The need for structured thoracic robotic training: the perspective of an American Association for Thoracic Surgery surgical robotic fellow. Scientific Publication

Since the initial experiences with robotic platforms in thoracic surgery (1), the number of procedures performed with this technique have continued to increase (2).

Not only have newer trainees demonstrated interest in the field, but former open and VATS surgeons have also become aware of the advantages that the robotic platform provides (1,3).

However, although some authors have implemented robotic thoracic surgery safely (4,5) others still consider it inefficient, citing the increased operative time (related to the learning curve), the initial instrument cost, and the lack of appropriate directed training (3).

In order to facilitate the training of cardiothoracic surgeons in robotic surgery, the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) Foundation created the Surgical Robotics Fellowship, which, based on the experiences of experts on the field, provides awardees with an exceptional opportunity to be trained in all the aspects of the daVinci® Surgical platform, from basic to advanced procedures, including support at the initial phases of their practice (6). In its current format, it has trained 76 fellows since 2016. Here we present the highlights of the program, as well as other important training aspects and future directions.

CITATION Ann Transl Med . 2020 Apr;8(8):557. doi: 10.21037/atm.2020.03.224.