FLS, FES, FUSE Training/Certifications

PSSI at Providence Portland Medical Center is a recognized site for Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) and Fundamentals of Endoscopic Surgery (FES) skills training through the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES). In addition to the skills training, we offer the FES certification exam. The certification has been adopted as a requirement by the American Board of Surgery. Residents and practicing surgeons whose education and continuing medical education emphasis falls within gastrointestinal and endoscopic surgery are welcome at PSSI.

Certification available for Fundamentals of Endoscopic Surgery (FES)

The SAGES Fundamentals of Endoscopic Surgery (FES) program is a comprehensive educational and assessment tool designed to teach and evaluate the fundamental knowledge, clinical judgment and technical skills required in the performance of basic gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopic surgery (endoscopy). Our goal is to provide participants with an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of endoscopic surgery in a consistent, scientifically accepted format, and to test cognitive and technical skills – all with the goal of improving the quality of patient care.

FES was designed for medical and surgical residents, fellows, practicing general surgeons, gastroenterologists and other physicians to learn and test basic endoscopic skills required to form a foundation in the practice of flexible endoscopy. The American Board of Surgery (ABS) will soon require anyone applying for board certification in general surgery to complete the FES program, starting with those who finish residency training in the 2017-2018 academic year. FES is also CME accredited.

Learning objectives:

Competence

Understand indications and contraindications for the basic endoscopic procedures
Recognize and manage common complications related to basic endoscopic procedures
Describe appropriate patient preparation
Identify and discuss available diagnostic and therapeutic alternatives

Performance

Recognize common pathological findings and apply appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic interventions
Demonstrate the process of endoscope navigation, tip deflection and torque
Demonstrate the technique of colonoscope loop reduction
Demonstrate the technique for retroflexion
Demonstrate the ability to adequately evaluate the mucosa and the skill to target lesions endoscopically
Demonstrate improved motor skills and dexterity that form the fundamental basis for the performance of upper and lower endoscopy

Why take the FES exam?

Surgeons are increasingly required to document their competency. FES gives you the opportunity to assess and document your knowledge and skills before it’s required of you.

FES is useful in evaluating whether or not you possess the basic knowledge and skills required to perform gastrointestinal endoscopic surgery.

Many surgeons who were already practicing during the advent of the endoscopic revolution learned basic information and skills that were still a “work in progress.”

Please visit the FES website to purchase a voucher and schedule your exam through the online WebAssessor Scheduling System.