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Program Overview

The International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS) is launching a Global Observership, led by Drs. Ahmed Al-Niaimi and Samy Ismail. This unique program is a six to eight week, international initiative designed to expand access to high-quality gynecologic oncology training and strengthen global collaboration and mentorship. Through structured, short-term observational exposure this program will offer physicians the opportunity to gain exposure to a variety of clinical practices, multidisciplinary care models, and institutional approaches to gynecologic cancer management.

Program Objectives
The Global Observership Program seeks to:

1.

Allow international gynecologic oncologists to visit internationally renowned clinics for a limited time.

2.

Support professional development for clinicians seeking true observational learning experiences, without clinical licensure or direct patient care. The IGCS will be preparing and facilitating the unique matching between observer and hosting institution.

3.

Provide exposure to multidisciplinary treatment planning, including tumor boards, new protocols, innovative technologies, and team-based care models.

4.

Share experiences and learning from clinicians from high, middle, and low resourced settings.

Program Format & Structure

Mentorship
Primary mentors for each site will be responsible for observers during the duration of the opportunity. Sites have provided their three areas of strength and are tasked with providing educational exposure throughout the observership.

Site Matching
IGCS Leaders will match interested observers with a site that facilitate observation and dedicated focus. Typical duration will be up to two months, based on mutually agreed dates between site and observer. Each observer will be assigned a primary contact from the site.

In-Person Opportunities
The observer will be expected to show interest, be attentive to learning in the areas identified by the site. We are confident and added opportunity will be building connections and sustainable relationships. The observer shall comply with all institutional policies and local regulations.

Stipend
Successful chosen observers will be granted an IGCS stipend meant to cover housing and transportation needs.

Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Global Observership, the applicant must:

  • Be physician members of IGCS in good standing
  • Be actively engaged in the management of gynecologic cancer patients
  • Have completed residency in OBGYN and have some level of subspecialty training
  • Communicate effectively in English (spoken and written).
  • Provide a copy of your current:
    • Curriculum Vitae
    • Cover letter outlining their interest in the observership and learning objectives
    • Letter of recommendation(s) from your direct supervisor
  • Fulfill all requests as outlined in the SurveyMonkey application portal
  • Rank top interests of learning as outlined in the application

Matching Process:
IGCS will make every effort to match candidates based on the applicant’s application, alignment of interest, and site availability. One observer will be matched per site per cycle. Host institutions retain the right to decline a matched observer in the event of a conflict of interest.

Visa, Travel, and Accommodations
Observers are responsible for securing appropriate visas, travel arrangements, and housing accommodations. IGCS can provide a letter of endorsement for selected observers to support visa applications but does not facilitate visa processing or travel logistics. Candidates should check with government and nationality requirements before selecting regions of travel.

Click Here to Apply

Deadline: July 10, 2026 at 11:59 PM Central Time (Chicago) 

Global Observership Program Leadership

Ahmed Al-Niami
Memorial Sloan Kettering

Samy Ismael
Al-Azhar University

Get Involved
Institutions interested in serving as host sites and physicians interested in applying as observers are encouraged to learn more and engage with IGCS.

For questions or expressions of interest, please contact Shriya Shah at Shriya.Shah@igcs.org.