The Institute for Minimally Invasive Therapeutics at Summa Akron City Hospital is a midwest regional test center for the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) program education module that includes a hands-on skills training component and assessment tool designed to teach the physiology, fundamental knowledge, and technical skills required in basic laparoscopic surgery.

Assessment Component:
The Assessment Component is a two-part, proctored exam that covers cognitive knowledge and manual skills. The cognitive component is a timed, 75-question multiple-choice exam administered via computer. The manual skills component evaluates skills based on speed and accuracy of the surgeon’s maneuvers using the FLS Laparoscopic Trainer Box.

Exam Eligibility:

1. Junior and senior surgical residents and fellows enrolled in an accredited program of surgical education
   
2. Board eligible/certified practicing surgeons. After completion of the self instructional web-based program, candidates with a FLS test voucher may call to schedule a test date.
3. Residents and fellows in an accredited program of gynecology, urology, surgical oncology or other program that teaches laparoscopic procedures
4. Board eligible/certified practicing gynecologists, urologists and other physicians who perform laparoscopic procedures. After completion of the self-instructional webbased program, candidates with a FLS test voucher may call to schedule a test date.

Covidien Educational Fund:
Recognizing the importance of improving surgical technical skills and enhancing patient safety, Covidien, a leading manufacturer of medical devices and supplies, has created The Covidien Educational Fund. Through this grant, FLS is available to program directors to use as a standardized educational tool for teaching and verification of learning of their trainees. The fund makes no-cost training and testing available to 3rd, 4th and 5th year general surgery residents.