Overview

Program Summary

Virginia Mason’s section of Gynecology offers a two-year Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery accredited by the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL). Our fellowship was established in 1992 as a clinical Pelvic Surgery Fellowship, and has graduated fellows who now serve in academic and private practice positions around the country. We train our fellows in all approaches to gynecologic surgery, and our focus has concentrated in minimally invasive options.

Under the leadership and supervision of the fellowship director, the fellow performs a minimum of 1,000 major surgical cases and participates in ongoing clinical care and scholarly research over the course of the fellowship.

Responsibilities

Curriculum

The primary goal of the Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery is to give the fellow the clinical and surgical skills to excel in a gynecology career and serve as an ambassador for themself, the profession and Virginia Mason. Specifically, the fellowship curriculum aims to teach requisite cognitive and technical aspects of gynecologic surgery, including:

• Understanding relevant processes, their presentation and management
• Analysis and interpretation of radiographic data
• Understanding the indications and contraindications for procedures
• Pre- and post-procedure care of the patient
• Recognition and management of complications
• Appropriate documentation and reporting
• Appropriate communication with the patient and the multidisciplinary team
• Research, presentation and publication in the field

Qualifications

Eligibility

Candidates must complete the AAGL Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery online application, including:

• Digital headshot photo (300 dpi)
• Curriculum Vitae which includes your educational pedigree, all abstracts, presentations at regional and national meetings, publications, honors, awards and achievements
• Three letters of reference. One letter should be from your residency director. Submit by email to fmigs@aagl.org.
• Your residency ACGME case list brief summary (1 page).
• Personal statement discussing your interest in pursuing MIGS training (1 page max)
• ECFMG certificate (if applicable)
• TOEFL IBT certificate (if applicable)
• Official copy of USMLE or LMCC transcript
• Application payment
• If you are currently not a resident in training, provide the following:
  • A description of your current practice
  • A list of all hospital staff and teaching appointments currently held, including types of privileges
  • A copy of your malpractice policy

How to Apply

To apply, see full details at the AAGL Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Application page and submit the application with all required materials. Applications must be submitted by June 12 of the year prior to the start of fellowship training.

If you have questions, please contact Mindy Vu.