Education and credentialing of the Gynecologic laser surgeon

Hospitals have the responsibility of assuring the patient that medical care providers practicing under their jurisdiction are properly qualified to perform specific surgical procedures. This responsibility must not be taken lightly if quality care is to be provided and if the hospital is to avoid serious malpractice litigation. A rational approach to proper credentialing procedures must be developed and credentialing criteria fairly applied to all hospital staff members. Postgraduate courses, which offer training in surgical techniques not learned during the residency years, must also be carefully designed if they are to be used to justify credentialing requests.