AGES Accredited Training Program (AATP)
AGES is proud to be at the forefront of training in advanced endoscopic training on a global perspective.
Background
The AGES Accredited Training Program (AATP) is the result of more than a decade of collaboration between AGES, RANZCOG, leading clinicians, trainees, and researchers across Australia and New Zealand. The program provides a framework for the standardisation of training in advanced endoscopic surgery.
The introduction of the AATP precedes comparable initiatives by international societies, including the American Association of Gynecological Laparoscopists (AAGL) and the European Society of Endoscopic Gynaecologists (ESGE). As such, AGES is proud to be at the forefront of advanced endoscopic surgical training from a global perspective.
Education Committee:
Co-Chairs
Dr Amani Harris
A/Prof Erin Nesbitt-Hawes
Members
Dr Dean Conrad
Dr Amy Feng
Dr Albert Jung
Dr Martin Ritossa
Trainee Representative
Dr Akshara Shyamsunder
Immediate Past Chair
Dr Bassem Gerges
The AGES Accredited Training Program (AATP)
AGES has introduced the AATP to facilitate structured endoscopic training in Australia and New Zealand. The program is conducted over two years and aims to ensure consistency in trainee education, access to appropriate resources, and equitable remuneration.
Individual training sites are approved by the AGES Education Subcommittee based on standardised accreditation criteria. Responsibility for the delivery of training remains with individual training units and does not rest with AGES.
Why Is the AGES Training Program Necessary?
AGES recognises the need for a standardised training program to facilitate endoscopic training in Australia and New Zealand. This assures consistency in trainee education, access to resources, and remuneration. Prospective trainees applying to a unit can be assured that their training will meet a minimum standard, that they will have access to appropriate facilities, and that they will receive fair and equitable remuneration.
AGES will facilitate applications by prospective trainees to the training program through a central process, which will be advertised prior to the AGES Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) each year.
Interviews will take place during the March ASM, and applicants must be registered delegates. Positions will be open to both local and international graduates.
AGES is not responsible for individual trainee appointments, and training sites will appoint trainees directly, subject to local jurisdiction.
Not a Subspecialty – Fair, Equitable and Standardised Training
AGES does not support the establishment of a de facto subspecialty. The AGES Accredited Training Program serves to formalise existing training activities currently undertaken under the auspices of dedicated individuals and units throughout Australia and New Zealand. No degree or subspecialty qualification is conferred upon completion of the program.