Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

About the Fellowships in Advanced Endoscopy

In the late 1980s, Veasy Buttram, M.D. proposed and initiated a one-year fellowship in reproductive surgery. The program was developed because he recognized that most graduating residents in obstetrics and gynecology were not fully trained in modern endoscopic surgery. In addition, it was recognized that private physicians were developing most of the advances in endoscopic surgery in non-university hospitals. Several leading reproductive surgeons who were recognized for their surgical skills and interests in teaching were recruited to serve as preceptors for the SRS (Society of Reproductive Surgeons) Fellowship.

During the 1990s, similar fellowships were established on an ad hoc basis without formal affiliation with the AAGL or the SRS. These fellowships focused on a variety of clinical areas, primarily due to the interests and practices of the sponsoring physician.

In 2001,  the AAGL and the SRS Fellowship Committee collaborated to establish the Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery with a standardized minimal curriculum and a requirement for research. The first Fellowships were granted to seven preceptees at seven sites throughout the United States. Since the start, over 95 fellows have successfully graduated from the program. The AAGL and SRS remain affiliated with the Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery.

Purposes of the Fellowship

1. To provide an opportunity for gynecologists who have completed their residency to acquire additional skills in advanced endoscopy and reproductive surgery.
2. To establish sites that will serve as centers of excellence in advanced endoscopy and reproductive surgery.
3. To further research in endoscopic surgery.

Download information about our Fellowship programs here: Fellowship

Arcy Dominguez administers the Fellowship under the direction of the Fellowship Board of Directors.The members of the current Board are:

Joseph S. Sanfilippo, M.D., M.B.A., M.D., President
Resad P. Pasic, M.D., Ph.D., Vice President
Togas Tulandi, M.D., M.H.C.M., Secretary-Treasurer
Andrew I. Brill, M.D., Immediate Past President

Jon I. Einarsson, M.D., M.P.H., Board of Directors
Keith B. Isaacson, M.D. Board of Directors
Ceana H. Nezhat, M.D., Board of Directors
Robert K. Zurawin, M.D., Board of Directors
Kimberly A. Kho, M.D., Fellow Board Member
Franklin D. Loffer, M.D., Executive Vice President
Linda Michels, Executive Director