ABSTRACT
Background: Abdominal wall surgery (AWS) is characterised by the increasing caseload and the complexity of the surgical procedures. The introduction of a tailored approach to AWS utilising laparoendoscopic, robotic and/or open techniques requires the surgeon to master several surgical techniques. All of which have an associated learning curve, and the necessary knowledge/experience to know which operation is the right one for the individual patient. However, the reality in general surgery training shows that training in just a limited number of procedures is not enough. By the end of general surgery training, many chief residents do not feel they are yet ready to carry out surgery independently. Therefore, hernia surgery experts and societies have called for the introduction of a Fellowship in Abdominal Wall Surgery. Methods: The UEMS (Union Européenne des Médecins Spécialistes, European Union of Medical Specialists) in collaboration with the European Hernia Society (EHS) introduced a fellowship by examination in 2019. As a prerequisite, candidates must complete further training of at least 2 years with a special focus on abdominal wall surgery after having completed their training in general surgery. To be eligible for the examination, candidates must provide evidence of having performed 300 hernia procedures. In addition, candidates must have accrued sufficient "knowledge points" by attending abdominal wall surgery congresses, courses and clinical visitations, and engaged in scientific activities. On meeting the requirements, a candidate may be admitted to the written and oral examination. Results: To date, three examinations have been held on the occasion of the Annual Congress of the European Hernia Society in Copenhagen (2021), Manchester (2022) and Barcelona (2023). Having met the requirements, 48 surgeons passed the written and oral examination and were awarded the Fellow European Board of Surgery-Abdominal Wall Surgery certificate. During this time period, a further 25 surgeons applied to sit the examination but did not fulfil all the criteria to be eligible for the examination. Fifty experienced abdominal wall surgeons applied to become an Honorary Fellow European Board of Surgery-Abdominal Wall Surgery. Fourty eight were successful in their application. Conclusion: The Fellowship of the European Board of Surgery - Abdominal Wall Surgery by examination has been successfully introduced at European level by the joint work of the UEMS and the EHS. The examination is also open to surgeons who work outside the European area, if they can fulfil the eligibility criteria.
ABSTRACT
The aims of the 2021 European Training Requirements (ETR) in Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes (PED) are to (1) provide standards to harmonize training programmes in PED between different European countries, (2) establish clearly defined standards of knowledge and skills required to practice PED at the tertiary care level, (3) foster the development of a network of competent tertiary care centres for PED in Europe and globally, and (4) improve the quality of care for children and adolescents requiring PED services. This ETR in PED specifies the requirements for training institutions, trainers, and trainees. It also provides the detailed syllabus/core content that trainees are expected to achieve in order to become competent independent clinicians in PED. References to consensus guidelines produced and/or endorsed by ESPE are included. The target users are trainees in PED, trainers, and all involved with quality assurance and accreditation. The process to develop and approve this 2021 ETR has been rigorous and involved trainees and consultants in paediatric and adult Endocrinology, ESPE (Syllabus Task Force, Education and Training Committee, Council), European Academy of Paediatrics (Tertiary Care Council, Assembly), European Board of Paediatrics, and Union of European Medical Specialists. Implementing the ETR will complement professional regulatory requirements for postgraduate training in PED in different countries and allow harmonizing standards across Europe. ETR is publicly available at www.eurospe.org/education/education-training-syllabus and at https://www.uems.eu/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/133990/UEMS-2021.17-European-Training-Requirement-in-Paediatric-Endocrinology.pdf.
