2025 Awards

IGCS 2025 Award Recipients

We are pleased to announce the recipients of the International Gynecologic Cancer Society’s 2025 Organizational Awards.

Their international recognition not only honors the dedication and innovation of these outstanding IGCS Members but also inspires all of us to continue driving change and pursue excellence. Please join us in celebrating the achievements and contributions of these inspiring members. Through their example, we reinforce our shared commitment to equity, excellence, and the advancement of gynecologic cancer care worldwide.

2025 IGCS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Honoring a career of exceptional contributions to gynecologic oncology through research, leadership, mentorship, and collaboration.

Jonathan Ledermann, BSc, MD, FRCP, FMedSci
UCL Cancer Institute, UK

Dr. Jonathan Ledermann is the recipient of the 2025 IGCS Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring his decades of extraordinary contributions to the field of gynecologic oncology through research, clinical leadership, mentorship, and international collaboration.

A renowned researcher and Professor of Medical Oncology at the UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, Dr. Ledermann has dedicated more than 30 years to advancing the treatment and understanding of gynecologic cancers. His clinical and academic work has driven significant improvements in care—particularly the use of PARP inhibitors for women with homologous recombination deficient ovarian cancers—through practice-changing clinical trials and a relentless commitment to evidence-based innovation.

As a founding member of ENGOT, former Director of the Cancer Research UK & UCL Cancer Trials Centre, and a Senior Investigator for the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR), Dr. Ledermann has built a legacy of leadership in cancer research, driving progress in the treatment of ovarian and cervical cancers. Under his guidance, the Cancer Trials Centre became one of the leading national and international hubs for gynecologic cancer clinical trials, shaping treatment guidelines and improving outcomes for women around the world.

Dr. Ledermann’s influence extends far beyond the lab and clinic. He has served in numerous leadership roles in the global gynecologic cancer community, including as:

Council Member of the International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS)
Vice President of the European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO)
Chair of the NCRI UK Gynaecological Cancer Trials Group
Chair of the Rare Tumor Working Group within the Gynecologic Cancer InterGroup (GCIG)
Chair or Group leader of Consensus Conferences and Guidelines Committees on behalf of ESMO and ESGO
Subject Editor for ESMO Gynaecological Cancer Practice Guidelines

In addition to his many honors and affiliations, he is a Fellow of the UK Academy of Medical Sciences, a widely respected editor and author with more than 320 published papers. His clear, compassionate voice has been heard at countless scientific meetings worldwide, where he continues to inspire the next generation of clinicians and researchers.

Dr. Ledermann gained his degree in medicine at University College London and trained in internal medicine and oncology in London and then in Toronto, receiving his Doctorate in Medicine in 1990 and becoming a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in 1993. His impact as a mentor, educator, and leader has touched institutions and individuals across the globe, making him a true champion of progress in gynecologic oncology.

The IGCS Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the field over the course of their careers. Dr. Ledermann exemplifies this legacy through a career marked by visionary leadership, unwavering dedication, and a profound commitment to improving the lives of women affected by gynecologic cancers.

2025 IGCS Award for Outstanding Achievement in Gynecologic Oncology Surgery
Recognizes gynecologic oncologists who have had a sustained career in academic surgery and have made seminal contributions in clinical surgery or surgical education that established new benchmarks or paradigms.

Reitan Ribeiro, MD
McGill University Health Center Surgery, Canada

Dr. Reitan Ribeiro is internationally recognized for developing the uterine transposition technique—a surgical procedure that involves temporarily moving the uterus and ovaries to a different location in the abdomen, typically out of the pelvis, to protect them from the damaging effects of pelvic radiation therapy. This groundbreaking fertility-preserving procedure has transformed care for women undergoing pelvic radiation therapy and is now practiced around the world.

In addition to pioneering advancements in minimally invasive surgery, Dr. Ribeiro has contributed to influential clinical trials, including LACC, Alice, Keynote 001, SGNTV-003, and others. His dedication to surgical education and global mentorship continues to shape the next generation of gynecologic oncologists.

Through his unwavering commitment to surgical innovation, clinical research, and surgical education, Dr. Ribeiro has set new benchmarks and paradigms that will continue to shape gynecologic oncology for generations to come. His work has left a lasting impact on both patient care and the development of future surgeons, making him a truly deserving candidate for this prestigious international award.

He has received several prestigious awards, including an Honorable Mention from the Chamber of Deputies of Paraná, Brazil, and the National Medical Treatment Innovation Award (VEJA). His innovative work has also earned him the best video award from the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO), further cementing his status as a thought leader in the field.

Dr. Ribeiro completed his medical degree at the Federal University of Porto Alegre (Brazil) and pursued his General Surgery residency at Celso Ramos Hospital and Surgical Oncology residency at Erasto Gaertner Hospital, both in Brazil. He specialized in Gynecologic Oncology at Erasto Gaertner Hospital, where he later became the Research Director of the Gynecologic Oncology Division. Dr. Ribeiro is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and the Department of Oncology at McGill University. He is an attending Gynecologic Oncologist and Surgical Oncologist at the Cedars Cancer Center, McGill University Health Center, where he practices as both a clinician and scientist.

2025 IGCS Global Humanitarian Award
Recognizes outstanding individuals, organizations, or programs who work to improve access to quality gynecologic oncology services in low- to middle-income countries or in areas of need within more developed nations.

Barry Rosen, MD and Allan Covens, MD, FRCSC
University of Toronto, Canada

Dr. Barry Rosen and Dr. Allan Covens have been selected as the recipients of the 2025 IGCS Global Humanitarian Award, recognizing their outstanding commitment to global mentorship and their transformative contributions to gynecologic oncology training in low-resource settings.

Since 2008, Drs. Rosen and Covens have been deeply involved in building and leading the gynecologic oncology training program at Moi University in Eldoret, Kenya, as part of the AMPATH consortium led by Indiana University. Their work has not only strengthened cancer care in Kenya but also served as a catalyst for the creation and expansion of the IGCS Global Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship Program.

When IGCS launched the Global Fellowship Program in 2017, the foundational model and mentorship structure developed by Drs. Rosen and Covens in Kenya provided a blueprint for success. Their willingness to integrate the Moi fellowship into this new global initiative, along with their guidance and support, helped shape what has become one of IGCS’s most impactful programs.

Today, the IGCS Global Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship Program has grown to include 22 training sites, supported by hundreds of volunteer mentors, with over 50 fellows trained—many of whom are now leaders in their own countries or neighboring nations. This extraordinary global reach can be traced back in part to the vision and leadership of Drs. Rosen and Covens.

In Kenya, they have trained local gynecologic oncology surgeons, launched cervical cancer screening programs, and supported research and publication efforts. Their work has been recognized by the Kenyan Medical and Dental Council, and their trainees are now actively delivering skilled care across the region.

Dr. Barry Rosen, former Head of Gynecologic Oncology at the University of Toronto, has brought his expertise in prevention and hereditary cancer to the international stage, advancing care for women across both high- and low-resource settings.

Dr. Allan Covens, Professor and former Chair of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at the University of Toronto and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, serves as Chair of the IGCS Examination Committee, ensuring academic excellence across all fellowship sites. He continues to provide weekly virtual teaching sessions for fellows in Kenya.

Together, their unwavering commitment to mentorship, collaboration, and sustainable capacity-building reflects the true spirit of the IGCS Global Humanitarian Award.

2025 IGCS Excellence in Teaching Award
Recognizes individuals deeply committed to the profession whose work and accomplishments set a standard of excellence. This award recognizes the importance of teaching as an integral part of women’s cancer care and the lasting impact of educators to shape and inspire future generations of clinicians and researchers.

Sarikapan Wilailak, MD
Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand

Professor Sarikapan Wilailak is the recipient of the 2025 IGCS Excellence in Teaching Award.

An Emeritus Professor and trailblazer in Thai gynecologic oncology, Prof. Wilailak has spent her distinguished career inspiring and educating generations of medical professionals. Known for her clarity, compassion, and deep commitment to teaching, she has mentored students, residents, and fellows with patience and purpose—transforming complex oncologic concepts into accessible, engaging learning experiences.

Her pioneering efforts include founding Thailand’s first tumor registry and biobank, advancing laparoscopic surgery training through international workshops, and establishing inclusive learning opportunities across institutions nationwide. As a leader, she has held key roles including Chair of Department, Deputy Dean for Academic Affairs, and President of the Royal Thai College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, shaping national and regional education policy.

Prof. Wilailak’s international influence spans roles with ASGO, AOFOG, and FIGO, where she has championed global educational collaborations in women’s cancer care.

She embodies the spirit of this award—educator, innovator, and role model—and we are honored to recognize her incredible contributions to advance the field of gynecologic oncology.

Her impact as an educator is both far-reaching and deeply personal—she has not only advanced the field but also elevated those around her through her thoughtful, empowering approach to teaching. Her work reflects the highest standards of excellence, and its impact will only continue to grow through her students and mentees. We are honored to recognize her remarkable contributions with the 2025 IGCS Excellence in Teaching Award.

Mario M. Leitao, Jr., MD, FACOG, FACS
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, USA

Dr. Mario Leitao is recognized with the 2025 IGCS Excellence in Teaching Award for his outstanding leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to surgical education in gynecologic oncology.

A U.S. board-certified gynecologic oncologist, Dr. Leitao serves as a Member and Attending Surgeon in the Division of Gynecology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) and as a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Weill Cornell Medical College. He is also the Director of the Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship Program at MSKCC—one of the largest and most comprehensive fellowships in the world, training 14 clinical fellows and 3 research fellows annually, including a longstanding and continuously active International Training Program, the only one in the U.S. with ESGO accreditation.

In addition, Dr. Leitao leads the Minimal Access and Robotic Surgery (MARS) Program at MSKCC, overseeing minimally invasive surgical training across multiple disciplines. He is globally respected for pioneering surgical techniques, having authored over 270 peer-reviewed publications, more than 80 reviews and textbook chapters, and co-editing a leading surgical textbook.

Throughout his career, Dr. Leitao has shared his expertise around the world—delivering lectures, performing live surgeries, and supporting the development of robotic and minimally invasive programs across continents. His deep commitment to global education is reflected in his service to IGCS, including roles as North America Representative on the Board of Directors and current Chair of the IGCS Minimal Access Surgery Training Program.

Dr. Leitao’s tireless mentorship, global impact, and scholarly contributions have shaped generations of gynecologic oncologists. His approach to teaching—rooted in generosity, precision, and the relentless pursuit of excellence—is what defines a truly great educator. Please join us in celebrating his remarkable achievements and well-deserved recognition.

View Past Award Recipients

Earlier this year, in March and April, we invited our membership to submit nominations recognizing individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to gynecologic oncology. All nominations were carefully reviewed by the IGCS Nominations and Awards Committee, with final selections made by the IGCS Board of Directors.

We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who submitted a nomination. The quality and breadth of the submissions were truly remarkable, making the deliberations both inspiring and challenging. The number of deserving candidates is a testament to the strength and dedication of our global community.

We are honored to recognize this year’s awardees for their exceptional contributions to advancing care, research, and education in our field. We plan to open award nominations for the 2026 cycle soon. Stay tuned for more information.

Respectfully,

Keiichi Fujiwara, MD, PhD
IGCS Nominations and Awards Committee Chair
IGCS Immediate Past President

At the close of the 2025 Award Nomination period, IGCS will transition to a year-long nomination process. Award Nominations for 2026 will open later this year.