The IGCS Gynecologic Oncology Global Curriculum & Mentorship Program is a comprehensive two-year education and training program designed for regions around the world that do not currently have formal training in gynecologic oncology.

When physicians in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) do not have access to specialty training, they are unequipped to treat the high volume of patients presenting with cancer and leaving women without the specialty care they need for the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer and other gynecologic malignancies. Given the rising rates of cancer in LMICs, there is a critical need to train and educate local physicians to address this epidemic.

Download the 2019 Annual Report to learn more about how this program came about, the training sites and details about how it works.

Program Elements:
  • Each training site is paired with an International Mentor or Mentors. Mentors are IGCS members that have an existing relationship with the site.
  • The Mentors are responsible for tracking the fellow’s progress by reviewing case logs, completing bi-annual evaluation forms, and facilitating monthly quizzes and reading assignments.
  • The Mentors travel to the training site twice per year to provide hands-on surgical training and in-person education.
  • The IGCS Fellows travel to Mentor’s institution for a 1-3 month observership
  • The Fellows present cases to Mentors, colleagues and other IGCS members in a monthly virtual tumor board
  • After a Fellow has completed the program, an oral structured clinical final examination is administered on site by a member of the IGCS Global Curriculum Examination Committee. The Fellow will receive an IGCS Certificate of Completion after completing all program requirements and passing the examination.

TRAINING SITES AND MENTOR LOCATIONS

 
The program has helped in strengthening our health system as we endeavor to deliver equitable, timely, quality, and comprehensive gynecologic oncology services to our women in the country. Most of our women now have access to effective and quality cancer care particularly those who did not have an opportunity to get appropriate surgery. – Dr. Paul Kamfwa, Local Supervisor, Women and Newborn Hospital, Zambia
My knowledge and skills in the management of gyn cancer patients has been enriched through the IGCS Global Curriculum, especially in surgery and chemotherapy. It has enhanced our multidisciplinary approach to managing patients with other disciplines like pediatric oncology, medical oncology, and palliative care. People should now be aware that there are specialized services with the lead in gyn oncology including screening and preventive services. If possible, more external mentors could join the pool of trainers as the institution (UCI) develops its capacity of sub-specialists. – Dr. Jerome Katumba, Fellow, Uganda Cancer Institute
There is no better way to pay it forward than to put my time and energy into programs like the IGCS Global Curriculum for gynecologic oncology training. The program provides a structure through which I know my personal investment of time and effort will have the maximal effect in improving training and women’s health globally. – Dr. Joseph Ng (Singapore) International Mentor for Da Nang Oncology Hospital, Vietnam
In country like Nepal, where the burden of gynecological malignancies is high and there is lack of comprehensive cancer centers and formal training opportunities in gynecologic oncology, the need for the IGCS Global Curriculum and Mentorship Program cannot be exaggerated. Being an IGCS member from a resource constrained country, I feel fortunate and gratified to be associated with the program as a local mentor and contributing to the society and country by helping to train our compassionate gynecologists in our own local situation. – Dr. Jitendra Pariyar, Local Mentor, Civil Service Hospital Nepal