FMIGS Mid-Year Update
FMIGS has had a productive first half of 2024! This year, we’re emphasizing the engagement of both our Alumni and current Fellows. The Call for Applications to the FMIGS Committees in January received an overwhelming response, with 49 candidates for 25 available spots. We’ve introduced two new committees – the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Committee and the Simulation Committee – and added Fellow Representative roles to nearly all committees. To foster prompt and efficient communication, a Board representative has been assigned to each committee to serve as a liaison for urgent matters. We’ve also incorporated mid-year committee reports to the FMIGS Board, which we believe will minimize delays and create a more dynamic and inclusive environment.
One highlight is the AAGL/FMIGS Collaborative Education Committee, under the direction of Chair Michelle Louie and Co-Chair Mark Dassel, who plan to invite young alumni faculty for MIGS-specific webinar topics. Additionally, the Case Log Task Force, led by Chair Hye-Chun Hur, is restructuring the way fellows document complex benign gynecologic surgery in the ACGME case log system. This allows our subspecialty to lay the groundwork for better documenting the complex care we provide to patients. A required Fellows Case Log Webinar will be hosted Aug 1st, 2024, to demonstrate how to log in the updated case log system and also to promote the culture of comprehensive case documentation.
The AAGL Fellowship continues to be a testament to excellence, consistently attracting highly competitive and outstanding candidates each year. The 2024 application cycle was no exception with 81 applications for 50 positions at 44 sites, ensuring a packed summer interview season. With the sponsorship of Intuitive Surgical, Inc. two advanced robotic courses for fellows this year have been offered to the fellows-the first designated for 1st year FMIGS fellows in February 2024, and the second for senior FMIGS fellows in September 2024.
On the horizon, Dr. Arnie Advincula has spearheaded the Board’s collaboration with ABOG as they advance with the Complex Benign Gynecology Task Force, exploring the establishment as an ABOG sanctioned subspecialty. We will keep the AAGL informed about the Task Force’s findings, with potential next steps anticipated in 2025. The coming months hold extraordinary opportunities and advancements for our field. We look forward to celebrating these achievements together and will continue to drive innovation and excellence in our community!
