Developed by FES /SAGES
What is FES?
The Fundamentals of Endoscopic Surgery (FES) program is a test of knowledge and skill in flexible gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy. FES is the flexible endoscopy equivalent of the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery™ (FLS) program developed by SAGES and jointly sponsored by the American College of Surgeons. FES is meant to set a validated benchmark of understanding and skill in basic GI endoscopy.
Who is developing the FES program?
For the past two years, the FES Task Force, consisting of members of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), is developing the FES program. General surgeons, colorectal surgeons, and gastroenterologists are participating in the validation process. SAGES has also partnered with industry to develop the FES hands-on skills test using a computer simulation platform.
What does the FES program encompass?
There are two components to FES: a web-based didactic curriculum, and an assessment made up of a multiple choice cognitive exam and a hands-on skills test.
What is the FES Assessment?
The assessment component is a multiple-choice exam administered via computer documenting cognitive knowledge, plus a hands-on skills test documenting technical and psychomotor skills.
What computer simulation platform is used for the hands-on skills?
The FES hands-on skills test is administered using the GI Mentor II, a proprietary piece of hardware developed by Surgical Science. To learn more about the GI Mentor II please contact your Surgical Science representative. SAGES does not endorse any specific manufacturer or product in developing any of its training or testing protocols.
How should I train for the manual skills portion of the FES exam?
At this time, there are no officially endorsed training curricula to prepare for the FES manual skills exam. As the FES program matures, we anticipate that such programs will be made available with proficiency measures and data to predict success on the FES hands-on test. Above all, there is no substitute for actual hands-on experience performing flexible endoscopy in a controlled clinical setting.
If I participated in the Beta Exam, will I have to take the test again?
Yes. Once the completely validated FES program is released, you will be required to take both the written exam (only 75 questions) and the hands-on skills test to become FES certified.
How do I get my free voucher for my Beta Test Participation?
When we are ready to launch FES in its final form, we will mail or email out vouchers to each participant based on the contact information provided to us on the Beta Test Voucher.
What is a testing voucher?
A testing voucher is the “admittance ticket†needed in order to take the FES exam. Each voucher has a unique identification number and can be redeemed one time only. Vouchers will be included with the purchase of various individual or educational packages that will also include access to the online didactic content. If the FLS test is not successfully completed, a “re-test†voucher may be purchased at a lesser price.
Test vouchers will be available for purchase once the program is launched.
What will I learn from the FES curriculum?
The didactic content covers the following topics: Technology, Patient Preparation, Anesthesia/ Conscious Sedation/ Monitoring/ Recovery, Upper Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, ERCP, and Endoscopic Therapies.
Who is eligible to take the FES Exam?
While anyone is eligible to review the curriculum, FES certification is limited to medical and surgical residents, fellows, and practicing general surgeons, gastroenterologists, and other physicians.
How much time will it take to complete the FES Exam?
You will have 90 minutes to complete the cognitive assessment that contains 75 multiple-choice questions. The manual skills assessment includes the five designated skills administered on the GI Mentor II and lasts approximately 40-60 minutes. Both are administered by a trained FES proctor.
When will the official FES program be released?
FES will be rolled-out at the SAGES annual meeting in March 2011 and available to take at designated testing centers later 2011.
Where can I take the FES exam?
Testing will be available at designated testing centers in 2012.
How can I learn more about the FES Program?
Visit www.fesprogram.org to learn more about FES, or call the SAGES office at 310.437.0544, ext. 139.