Gynecology

Program Overview

The Department of Gynecology at the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine provides a distinctive environment for outstanding individuals to pursue advanced training in the diagnosis, treatment, and research of gynecologic diseases, including gynecologic malignancies, gynecological endocrine diseases, infertility problems and pelvic floor dysfunctions. Throughout your training, your responsibilities will grow in accordance with your experience, capabilities, and performance. You will become highly proficient in the multidisciplinary management of gynecologic cancers, hereditary conditions, and complex gynecologic cases. Additionally, you will gain extensive expertise in clinical practice and research methodologies, equipping you for a successful academic career in this dynamic field. From the moment you join our department, you will experience a culture rooted in the philosophy that the needs of the patient come first. This core value unites every healthcare provider, scientist, student, and trainee in a shared mission to deliver hope and healing, one patient at a time. We honor your unique journey and the dedication that has brought you here. Our commitment is to mentor you in both medical research and patient care, enabling you to achieve the transformative impact in healthcare that you have always envisioned.

Program Highlights

1. Gaining hands-on experience in both common gynecologic procedures (such as cone biopsy of cervix, hysteroscope, ovarian cystectomy, myomectomy, oophorosalpingectomy and hysterectomy) and complex surgeries (including the management of gynecologic malignancies such as ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, uterine sarcoma and vulvar cancer, and metastatic tumors involving the pelvic organs) in a one-on-one setting with our expert surgeons.

2. Having direct access to dedicated faculty members who, in addition to their busy clinical practices, are committed to education and advancing medical knowledge. Our faculty includes recognized leaders in gynecology, who contribute to the field through prolific publications and national and international presentations each year.

3. Participating in daily rounds as part of a focused team led by senior doctor and attending physician. During rounds, new cases are discussed, inpatient management plans are reviewed, and teaching sessions are conducted to ensure optimal learning.

4. Exceptional research opportunities with an emphasis on gynecologic oncology, minimally invasive surgery, and translational medicine.

5. Ample opportunities to engage in clinical research projects, with support to present findings at leading conferences and publish in high-impact journals.

6. A comprehensive didactic training program that includes monthly morbidity and mortality conferences, regular multidisciplinary tumor boards, fellows’ education conferences, and journal clubs focused on the latest developments in gynecology.

7. Graduated autonomy in surgical procedures, ensuring progressive responsibility and skill development through the treatment of both benign and malignant conditions, culminating in proficiency in complex gynecologic oncology surgeries.

Training Objectives

The goal of our program is to train residents to excel in the multidisciplinary clinical care of patients with both common and complex gynecologic conditions, including gynecologic malignancies, gynecological endocrine diseases, infertility problems and pelvic floor dysfunctions. This includes comprehensive training in ambulatory care, inpatient management, and advanced surgical techniques. Through exposure to a diverse group of faculty actively engaged in clinical, translational, and basic research in gynecologic oncology, minimally invasive surgery, and reproductive health, we aim to provide our residents with a strong foundation in clinical investigation. This will prepare them to pursue successful careers in academic medicine. Dedicated research time and access to extensive resources enable our residents to design and execute independent research projects under the guidance of experienced mentors, fostering the development of future leaders in gynecology.

Program Duration

The program provides a full-time, 2-week to 6-month training experience. In special circumstances, arrangements can be made for other lengths of training depending on your needs and interests.

Target Audience & Qualifications

• Fellows: Qualified applicants for the Fellowship must have completed a general surgery residency program at an accredited institution.

• Residents: To be eligible, you must have successfully completed a board-approved program in Gynecology and obstetrics.

• Students:

1. Must be a final-year medical student when you are scheduled to participate in the rotation. This means all your core / required clerkship rotations are complete at the time of the clinical elective.

2. Medical School Approval - Letter of good standing from the dean’s office of your medical school indicating you are in the final year with your expected graduation date, in good academic standing and meet all requirements to complete an elective for academic credit. 

Focus Areas & Skills

Focus Areas & Subspecialties:

1. Cervical and vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia

2. Pelvic inflammatory disease

3. Uterine tumors (including uterine fibroids, uterine sarcoma, and endometrial cancer)

4. Ovarian tumors

5. Ectopic pregnancy

6. Gestational trophoblastic diseases

7. Endometriosis and adenomyosis

8. Pelvic floor dysfunction

9. Reproductive endocrine disorders

10. Congenital abnormalities of the female reproductive system

 

Skills:

1. Basic surgical skills: Puncture, catheterization, gynecological examination, hysteroscope, gynecologic ultrasound training, etc.

2. Open and laparoscopic skills: Resection, sealing and cutting, delicate dissection, suturing, etc.

Program Agenda

Monday

· 1st Week:

Introduction & welcome

Program overview and objectives

Department introduction

· Weekly:

Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) conferences

Complicated case studies

· Weekly mentor one-on-One training:

Topics:

1. Clinical genomics in gynecology

2. Radiation therapy for gynecologic malignancies

3. Advanced imaging and diagnostics in gynecology

4. Management of pelvic inflammatory disease

5. Endometriosis and adenomyosis treatment strategies



Tuesday

· Weekly:

Outpatient observation: diagnosis and treatment planning for common gynecologic conditions

Academic lectures on core gynecologic topics

Basic surgical skills training (e.g. suturing, knot tying, colposcopy techniques)

· Biweekly research training:

Major Themes:

1. Risk assessment in gynecologic oncology

2. Genetic epidemiology of gynecologic cancers

3. Heritable syndromes, such as Lynch syndrome and BRCA mutations

4. Early detection of cervical and ovarian cancers

5. Chemoprevention in gynecologic malignancies

6. Minimally invasive diagnostic procedures



Wednesday

· Weekly:

Clinical rounds: comprehensive inpatient care and case reviews

Observation of gynecologic oncology surgeries

Case-based discussions: complex surgical cases, multidisciplinary approaches

Teaching rounds

· Biweekly:

 Simulated surgery training: laparoscopic and open gynecologic procedures

· Weekly lectures:

Topics:

1. Imaging interpretation for pelvic malignancies

2. Multidisciplinary management of gynecologic cancers



Thursday

· Weekly surgical skills training:

1. Suturing, knot tying, and hemostasis techniques

2. Puncture, catheterization, and gastric tube placement

3. Square knots and surgical knot tying for gynecologic procedures

· Biweekly hands-on surgical training:

Techniques for minimally invasive surgery and pelvic reconstructive procedures



Friday

· Weekly:

Journal club: discussion of the latest research in gynecology

Clinical rounds: focused inpatient care and management review

Clinical skills training: emphasis on patient communication and counseling

Special task training: emergency management of ectopic pregnancy, intraoperative complications

· Last week:

Wrap-up & reflection

Participant presentations or key takeaway discussions

Feedback session with mentors and faculty


Evaluation and Feedback

After each rotation, faculty members evaluate residents based on the following core competencies:

1. Patient Care: The ability to provide compassionate, appropriate, and effective care for treating gynecologic conditions.

2. Medical Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of established and evolving biomedical, clinical, and surgical sciences relevant to gynecology.

3. Practice-Based Learning and Improvement: The ability to investigate and evaluate patient care practices, integrate evidence-based medicine, and make improvements in clinical practice.

4. Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Effectiveness in communicating with patients, families, and healthcare teams to ensure quality care.

5. Professionalism: Commitment to ethical principles, sensitivity to diverse patient populations, and professionalism in clinical interactions.

6. System-Based Practice: Understanding and navigating healthcare systems to deliver cost-effective care and advocate for quality patient outcomes.

 

Feedback and Evaluation Process:

Faculty members meet individually with residents to provide verbal feedback and discuss their performance. Written evaluations are also completed at the end of each rotation.

For hysteroscopy, technical competence is assessed through structured evaluation forms, supervised procedures in clinical settings, a hysteroscopy simulator laboratory, and a biannual skills assessment program that measures progress and technical abilities.

Residents receive monthly aggregate evaluations from the Clinical Competency Faculty Committee. This committee reviews overall clinical progress, procedural skills, and professional development to ensure that residents are meeting the program’s benchmarks.


Continuous Improvement:

Residents are encouraged to participate actively in feedback sessions to reflect on their strengths and identify areas for improvement.

Individualized development plans are created as needed to help residents achieve excellence in gynecologic practice and surgery.

Fees

The program is free of charge.