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President's Letter
Dear Colleagues & Friends,
As we move through the summer months, I continue to feel a huge amount of gratitude for the strong and vibrant volunteer base that we have at SGS. I so appreciate the dedication of our volunteering colleagues and the input of our engaged members. I am so proud to share some updates on happenings within the Society.
In June the Executive Committee had the pleasure of meeting with Dr. Lauren Siff, Chair of the Postgraduate Committee, and reviewed the exciting plans Dr. Siff and her committee members have made for this year’s SGS Winter Postgraduate (PG) Course. This year the course will be held in a virtual format only, on Sunday, December 8 between 10am and 4pm EST (what a perfect way to escape the winter weather and holiday hustle!). It will include three 90-minute panel presentations and opportunities for discussions focusing on laparoscopic hysterectomy, vaginal hysterectomy, and relevant anatomy with objectives similar to those that have accompanied the hands-on cadaver lab of past Winter PG Courses. We are hopeful that an exciting update this year will be the addition of coaching and mentoring opportunities built into the program, which would add tremendous value to attendees while underscoring the value SGS places on mentorship. The Winter PG Course is an excellent opportunity for members to brush up on gynecologic surgery technique and knowledge, and also an excellent resource for non-member colleagues. Please be sure to spread the word about this opportunity, especially as the virtual format makes it easily accessible and affordable to attend.
The Executive Committee was recently invited by the American College of Surgeons to review and endorse important policy statements to help promote equitable practices for surgeons and surgical trainees with regard to pregnancy, parental leave, and lactation. We were proud to endorse these policies and hope our membership is aware of their content and helps promote their adoption at their institutions. You can find these full statements for review here:
Financial health is important to the future success and strength of the Society. SGS leadership recently reviewed and updated the SGS Investment Policy and other protocols to ensure financial best practices and internal controls are followed. In this month’s newsletter we are also highlighting two funds – the Nancy Frankel & Lennie Siegel Fellow Scholar Fund and the John O. L. DeLancey Fund. Take a look at these exciting giving opportunities to strengthen the mission of SGS.
Also in this newsletter, I’m pleased to highlight the incredible Scientific Program Committee. They are hard at work under the capable and innovative direction of the 2025 Scientific Program Chair, Gena Dunivan, building a program around the theme of Surgeons as Agents of Change in an Evolving World. If you are interested in being on an abstract or video review committee, please submit your name by the August 10 deadline. This is a terrific way to be engaged with SGS and was my initial volunteer work with SGS as a junior attending, so I am grateful for where the experience took me within the Society!
The Annual Scientific Meeting is going to be filled with thought-provoking and valuable presentations, along with what I expect to be outstanding scientific presentations. Please read further in the newsletter for ways to submit postgraduate course and academic roundtable proposals as well as scientific abstracts and surgical videos. A very exciting addition this year is the opportunity to submit a surgical simulation innovation for our very first Simulation Lounge! Read on for more details for submission to this.
One of the questions I love to ask (spoiler alert to anyone interviewing for fellowship) is “What makes a great surgeon?” The team is thinking creatively and working on a special project addressing this question, which we will share more about soon, so stay tuned! In short, I am really excited to be going to Rancho Mirage at the end of March and am already looking forward to seeing you all there – so please mark your calendars if you have not already!
I am so proud of these examples of how the work of our committees comes together to support the SGS Strategic Plan and move SGS forward – with new possibilities – as a leader in gynecologic surgery.
Be on the lookout for more updates in the coming months, and as always, please feel free to reach out to me any time with questions and your ideas.
Hoping you are able to get some rest and relaxation this summer!
Best,
Star
Star Hampton, MD
SGS President 2024-2025
Committee Corner
Scientific Program Committee
The SGS Scientific Program Committee is charged with planning the scientific program for the Annual Scientific Meeting, which includes soliciting and selecting abstracts and videos for presentation as well as identifying and inviting speakers for the keynote lectures, panel sessions and debates. The committee is also involved in the selection of Postgraduate Courses, Academic Roundtables, and all moderators and discussants.
Planning the annual meeting is a big job! To help spread the work out, the Committee Chair has the assistance of a Co-Chair (who will assume the chair position for the following meeting), the President, President-Elect, Past President, and Past Committee Chair. In recent years, additional members-at-large have been added to the committee structure. An Abstract Review Committee Chair is also appointed to oversee the abstract review and selection process, as well as a Video Review Committee Chair to manage the video review and selection process.
SGS promotes innovation in the field. To that end, we are pleased to share that this year’s meeting will feature a Simulation Lounge on Monday morning. We encourage submission of your surgical simulation innovations, inventions, and methodologies to be showcased in this new session. It is intended to share ideas, gain feedback, get mentorship and transition ideas/inventions to end users. Click here to learn more; proposals must be submitted by August 19, 2024.
Don’t miss these upcoming deadlines!
August 10: Deadline for Active SGS Members to submit their application for the Abstract and/or Video Review Committee
LEARN MORE & APPLY
August 19: 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting Postgraduate Course, Academic Roundtable and Simulation Lounge proposal submission deadline
PG COURSE
ROUNDTABLE
SIMULATION
October 6: 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting Abstract and Video submission deadline
LEARN MORE & SUBMIT
Volunteer Hub
This month we continue or focus on SGS volunteers by highlighting two members of the Scientific Program Committee: Keith Downing, Abstract Review Committee Chair, and Lisa Chao, Video Review Committee Chair.
Keith Downing, MD, MS, MPA
Division Chief of Urogynecology, Catholic Health
Tell us a little bit about your work life (where do you work, areas of focus or specialty, research interests, etc.)
KD: Currently, I have the title of Division Chief of Urogynecology at Catholic Health, a faith-based healthcare system with six hospitals spread across Long Island. I spend most of my time at two of our hospitals, Good Samaritan University Hospital (GSUH) in West Islip and Mercy Hospital in Rockville Centre. I am also the Program Director of our Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery which is one of the graduate medical education training programs supported by GSUH. My practice is about 70% urogyn and 30% benign complex gynecology, a balance that suits me well…it allows me to feel like I’m making the most of my clinical skillset and applying the superb training that has been poured into me over the years.
Interestingly, when I came to Catholic Health in 2018, it was to start a clinical service line (Urogynecology). I had no idea I would be so involved in trainee education; but with the fellowship program and the Ob/Gyn residency at GSUH, a significant part of my work continues to include the teaching of trainees and providing research mentorship. So, the clinician-educator in me has remained alive and well.
What do you value about being an SGS member?
KD: As a member of SGS I have had the opportunity to rub elbows with some of the most accomplished, talented, and yet, down-to-earth individuals one might come across. It’s incredible to be part of an organization where one has the privilege to learn from and be inspired by so many amazing people.
What’s your favorite thing about SGS?
KD: The membership truly believes in the SGS mission and demonstrates this by volunteering their time, effort and intelligence.
What led you to volunteer to serve on the SGS Abstract Committee and how has it impacted you personally and/or professionally?
KD: I became a member in 2018 and was thrilled to have been accepted into the SGS community. As a new member I wanted to volunteer in some way and serving on the Abstract Committee seemed to me a good way to dip my toes into the SGS waters. Now, as Chair of the Abstract Committee, I find myself neck deep in those SGS waters in the days and weeks following the abstract submission deadline for the Scientific Meeting. But, as busy as that time is, I do enjoy the work. Our committee members – who are like an all-star team of gynecologic surgeons – do an amazing job of honoring the research submitted by vetting the abstracts fairly and thoroughly. It’s quite a rigorous process.
What do you like best about the new Research Toolkit and how do you envision it being used?
KD: Pursuing a hypothesis-based research question or executing a systematic review or meta-analysis can be an incredibly daunting process. Early in my career I can remember spending a lot time hunting down different resources to help deepen my understanding of statistics and clinical research. At that time, that meant actually going to a library and looking for physical books. So, to have so much of that information only a few mouse clicks away is fantastic. I imagine the new Research Toolkit will become a treasured resource for trainees, early career investigators, those returning to research later in their careers and research mentors.
What advice do you have for SGS members who are on the fence about volunteering to serve on an SGS committee?
KD: Just do it!
Who is an inspiring SGS mentor and why?
KD: Here, I have to mention the two people who introduced me to the SGS community: Joan Bengtson and Lennox Hoyte. As a resident, I trained under Dr. Bengtson and in working with her I learned what it meant to be an excellent vaginal surgeon. She introduced me to global health opportunities – from 2009 to 2011 I traveled with her and a small team of doctors and nurses from New England to Limbe, Haiti where we would spend a week at Hopital Bon Samaritain, providing surgical care for patients from the surrounding communities. She encouraged me to attend SGS meetings and at the 2009 Scientific Meeting I played in my first SGS golf tournament at her behest—thank you, Dr. Bengtson!
Dr. Hoyte has been a research and career mentor of mine for many years. He is someone whose perspective and insight I have sought at each stage of my career. I attended my first SGS meeting in 2007 (Orlando, FL) to present an oral poster on a research project he mentored me through. He has connected me to other people who have been incredible mentors at various points in my career and he was my Proposer to become an SGS member. I just cannot overstate the influence he has had on me.
What’s your favorite thing to do in your spare time/hobbies?
KD: I’m working on becoming a better golfer. I don’t get a chance to play nearly as much as I’d like, but every year I know I’ll have a chance to play in the SGS golf tournament. In Orlando I had a great time playing with Mireille Truong, Paul Tulikangas and Mitch Schuster. We hope to keep the team together for Rancho Mirage. We want to give team Rosenblatt a proper challenge!
What’s the last book you read, and would you recommend it?
KD: This time of year, when the end of one academic calendar year meets the beginning of a new one and there’s a little more time for moments of reflection, I like to re-read John Berger’s book, A Fortunate Man. It’s the story of a General Practitioner living and practicing medicine in a rural community in Gloucestershire, England in the 1960s. It’s beautifully written, there are beautiful images that accompany the text, and the stories told illuminate the essence of what is to care for another human being. I consider it required reading.
What’s a little-known fact about you?
KD: When I was a graduate student in a Master of Public Administration program, I applied and wanted to go to medical school, but I didn’t think I was ever going to practice clinical medicine. I thought I would get my MD and become some kind of health policy wonk and work at a state or federal agency. Little did I know….
Lisa Chao, MD
Division of Gynecology - Minimally Invasive Surgery
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Stanford University School of Medicine
Tell us a little bit about your work life (where do you work, areas of focus or
specialty, research interests, etc.
LC: I am a Clinical Associate Professor at Stanford University School of Medicine in Palo Alto, CA. My focus is Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery and specialize in complex pelvic surgery for benign gynecologic conditions. My clinical interests include advanced laparoscopic techniques, large fibroids, advanced endometriosis, and pelvic pain. Academic interests include surgical education and simulation training.
What do you value about being an SGS member?
LC: How we all, as members, have a similar mindset and goal to promote excellence in gynecologic surgery through innovation, education, and research.
What’s your favorite thing about SGS?
LC: The collegiality among members, ability to learn from both urogynecologists and other MIGS colleagues, and the smaller, intimate feel of the annual meeting.
What led you to volunteer to serve on the SGS Video Review Committee and how has it impacted you personally and/or professionally?
LC: I am a huge proponent of education by using surgical videos. I served on the Video Abstract Committee for several years before becoming chair. I have the privilege of seeing all the interesting, high-quality, and innovative surgical videos and continue to be inspired by all the amazing surgeons out there.
What do you like best about the new Research Toolkit and how do you envision it being used?
LC: Its uniqueness and availability for everyone at all levels to enhance their knowledge in carrying out clinical research projects.
What advice do you have for SGS members who are on the fence about volunteering to serve on an SGS committee?
LC: Highly recommended as you get the opportunity to make an impact!
Who is an inspiring SGS mentor and why?
LC: Nicole Donnellan who first introduced me to SGS when I was a fellow. She does it all – is a fantastic surgeon, an incredible role model, has a relentless work ethic, takes a personal interest in her mentees’ success, and is genuinely invested in their growth and development.
What’s your favorite thing to do in your spare time/hobbies?
LC: Travel, exploring the outdoors, basketball, and discovering new foods.
What’s the last book you read, and would you recommend it?
LC: Think Again by Adam Grant. It’s a good read if you are looking for personal growth and open to rethinking thoughts/beliefs in a rapidly changing world.
What’s a little-known fact about you?
LC: If medicine was not my calling, I would’ve like to become a concert pianist.
Propose a New Member
Help us grow SGS! SGS Active Members may propose a qualified physician who is board certified (American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology or American Osteopathic Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology) for SGS membership. A second Active Member of SGS must endorse the proposed new member.
The Proposer is responsible for completing the online New Member Proposal Form and should be prepared to provide the Endorser’s name as well as the Applicant’s name, degree, institution, address, phone number, and email on the form. The Proposer will also attach letters from both the Proposer and the Endorser addressing the applicant’s teaching endeavors, surgical practice, and research.
Once the completed New Member Proposal Form is received, the SGS Executive Office will send the applicant a link to the online application to complete. The Proposer agrees to guide and support the future member in completing their application for membership, case list, and meeting the Annual Meeting attendance and presentation requirements for membership.
A detailed description of the membership process is available on the SGS website here.
*This logo is pending the final approval of SGS, AUGS, and AAGL leadership.
Watch the Latest AUGS-SGS FPRN® Webinar
In this engaging webinar, participants delved deep into the intricacies of the proposal submission process, focusing on the critical aspects of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) and Data Use Agreements (DUAs) in multi-institutional projects. Highlighting successful studies by FPRN® members Barbara Ha and Ashley Huber, the session tackled common challenges head-on and shared invaluable insights for graduating residents and fellows. Don't miss the opportunity to catch the recording and gain these essential insights!
VIEW RECORDING
This month we’re highlighting two important SGS Funds that support our educational mission:
Nancy Frankel & Lennie Siegel Fellow Scholar Fund
This fund was established in 2022 to honor the work of SGS’s previous management team, Nancy Frankel and Lennie Siegel, and to provide continued support to SGS’s Fellow Scholars Program. The SGS Fellow Scholar Program was initiated by Nancy Frankel & Lennie Siegel in 2014 to foster the next generation of surgeons by providing access to the educational opportunities and mentorship found within SGS. The program also aims to increase the subspecialty diversity within SGS by involving surgeons from diverse subspecialties at an early career stage. Fellow Scholar applicants must be enrolled in a fellowship training program and be nominated by their Fellowship Director to be considered. Those selected to participate in the program receive support to attend the SGS Annual Scientific Meeting (travel, lodging, registration for the meeting and postgraduate courses) as well as one year of complimentary SGS Associate Membership.
John O. L. DeLancey Fund
This fund was established in 2017 to support the work of the SGS Pelvic Anatomy Group (PAG). The PAG is made up of three subgroups. The Nomenclature Group develops and promotes standardized terminology for female pelvic anatomy; the 3D Imaging Group cultivates and disseminates the skills necessary to understand, interpret, and study three-dimensional imaging of the pelvic in order to advance understanding and future treatment; and the Digital Library Group curates and maintains the most anatomically accurate resource for female pelvic anatomy in the form of a digital library. These endeavors, especially the digital library, require resources to curate content, store content, and host and maintain the content on a platform available to members and learners.
Thank you for your continuing support of the SGS mission by donating to SHARE!
DONATE NOW
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