We are proud to share the Annual Impact Report for the International Gynecologic Cancer Society’s Global Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship Program. See just how impactful our flagship program has been in training gynecologic oncology specialists in regions of the world that urgently need skilled professionals.
The two-year program is adaptable to each site’s specific needs and resources with hands-on surgical training and monthly Project ECHO® Virtual Tumor Boards. In the past year, the program has grown with 7 new training sites, now in 22 locations. As of December 31, 2022, 27 fellows had completed training with another 44 currently enrolled. In the first quarter of 2023, 9 of those fellows have already successfully completed their training. Our fellows have performed close to 9,200 surgeries, including almost 1,300 radical hysterectomies in their local hospitals.
Through this fellowship, some of these sites have now produced the first-ever clinicians trained in gynecologic oncology in their entire country. Others who have completed the program have relocated to neighboring regions or countries to adapt the curriculum. Now equipped with knowledge and continued mentorship and support from IGCS members, the Fellows of IGCS (FIGCS) can build programs and mentor others, which is already happening in Rwanda with graduates from the Ethiopia program.
The fellows are not the only clinicians who benefit from the fellowship program. Knowledge about cancer screening and referrals is passed on to nurses, residents, and other clinicians in the surrounding areas who are trained and advised at these teaching institutions. With the management of preinvasive disease now a part of the training requirements, access to cervical cancer screening is increasing in these areas, making a major impact on the World Health Organization’s global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer.
It is vital that IGCS continue to foster and mentor these new graduates as they begin their careers. They are invited to join the IGCS Early Career Network, join committees and participate in IGCS activities.
We gratefully acknowledge the dedicated IGCS volunteer leadership team for making this possible, including our international mentors, local supervisors, Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes)® virtual tumor board faculty contributors, fellows, and staff. This program is another testament to IGCS’ commitment to “think big” in 2023 and it certainly has become one of our biggest programs with over 250 volunteers involved.
Dr. Joseph Ng (Singapore)
IGCS Global Fellowship Chair
Dr. Linus Chuang (USA)
IGCS Global Fellowship
Chair-Elect
Dr. Kathleen Schmeler (USA)
IGCS Global Fellowship Immediate Past Chair
Dr. Thomas Randall (USA)
IGCS Global Fellowship
Chair-Elect
Prof. Michael Quinn (Australia)
Founder of the IGCS Global Fellowship Program
Ms. Susan Ralph (USA)
IGCS Mentorship and Training Program Manager
This year, the programs' rapid growth and success has attracted donors who were inspired by what we were able to achieve. We are incredibly grateful for the support of our financial donors, including the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, The Linus Chuang Family, and the Women Global Cancer Initiative.
Ms. Susan Ralph orchestrates the day-to-day activities of the program as the IGCS Mentorship and Training Program Manager, and we are grateful for her commitment and dedication to this program. If you are interested in learning more about our volunteer opportunities or how to donate, please contact Susan at susan.ralph@igcs.org.
Sincerely,
Keiichi Fujiwara, MD, PhD
IGCS President
Mary Eiken, MS
IGCS CEO