicants. Few applicants felt “very comfortable” performing laparoscopic hysterectomy (16.2%) or laparoscopic myomectomy (3.0%) on completion of residency training. Conclusion: FMIGS applicants are motivated by their interest in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, academia and research, and the opportunity to increase their proficiency with advanced endoscopic procedures.