FES establishes a standard set of didactic information and manual skills, and serves as a basic curriculum to guide surgical residents, fellows and practicing surgeons in the performance of basic endoscopic surgery.  By mastering the curriculum and skills in this inanimate modality, it is expected that surgical residents and surgeons will initiate and carry out their performance of endoscopy more effectively, with greater skill, greater safety, and lower complication rates.  The specific aim of FES is that the knowledge and skills gained by those who master the FES curriculum will improve the quality and safety of surgical care delivered to their patients.