Early Career Network

Position:  Early Career Network - President
Specialty: Gynecologic Oncology

Personal Statement: 

I have a strong interest in serving on the IGCS Early Career Network Executive Committee, as I firmly believe in the impact that international collaboration, mentorship, and structured education have on the development of early-career professionals in gynecologic oncology. These initiatives are essential to reducing disparities, expanding access to knowledge, and strengthening specialist training across diverse global settings.

I am a gynecologic oncologic surgeon at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein in Brazil, where I work across clinical care, research, and education. I also serve as an international mentor in the IGCS program in Mozambique, an experience that has broadened my perspective on global challenges and reinforced my commitment to building networks that promote equitable access to education and professional development.

If elected, I will strengthen member engagement by encouraging active participation and collaboration. I will work to expand international scientific partnerships by facilitating connections between centers and supporting multicenter initiatives. I also aim to further develop mentorship programs focused on the academic, clinical, and leadership growth of early-career specialists.

I am particularly interested in fostering stronger integration across regions such as Latin America, Europe, Africa, and the United States, promoting the exchange of experiences, training, and collaborative research. My goal is to help build an active, inclusive network that supports professional growth, develops future leaders, and advances global care for women with gynecologic cancers.

Position:  Early Career Network - President Elect
Specialty: Gynecologic Oncology

Personal Statement: 

I have always had a difficulty answering the question “Where are you from?” I am what sociologists call a “third cultured kid”, someone who was raised in a country that is not their parents’ home, nor the country of their birth. I was born in the United States to Lebanese parents and had the opportunity to live in the United Arab Emirates, Switzerland, Turkey, South Korea, the United States and Lebanon. This upbringing taught me that the concepts of nationality and belonging are abstract: I never understood the definition of identity as belonging to a place defined by boundaries. However, as I progressed through my training, it became evident that geography and community dictate not only who you are but also how healthy you can be.  Women’s healthcare is influenced by locoregional politics, with disparities shaping health outcomes. Gynecologic oncology seeks to combat this inequity by endeavoring to standardize cancer care on a national and international basis, despite the medical and social challenges that exist. IGCS is a leader in achieving these goals. The institution has a longstanding record in recognizing that healthcare goals cannot be achieved by one country alone. It places emphasis on collaboration, research, education and advocacy as cornerstones of improving global oncologic outcomes. 

I seek to apply for President Elect of the Early Career Network Executive Committee to propel IGCS’ goals, which are in line with my “third cultured” self. My vision for our committee will be the following: increasing multinational collaboration by creating regional and international research databases, promoting opportunities for enrollment in virtual research and biostatistics courses, expanding opportunities for phase II/III clinical trials in low to middle income countries (LMIC), and increasing our work with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to better understand local health needs. Establishing international databases is a top priority for me. I believe it is our duty as physicians and/or scientists to disseminate new information or ideas to advance our understanding of diseases and improve the healthcare metrics of all oncology patients. However, this is best done if data is combined, shared and analyzed across diverse institutions. Additionally, I would like to focus on strengthening enrollment in virtual statistics and research courses to further empower clinician scientists to do the best research they can. Furthermore, I would like to increase LMIC enrollment in phase II/III clinical trials to assist in correcting the misalignment of certain gynecologic oncology disease burden with the global distribution of clinical trials. This is fundamental in ensuring proper data generation and improving cancer outcomes globally. Finally, I would like to push for advocacy by promoting avenues for engagement with third party actors such as NGOs by way of creating alliances between medical schools and NGOs to allow for medical rotations in areas cared for by these organizations. I hope for all these concepts to improve regional and international collaboration, enhance global knowledge on gynecologic cancers, and improve advocacy on the issues that matter the most to our patients.

Position:  Early Career Network - Secretary Treasurer
Specialty: Gynecologic Oncology

Personal Statement: 

My vision for joining the IGCS Early Career Network Executive Committee is to strengthen a global community of young gynecologic oncology professionals who are united by a shared goal: delivering the highest quality care to patients worldwide. Working in a leading Polish oncological center, I have seen how continuous scientific growth, international collaboration, and early access to innovative research directly enhance patient outcomes. I am committed to helping extend these opportunities to colleagues across the IGCS network. Representing the Middle East Europe region, I aim to ensure that its strong clinical expertise and rapidly expanding research landscape are fully reflected within IGCS initiatives. Our region has a wealth of talent, and I want to amplify its voice, building stronger bridges between local institutions and the global gynecologic oncology community. Drawing on my leadership experience as former ENYGO Vice‑President and current President of the Polish Young Gynecological Oncologists Network, I hope to expand scientific opportunities for early career researchers. My goals include promoting involvement in international studies, strengthening mentorship programs for young investigators, and creating accessible pathways for scientific contribution within IGCS. By empowering early‑career clinicians and researchers, we can directly support innovation and, ultimately, the highest standard of patient care. As a member of the Executive Committee, I hope to contribute to a dynamic, inclusive network that elevates scientific excellence, fosters global cooperation, and advances the future of gynecologic oncology through the next generation of leaders.