ASMBS ReSTART Program

ASMBS Surgical Technique and Advanced Robotics Training (ReSTART) Program

The program will train bariatric-focused surgeons who are interested in adding da Vinci robotically assisted surgery to their armamentarium. The non-CME educational program will consist of faculty-led virtual didactic sessions, local mentoring by an experienced bariatric robotics surgeon, and hands-on mentored experiences at a robotics training facility. Each surgeon will spend one day in the faculty-led program on-site at a robotics training facility. In addition, each surgeon can attend and participate in a special didactic session and graduation ceremony, to be held at the ASMBS Annual Meeting (participants who attend the Annual Meeting will receive a stipend, amount to be determined).

This training opportunity is open to a maximum of 16 applicants for the 2025-2026 academic year.

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2025-2026 ReSTART Program

Application Window: September 5-October 7th
Application Review Window: October 8th-October 14th
Notification Date: October 15th

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All ReSTART Program applications must include all items below to be accepted as complete:

• Completed digital ASMBS ReSTART Program Application
• Applicant’s Curriculum Vitae
• Letters of support from their current department chair or division chief
• One to two-paragraph narrative to include: (1) what they hope to accomplish during the program; (2) the relationship of the planned study to the applicant’s prior work, preparation and professional goal; and (3) statement of future patient care goals

If you have any questions regarding the application, please email bst@asmbs.org.

*We are currently not accepting international applicants.

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Applicant Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for an award, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

1. Applicant must be an ASMBS member or have submitted an application for ASMBS membership. 
2. Employment at a US hospital with an established da Vinci bariatrics surgery service line.
3. Annual surgeon mentor robotic minimum volume in the last twelve (12) months, including
   a. Thirty (30) bariatric surgery robotic cases
   b. Seventy-five (75) total bariatric surgery robotic cases by the hospital or program
4. Commitment from a previously trained da Vinci surgeon to mentor trainee throughout the program through attainment five (5) bariatric cases performed on da Vinci prior to the hands-on course, plus an additional 25 cases performed prior to May 1st, 2026.
5. Commitment from the Applicant to complete all virtual didactic sessions.
6. Commitment from the Applicant to attend (if financially possible with allotted grant stipend) the didactic/graduation session at the ASMBS 2026 Annual Meeting.
7. Access to a fourth generation da Vinci X/Xi System of a fifth generation da Vinci 5 System.

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Course Details

Program Directors:
Adrian Dan, MD, FACS
Scott Schimpke, MD, FACS

Core Faculty Members:
TBA

Learning Objectives: A range of robotic topics will be covered with emphasis placed on bariatric procedures, current and future robotics technology, application of robotic surgery in a wide range of general surgery procedures, and safe and practical application of robotics in general surgery cases. At the end of the course, surgeons will have a robust understanding of the technical, procedural, and surgical skills required to successfully complete procedures on a da Vinci Xi system.

Onsite Training

Onsite Training Date: TBA, Spring 2026

Location: The ASMBS ReSTART Program onsite training will take place at a training labs in Norcross, GA or Sunnyvale, CA.

Didactic Training

1. Didactic virtual pre-work to be provided to surgeons by the Society and completed prior to attending the educational program at training facility
2. Up to Ten (10) Webinars, including but not limited to:
   a. Pre-course didactic, procedure lecture, video review and career development
   b. Post-course surgeons case video presentation, review, and discussion with faculty
   c. Final capstone webinar, transition to practice and resources session
3. Didactic post-course session and graduation ceremony held at the ASMBS 2026 Annual Meeting

Course Requirements

To be completed prior to attending the course:

1. Da Vinci Technology Online Modules covering the basic design and operation of the da Vinci System. Certificate of completion issued by Intuitive upon completion of module in Intuitive Learning and provided to society as proof of basic didactic training by surgeon
2. Da Vinci Technology Overview In-person In-Service covering an overview of the system conducted at the hospital by an Intuitive Clinical Sales Representative (CSR)
3. Completion of Da Vinci Technology Skills Drills with Kit/Simulator hands-on practice with the system, either with a physical skills drill kit, or a virtual reality skills simulator, including

4. Completion of an Intuitive TR100 or 200 technology training course.
5. Completion of five (5) robotic cases prior to hands-on/in-person program.

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Fees:

• The ASMBS ReSTART Program will cover flight and hotel costs for the training in Norcross, GA or Sunnyvale, CA.
• Intuitive will provide lunch during the training.
• A stipend will be provided to support attendance at the ASMBS Annual Meeting; the amount will be determined after the training. The stipend will not cover all travel, lodging, or registration costs, and surgeons may be required to stay in the ASMBS room block to receive reimbursement.
• Surgeons are responsible for meals not specified above, incidentals, airport parking, and ground transportation to/from the airport and home.

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ASMBS gratefully acknowledges Intuitive Surgical for their generous educational grant in support of the ASMBS ReSTART Program.

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Request a Printed Certificate

If you would like to receive a printed copy of your certificate by mail, please click here to submit your request. All submissions are verified to confirm eligibility. Please allow up to three weeks for processing and delivery. If you have not received your certificate within four weeks, please contact us at certificates@asmbs.org.