Gastrointestinal endoscopy training in the United States: Program structure and competence assessment

Abstract

The general principles of gastrointestinal endoscopy training in the United States were formulated and summarized more than a decade ago and the principles have been consistent until now. To summarize, trainees should be prepared to (i) appropriately recommend endoscopic procedures as indicated by the findings of the consultative evaluation, with an explicit understanding of accepted specific indications, contraindications, and diagnostic/therapeutic alternatives, (ii) perform procedures safely, completely, and expeditiously, including possessing a thorough understanding of the principles of conscious sedation/analgesia techniques, the use of anesthesia-assisted sedation where appropriate, and pre-procedure clinical assessment and patient monitoring, (iii) correctly interpret endoscopic findings and integrate them into medical or endoscopic therapy, (iv) identify risk factors for each procedure, understand how to minimize each, and recognize and appropriately manage complications when they occur, (v) acknowledge the limitations of endoscopic procedures and personal skills and know when to request help, and (vi) understand the principles of quality measurement and improvement. This article provides an overview of the endoscopy training system and structure, evaluation scheme, and competence and credentialing process in the United States.