EMIGS: Transforming Gynecologic Surgical Education

by Nash S. Moawad, MD, MS, FACOG, FACS · August 26, 2026

Few educational initiatives in gynecologic surgery have experienced the growth and momentum that EMIGS has achieved over the past several years. What began as AAGL’s vision for a gynecology-specific educational platform has matured into a comprehensive, evidence-based ecosystem that is reshaping how residents learn, practice, and demonstrate competency in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. Today, 4,850 residents have registered for EMIGS, with 2,801 Cognitive Examinations and 2,370 Manual Skills Examinations completed, while 249 residency programs have adopted the curriculum. Just as meaningful has been the overwhelmingly positive feedback from residents, faculty, and program directors, reinforcing that EMIGS is meeting an important educational need.

Recognized by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) as an alternative pathway to FLS for meeting the laparoscopic skills requirement for board eligibility, EMIGS has evolved well beyond a certification examination. It integrates 88 narrated educational videos, a remotely administered Cognitive Examination that continues to expand through rigorous psychometric review and newly validated questions, and a standardized Manual Skills Examination using the proprietary LaparoBowl—a gynecology-specific simulation platform that recreates the spatial constraints of pelvic surgery. Together, these components provide an accessible educational pathway that allows residents to train and test from their home institutions while maintaining consistent national standards.

Building the Evidence

The scientific foundation supporting EMIGS continues to strengthen. Three peer-reviewed publications in 2026 added important evidence supporting the program’s validity, defining resident learning curves, and demonstrating favorable performance compared with traditional laparoscopic simulation curricula. The multicenter validity study was previously recognized with the President’s Award for Best Paper at the 2025 Society of Gynecologic Surgeons Annual Meeting. Research momentum continues with several EMIGS abstracts accepted for presentation at the 55th AAGL Global Congress in Boston and additional manuscripts currently under peer review, reflecting a rapidly expanding body of scholarship.

Looking Forward

Development of EMIGS PRO marks the next evolution of the platform, extending structured education and objective assessment to advanced MIGS fellows and practicing gynecologic surgeons. At the same time, AAGL is collaborating with multiple international societies

interested in adapting EMIGS to support competency-based gynecologic surgical training around the world.

Join the Momentum

Members are encouraged to help shape the future of surgical education through the EMIGS Simulation Research Grant, offered in collaboration with the Foundation of the AAGL. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for innovative research in simulation, surgical education, and competency assessment, with applications open through August 31, 2026. Attendees of the AAGL 55th Global Congress in Boston can also experience EMIGS firsthand through an EMIGS-based laparoscopic suturing course and several scientific presentations highlighting the latest advances from the EMIGS community.

EMIGS by the Numbers

4,850 Residents registered
249 Residency programs participating
2,801 Cognitive Examinations completed
2,370 Manual Skills Examinations completed
88 Narrated educational videos
3 Peer-Reviewed EMIGS publications in 2026

These accomplishments represent more than impressive statistics. They reflect a growing community of educators, investigators, and trainees committed to advancing gynecologic surgical education through evidence, innovation, and collaboration. With expanding adoption, a rapidly growing scientific foundation, EMIGS PRO, international partnerships, and continued investment in educational research, EMIGS is not simply changing how laparoscopic skills are assessed—it is helping define the future of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.

References

1. Chen CCG, et al. Validity evidence for the Essentials in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery laparoscopic skills: correlation with the Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2026;235(1):214-220.

2. Hirsch M, et al. Learning curves of gynecologic residents preparing for the Essentials in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery manual skills exam. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2026;234(6):1804-1810.

3. Early J, Gill S, Brzozowski NC, Chuang LT. Comparing laparoscopic skills training for gynecologic residents across two established curricula. JSLS. 2026;30(1):e2025.00124.