Imagining the CGSO Training Paradigm for the Future: Can we Better Align Learner and Workforce Needs?

Moderator(s)

• AY

  Adam Yopp, MD, FACS

  Professor of Surgery and Chief, Division of Surgical Oncology
  University of Texas Southwestern
  Dallas, Texas, United States
• MR

  Maria Russell, MD

  Professor of Surgery
  Emory University
  Atlanta, Georgia, United States

The Complex General Surgical Oncology (CGSO) fellowship training paradigm has remained largely unchanged since the inception of board certification, despite mounting evidence that current structures may no longer align with workforce realities or learner goals. Rising cancer incidence, coupled with a shrinking general surgery workforce and increasing subspecialization, threatens to outpace capacity for surgical cancer care. Although the fellowship has historically emphasized multidisciplinary and academic training, most graduates now enter primarily clinical practice, highlighting the need for recalibration of educational priorities.

This 90-minute session brings together national leaders in surgical oncology to reimagine CGSO training for the next generation. The program will begin with an overview of current data on CGSO applications, perceptions, and career trajectories. Faculty will then explore potential alternative models, including clinically intensive and research-intensive tracks, as well as the integration of early specialization programs during residency. Perspectives from both academic and community practices will frame the breadth of needs across diverse practice environments.

The session will conclude with a dynamic panel discussion to address how training can be redesigned to both prepare surgeon-scientists and ensure a workforce capable of meeting the growing demand for surgical cancer care. By highlighting the strengths of the current model while candidly addressing its limitations, this program aims to initiate a call to action for thoughtful, evidence-based changes to the CGSO training paradigm.

Presentations:

• 10:33 AM - 10:45 AM MST

  Setting the Stage: Current Evidence on CGSO Fellow Applications, Perceptions, and Career Goals
  

  Faculty: Sean Dineen, MD – Moffitt Cancer Center
• 10:45 AM - 10:57 AM MST

  Reimagining the CGSO Training Paradigm: Clinically Intensive Fellowship Training Tract
  

  Faculty: Bridget N. Fahy, MD (she/her/hers) – University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center
• 10:57 AM - 11:09 AM MST

  Reimagining the CGSO Training Paradigm: Research Intensive Fellowship Training Tract
  

  Faculty: Michael I. D’Angelica, MD – Hepatopancreatobiliary Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
• 11:09 AM - 11:21 AM MST

  Reimagining the CGSO Training Paradigm: Incorporation of Early Specialization Programs During Residency Training
  

  Faculty: Herbert J. Zeh, III, MD – UT Southwestern
• 11:21 AM - 11:33 AM MST

  Perspective from Community Surgical Oncologist on the CGSO Training Paradigm
  

  Faculty: Margo Shoup, MD, MBA, FSSO – MultiCare Health Cancer Institute
• 11:33 AM - 11:57 AM MST

  Panel Discussion: How can the CGSO Training Paradigm be Aligned to Meet Workforce and Learner Needs?
  

  Faculty: Sean Dineen, MD – Moffitt Cancer Center

  Faculty: Bridget N. Fahy, MD (she/her/hers) – University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center

  Faculty: Michael I. D’Angelica, MD – Hepatopancreatobiliary Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

  Faculty: Herbert J. Zeh, III, MD – UT Southwestern

  Faculty: Margo Shoup, MD, MBA, FSSO – MultiCare Health Cancer Institute

  Faculty: Russell S. Berman, MD, FSSO, MAMSE (he/him/his) – Weill Cornell Medicine