Pathways to become a PSGE Fellow

POST-RESIDENCY MODULAR TRAINING PROGRAM IN GYNECOLOGIC ENDOSCOPY (PRMTPGE)

Eligibility: Open only to those currently enrolled in the local PRMTPGE program (as of 2023). New applicants must pursue Pathways 1 or 2. 

Recognized Step 3 Interim Workshop Centers  (hospitals other than those listed below may apply to become a center, subject to case-by-case approval by the PSGE Training Committee):

  • De Los Santos Medical Center 
  • Southern Isabela Medical Center 
  • Healthway Qualimed Hospital Santa Rosa 
  • Davao Doctors Hospital 
  • World Citi Medical Center 
  • Chong Hua Hospital (Main and Mandaue) 

Modular Training Case Requirements
Laparoscopy
Thirteen (13) Level 2 laparoscopy procedures as assistant
Thirteen (13) Level 2 laparoscopy procedures as primary surgeon

Hysteroscopy
Twelve (12) level 2 hysteroscopy procedures as assistant
Twelve (12) level2 hysteroscopy procedures as primary surgeon

Breakdown of Cases:

Laparoscopy Cases as Assistant
(Performed with a PSGE-Certified Trainer as the Primary Surgeon)

Procedure

Required number of cases

Cystectomy (including paratubal cyst >10cm)

5

Adhesiolysis

2

Salpingostomy/Salpingectomy
for any valid indication except sterilization

4

Salpingo-oophorectomy 
(ovary and/or fallopian tube must be diseased)

1

Any of the following:

  • Opportunistic salpingectomy
  • Salpingectomy for sterilization

1

TOTAL

13

Laparoscopy Cases as Primary Surgeon
(Assisted by a PSGE-Certified Trainer)

Procedure

Required number of cases

Cystectomy (including paratubal cyst >10cm)

5

Adhesiolysis

2

Salpingostomy/Salpingectomy
for any valid indication except sterilization

4

Salpingo-oophorectomy 
(ovary and/or fallopian tube must be diseased)

1

Any of the following:

  • Opportunistic salpingectomy
  • Salpingectomy for sterilization

1

TOTAL

13

Hysteroscopy Cases as Assistant
(Performed with a PSGE-Certified Trainer as the Primary Surgeon)

Procedure
(all hysteroscopy cases using resectoscope or shaver, excluding use of micro-scissors/forceps)

Required number of cases

Polypectomy (Polyp size > 1.5 cm)

5

Myomectomy Type 0-1

5

Any of the following:

  • Endometrial ablation
  • Focal endometrial resection
  • Global endometrial resection (with previous benign endometrial biopsy)

1

Any of the following:

  • Septum resection
  • IUA adhesiolysis

1

TOTAL

12

Hysteroscopy Cases as Primary Surgeon
(Assisted by a PSGE-Certified Trainer)

Procedure
(all hysteroscopy cases using resectoscope or shaver, excluding use of micro-scissors/forceps)

Required number of cases

Polypectomy (Polyp size > 1.5 cm)

5

Myomectomy Type 0-1

5

Any of the following:

  • Endometrial ablation
  • Focal endometrial resection
  • Global endometrial resection (with previous benign endometrial biopsy)

1

Any of the following:

  • Septum resection
  • IUA adhesiolysis

1

TOTAL

12

Note:

  • Procedures may be bundled for a single patient.
  • Completion of the required cases, both as an assistant and as a surgeon, will follow a procedure-based approach. For example, trainees can complete all TCRP cases as surgeons even if they have not yet finished the TCRM cases as assistants.

The trainee must compile and submit the following documentary evidence of procedures performed as an assistant and as the primary surgeon to the PSGE Secretariat to qualify for the Certificate of Completion for Step III Procedures. The submission period for the review of Step III cases is from January 31 to March 31 of the application year.

The trainee may proceed to Step IV upon issuance of the Step III Certificate by the PSGE Training Committee.

Step IV: Proctored Practice in Gynecologic Endoscopy (PPGE)
Step IV/PPGE is the final step, where the trainee performs operations as the primary surgeon with the assistance of a PSGE Fellow. This step may be conducted in any licensed hospital in the Philippines. All modular trainees must complete Step IV to qualify for credentialing.
For certification, a maximum of 20% of cases performed since 2012 may be accepted. However, at least 80% must be completed within the past five years, in accordance with Board Resolution 2021-6.
Case Requirements:

  • Completion of 5 Level 2 procedures for Laparoscopy
  • Completion of 5 Level 2 procedures for Hysteroscopy

Note: Bundling of multiple cases for a single patient is not permitted in Step IV

Breakdown of Cases:

Step IV: Laparoscopy Cases as Primary Surgeon
(Assisted by a PSGE Fellow)

Procedure

Required number of cases

Cystectomy (for any benign ovarian tumor)

2

Salpingostomy/Salpingectomy (any of the following):  

  • Ectopic pregnancy or
  • Hydrosalpinx > 5 cm or
  • Paratubal cyst > 10 cm

NOTE: For emergency ectopic pregnancy cases, the trainee may perform the procedure without direct supervision of a PSGE fellow, provided that the following conditions are met:

  • The PSGE fellow must be promptly informed
  • Approval must be secured from the hospital administration
  • A raw video recording of the procedure must be submitted for review

2

Salpingo-oophorectomy (ovary must be diseased)

1

TOTAL

5

Step IV: Hysteroscopy Cases as Primary Surgeon
(Assisted by a PSGE Fellow)

Procedure
(all hysteroscopy cases using resectoscope or shaver, excluding use of micro-scissors/forceps)

Required number of cases

Polypectomy (Polyp size > 1.5 cm)

2

Myomectomy Type 0-1

2

Any of the following:

  • Endometrial ablation
  • Focal endometrial resection
  • Global endometrial resection (with previous benign endometrial biopsy)
  • Septum resection
  • IUA adhesiolysis

1

TOTAL

5

 PSGE Credentialing Process: Post-residency Modular Training Program in Gynecologic Endoscopy (PRMTPGE)

  • This process is applicable only to those already enrolled in the program, having completed Steps I and II.
  • The preceptee must formally express their intent to proceed to Step III by writing to the PSGE Training Committee, chaired by Dr. Prudence Aquino.
  • Upon completing Step III, the preceptee must submit documentary evidence of the cases performed. The preceptor is responsible for reviewing the operative techniques of the procedures before signing the case log.
  • Approved case logs will be granted a Certificate of Completion for Step III.
  • The preceptee must formally express their intent to proceed to Step IV by writing to the PSGE Training Committee, chaired by Dr. Prudence Aquino.
  • Upon completing Step IV, the preceptee must submit a case log of the required cases to be eligible for credentialing. The preceptor must review the operative techniques of the procedures before signing the case log.
  • Cases for Step IV will be reviewed and approved by the Credentialing Committee to determine which applicants are eligible to take the written and practical examinations.
  • The preceptee is required to complete Steps I-IV in the proper sequence. Failure to do so will result in non-accreditation of the training.
  • To be certified as a Fellow of the PSGE, the preceptee must submit all documentary requirements and pass both the written and practical examinations.
  1. REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBMISSION

            Application Documents:

      • Application Letter
      • Application Form
      • Three (3) Recommendation Letters
      • Table of contents 

            Professional Certifications:

      • Certified true copy of POGS Fellow Certificate
      • Original POGS Certificate of good standing
      • PSGE Certification confirming 2 years of good standing

            Training Credentials:

      • Certificate of IGE Program or Step I + Step II
      • Certificate of Completion of Step III Cases issued by the PSGE Training Committee
      • Case Log Requirements:
        • Tabulation of required cases assisted and performed as surgeon using the prescribed PSGE Case Log forms,  
        • Photocopies of histopathological results
        • Photocopies of Operating Room Record or Surgical Memorandum that clearly demonstrate:
          • The candidate's name as Assistant and as Surgeon
          • The name and signature of the PSGE-Certified Trainer (PCT) who performed and assisted, respectively
          • Surgical Technique

For institutions with strict policies on Data Privacy submit:

      • Certificate signed by the Department Chair specifying the PSGE-required procedures in which the candidate assisted and performed as surgeon
      • Histopathological results authenticated by the Records Section/Department Chair

            Step IV Procedures:

      • Case Log Requirements:
        • Tabulation of required cases performed as surgeon using the prescribed PSGE Case Log forms
        • Photocopies of histopathological results
        • Photocopies of Operating Room Record or Surgical Memorandum that clearly demonstrate:
          • The candidate's name as Surgeon
          • The name and signature of the PSGE Fellow who assisted
          • Surgical Technique

For institutions with strict policies on Data Privacy submit:

      • Certificate signed by the Department Chair specifying the PSGE-required procedures performed by the candidate as a surgeon
      • Histopathological results authenticated by the Records Section/Department Chair

Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Log
Application fee: ₱5,000.00
NOTE: All requirements should be submitted by January 31 of the year of application.
B. Written Examination:

      • The written examination will be held on the last Saturday of March of the same year.
      • Applicants must pass the written exam to qualify for the practical examination.
      • After two unsuccessful attempts, candidates are required to submit 5 new Level 2 cases of Laparoscopy and/or Hysterosopy performed as the primary surgeon, in compliance with Step IV requirements.

C. Practical Examination:

      • Candidates who pass the written examination will proceed to the practical examination, scheduled on or before June 30 of the same year.
      • The candidate should submit 2 cases of laparoscopy and/or hysteroscopy for practical examination.
      • The practical examination will only be scheduled after (at least) 1 of the 2 submitted cases has been approved by the Credentialing Committee.
      • Candidates are allowed two retakes within 5 years.
      • After each failure, candidates are required to submit 5 new Level 2 cases of Laparoscopy and/or Hysterosopy performed as the primary surgeon, in compliance with Step IV requirements.

D. Video Presentation:

      • Successful candidates must present a 5-minute video of a laparoscopy or hysteroscopy case performed or a completed research paper during the PSGE Annual Congress.