AUGS Program Directors Network 2025 Virtual Meeting with ABOG and ACGME-2025 Program Directors Meeting with ABOG and ACGME

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This video transcript captures the 2025 annual update meeting for the AUGS ABOG ACGME Safe Exam and fellowship programs, focusing on urogynecology education, assessment, and accreditation.<br /><br />Dr. Lindsay Turner opens with a report on the SAFE exam, highlighting increased participation, average completion time (~95 minutes), score distributions, and plans to realign question categories with the ABOG blueprint in 2026. Key areas identified for improvement include statistics and pelvic floor anatomy, with positive fellow feedback on exam relevance and utility.<br /><br />Next, Laura Huth and Dr. Meredith Alston from ACGME present updates on the review committee’s structure, current urogynecology fellowship programs (59 active), and accreditation processes. They discuss ongoing revisions to common program requirements, data-driven assessment of fellow minimum procedural volumes, and emphasize transparent communication with ACGME via the ADS system. They encourage programs to report changes and challenges openly to facilitate effective reviews.<br /><br />Dr. Tom Gregory and colleagues from ABOG provide insights into certification processes, including the evolving ABOG fellow portal that tracks eligibility, thesis defense, case lists, and continuing certification. Notably, the thesis defense timing shifts to be a qualifying exam prerequisite starting with 2026 graduates. ABOG pass rates remain high. They introduce plans for a pilot of new knowledge-based questions in continuing certification and emphasize volunteer opportunities within ABOG.<br /><br />Finally, the meeting covers the introduction of standardized letters of evaluation (SLOW) for fellowship applications—two standardized letters plus one traditional narrative—to enhance clarity and holistic review. Also launching is a voluntary signaling system for applicants to designate program interest, aimed at improving interview matching efficiency. The group discusses logistical challenges for interview scheduling and the benefits of virtual interviews.<br /><br />Overall, the meeting underscores ongoing efforts across AUGS, ACGME, and ABOG to refine educational standards, assessment tools, and application processes to benefit fellows, programs, and ultimately patient care in urogynecology.

Keywords

AUGS

ABOG

ACGME

Safe Exam

urogynecology education

fellowship programs

exam assessment

accreditation

SAFE exam participation

ABOG blueprint realignment

program requirements revision