NextGen training assessment tools in thoracic surgery

For trainees in a thoracic surgery fellowship, the development of thoracoscopic skills is a principle focus. Not only is minimally invasive lobectomy rapidly becoming the treatment of choice for early stage lung cancer (1), but the sound performance of this operation provides a competitive edge in markets where lung resections are commonly performed via thoracotomy. While competency in this operation is one of the main goals of a general thoracic training program, there are few well-established, standardized, and widely-accepted assessment tools available to help educators prepare their trainees for practice in thoracic surgery.