Sharpening Skills and Building Community at the 2025 SRS/SREI Surgical Boot Camp

Sharpening Skills and Building Community at the 2025 SRS/SREI Surgical Boot Camp

REI fellows from across the country gathered at the SRS/SREI Surgical Boot Camp for an intimate, high-impact experience designed to refine their surgical skills and deepen their commitment to reproductive surgery.

The boot camp, now in its tenth year, took place at the Mayo Clinic Hospital St. Mary's Campus in Rochester, Minnesota. It was led by Chair Dr. Zaraq Khan and Co-Chair Dr. Ryan Smith.



Throughout the two-and-a-half-day event, fellows rotated through a series of expert-led training stations focused on hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, laparoscopic suturing, robotics, and microsurgery.

Using high-fidelity simulation models, participants were able to practice complex procedures like myomectomy, suturing, and microsurgical techniques in a controlled, supportive environment. Faculty mentors observed closely, offering real-time feedback and instruction to help fellows develop precision and confidence.



The SRS/SREI Surgical Boot Camp isn't just about acquiring technique; it's about cultivating the next generation of surgical leaders in reproductive medicine. While surgery is becoming a more specialized track within REI, those who attend the boot camp are often deeply motivated to pursue this path. With just 30 participants, the program remains intimate, competitive, and uniquely tailored.

Fellows and faculty enjoyed a plethora of networking opportunities, including a Thursday evening welcome reception and a group outing to Pizza on the Farm at Squash Blossom Farm, a local favorite. The program concluded on Saturday, rounding out a robust few days of learning and making new connections that will shape the careers of the fellows who participated.

Thank you to the sponsors who made the SRS/SREI Surgical Boot Camp a successful event, including Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Inception, LLC; Karl Storz Endoscopy; Cooper Surgical; Organon; and Minerva Surgical, and in-kind supporters Cooper Surgical; Ethicon; Intuitive Surgical; Karl Storz Endoscopy; Minvera Surgical; and Richard Wolf.

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• Hysteroscopy
• Laparoscopy
• Robotics
• Surgery (reproductive)