SAGES University MASTERS Program: a structured curriculum for deliberate, lifelong learning.

BACKGROUND: Postgraduate training has been haphazard to date. Surgeons have relied on attendance to annual meetings and multiple choice study guides to demonstrate maintenance of certification and continuing medical education.

METHODS: SAGES held a retreat to develop the concept and scope of the Masters Program. Surveys were sent to SAGES members to guide curriculum development and selection of anchoring operations.

RESULTS: SAGES has developed an educational curriculum across eight domains (Acute Care, Biliary, Bariatric, Colorectal, Hernia, Foregut, Flex Endoscopy, and Robotic Surgery) incorporating SAGES educational materials and guidelines, social media, coaching and mentoring.

CONCLUSIONS: Deliberate, lifelong learning should be a better way to teach and learn.