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For more than a decade, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology has facilitated the training of gynecologic oncology fellows through an SGO-led minimally invasive surgery course focused on da Vinci robotic-assisted surgery. Supported by an educational grant from Intuitive Surgical, this immersive program combines focused didactics with hands-on training for a structured experience designed to accelerate technical skill development.

Course Experience

A two-day, faculty-led program conducted at Intuitive facilities:

  • One day of focused didactic education, including procedural lectures, case discussion, and technical instruction
  • One day of hands-on clinical skills training in a simulation-based environment, performed alongside a dedicated faculty mentor

Program Highlights

  • Exposure to advanced robotic-assisted surgical techniques
  • Hands-on training in a controlled, simulation-based environment
  • Expert-led instruction and mentorship from experienced gynecologic oncology faculty
  • Career development and transition-to-practice guidance

2026 Course Schedule

  • September 29–30, 2026 – Atlanta, GA
  • October 29–30, 2026 – Atlanta, GA
  • November 12–13, 2026 – Sunnyvale, CA

Submit your APPlication

 

 

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Active SGO membership by September 29 
  • Enrollment in an ACGME-accredited gynecologic oncology fellowship program in the United States
  • Senior fellowship status (final year)  
  • Surgeon mentor’s robotic minimum volume in the last twelve months: twenty-five gynecologic robotic cases  
  • Commitment from Program Director or Lead Attending to mentor trainee over the course of the program  
  • Commitment to participate in structured follow-up, including performance tracking and submission of cases over time 
  • Access to a fourth of fifth generation da Vinci X/Xi/5 system for continued application 
  • Have not previously attended a course  

Course Requirements

Must be completed prior to attending the course

    • Completion of ten robotic cases 
    • da Vinci Technology Online Modules: Complete a set of interactive online modules covering the basic design and operation of the da Vinci system. 
    • da Vinci Technology Overview In-Service: In-person overview of the system conducted at the hospital by an Intuitive CSR (clinical sales representative). 
    • da Vinci Technology Skills Drills with Kit/Simulator: Hands-on practice with the system, with a physical skills drill kit, or a virtual reality skills simulator including either: Prior to registering, the following items must be completed:
    • DaVinci SimNow 1.0 Simulator 
      • Thread the rings
      • Matchboard 1 
      • Camera Targeting 1 and 2 
      • Energy switching 
      • Suture sponge 1 
      • Big Dipper Needle Driver  
      • Sea Spikes 2 
      • 20 degree Scope Swap combo exercise  
      • Energy Pedals 1 
      • Anterior Needle Driving – ATW 
    • DaVinci SimNow 2.0 Simulator 
      • Self-guided basics and efficiency evaluations 
      • Intermediate modules and efficiency evaluations 
      • Advanced modules and efficiency evaluations (recommended) 
      • Da Vinci 5 Modules if rotating on da Vinci 5 systems (recommended)

Application Supporting Documentation

  1. Letter of support from the applicant’s current program director, attending surgeon, department chair, or division chief  
  2. Summary of fellow’s clinical activity for the last 12 months (included case list with type, volume, and dates)  
  3. Summary of attending/surgical mentor’s case log for the last 12 months 
  4. One page narrative including: what the applicant hopes to accomplish during their fellowship; the relationship of the course to the applicant’s prior work; and statement of future career goals 

Submit your APPlication

 

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed and selected by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology through a competitive process. Selection considers:

  • Applicant readiness and prior clinical experience
  • Strength of the training environment and institutional support
  • Participation with a surgical mentor who demonstrates established robotic experience
  • Demonstrated commitment to integrating minimally invasive and robotic-assisted techniques into future practice, as evidenced by supporting documentation included during application. 

Key Dates

  • Applications open June 25
  • Applications close July 24
  • Notifications of acceptance will be sent in early August
  • Accepted attendees will receive course registration confirmation details from Intuitive mid-August
  • Fellows must have an active SGO membership by September 29

For questions, contact SGO Education.

Expert Faculty

Joshua G. Cohen, MD, FACOG, FACS
Medical Director, Gynecologic Cancer Program
Associate Clinical Professor, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Surgery
City of Hope

Kenneth H. Kim, MD, MHPE, FACOG, FACS
Associate Executive Officer, Chief of Medical Practice & Certification Innovation
American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Peter Lim, MD
Medical Director, Obstetrics & Gynecology
Center of Hope Reno

Christa I. Nagel, MD
Associate Professor, Division of Gynecologic Oncology
The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center

Emma C. Rossi, MD 
Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Duke Cancer Center

Stephanie A. Sullivan, MD
Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics &Gynecology
Tri-Star Health