Editorial
Loutradis Dimitris
1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology School of Medicine National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
There are still variations in ObGyn training across Europe due to political, social and cultural reasons, influencing the quality of training. Initiatives to promote an equivalent high level of training across Europe to secure women’s healthcare and facilitate the mobility of ObGyn trainees and specialists across Europe are promoted. Under this aspect the regulation of training posts may should internationally than locally regulated. However, national economy strongly affects the quality of training in some countries raising a barrier to the uniformity of education. Even the age of trainees starting ObGyn training is a parameter that varies extensively in European countries and influence learning ability.
The formal duration of training in ObGyn is 5 or more years in most countries in accordance with EBCOG recommendations. However, the quality and adequacy of training depends also on the content and the level of autonomy that trainees acquire during training. After completing their training, the trainees undergo exams to assess their qualifications in ObGyn. However, a full specialist requires additional skills other than medical knowledge, which can be assessed by an exam i.e. through the use of logbooks. So, measures should include a common evidence-based curriculum defining the standards of training and international training opportunities to experience training abroad and facilitate international networking. There are currently several initiatives on a European level to facilitate improvement and harmonization of training. They include accreditation of training programs, a European exam, the development of a European training curriculum in ObGyn and annual international exchange opportunities.
However, further harmonization in training across Europe still seems desirable in order to improve women’s healthcare and facilitate the mobility of ObGyn trainees.