The Davos GI courses consist of three sections:

• Basic course: mainly open suturing and anastomosis techniques (small/large intestine) and a basic laparoscopy course (more suitable for 1-3 years of training)
• Intermediate course: anastomosis techniques (upper GI tract/colon/HPB basic) and advanced laparoscopy skills
• Advanced course: colorectal anastomosis techniques, HPB, bariatrics, and hernias

The courses can be attended independently of one another. However, they usually overlap in terms of timing.

The specialist seminars (Facharztseminar) are not compulsory for the final exam, but are highly recommended for revising the content and gaining an overview. These courses are currently being held by Triemli Hospital in Zurich.

On first attendance, participants receive the book “Facharztprüfung Chirurgie” (Carsten T. Viehl / Daniel Oertli).

• Module I: general surgery / vascular and thoracic surgery
• Module II: surgical traumatology / perioperative management

The Fundamentals in Vascular Surgery course is highly recommended for general surgeons (as well as hand plastic surgeons, traumatologists and urologists). Motivated vascular surgeons from Switzerland, Germany, and Austria teach the basics of open vascular surgery (vascular anastomoses, peripheral bypasses)

These courses are often offered directly at your hospital, provided you have a DaVinci. Further advanced courses are held at various locations around the world. More information can be found on the Davinci Operating Systems homepage.

Originating from the Swiss Association for Laparoscopic and Thoracoscopic Surgery, it became Swiss-MIS in 2020. Various courses are offered throughout Switzerland, Germany, and France to deepen laparoscopic skills. There are also master classes in colorectal and hernia surgery. These are three-week courses held at various centers with intensive hands-on training in the respective discipline.

Anyone who wants to think outside the box and is interested in outdoor medical skills should check out the AWLS courses. The instructors are highly trained and the program is standardized. As with the ATLS and ACLS courses, the AWLS includes plenty of pracitcal exercises. The courses conclude with a written and oral exam.