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June, 2001 Volume 7 Issue
2 Editor: Togas Tulandi, MD Associate Editor: James E. Carter, MD Editorial Board: S. Duffy, P. Mangeshikar, C. Miller, F.Viscomi |
| Inside this Issue: | |
The
Editor's Corner
Passing The Torch
Togas
Tulandi, MD
togas.tulandi@muhc.mcgill.ca
“Gynecologic Endoscopy – Partnerships without Borders”
Dear Colleagues:
Under the editorship of James Carter, the ISGE NEWS has become a newsletter that provides up to date information about gynecologic endoscopy around the world. With his new responsibilities as an expert in pelvic pain for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, he has resigned as the editor and the ISGE Board has appointed me to become the new editor. On behalf of the Board of ISGE and the members at large, I wish to express our appreciation to Jim for all his hard work. In any event, he will continue his participation in the NEWS as the Associate Editor. An editorial board consisting of international members will assist in the development of the newsletter and in disseminating information about gynecologic endoscopy.
In the next several issues, you will notice gradual changes in the appearance and the format of this newsletter. We will add color, and a member forum will be added. The success of a newsletter also depends on the member’s participation and input. If you have anything you want to share with the members at large, send me an e-mail. Inform us if you change your e-mail or address. We are in the electronic era and we have to communicate electronically. This will facilitate communication and it will make our editing job easier. Send us a manuscript about your invention, your innovative technique, unusual complications, or national event in your country. In order to balance your view, a short editorial note will be provided if necessary.
Togas Tulandi M.D.
Editor
John J. Sciarra, MD, PhD
"Gynecologic Endoscopy Without Borders’, this motto recognizes the globalization of our field and carries the connotation of helping hands reaching out to evolving nations to teach and train individuals in the skills of gynecologic laparoscopy, elevating the practice of gynecology and gynecologic surgery, and providing better health care for all the women of the world.”
The 10th Annual Congress of the International Society for Gynecologic Endoscopy was held in Chicago, March 28-31, 2001. It was a highly successful meeting. I am sure that those of you who attended will agree that we enjoyed a well-executed, stimulating scientific program, paired with a lively offering of social events. My sincere thanks go to the many who attended the Congress and the co-sponsors for the event: the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Northwestern University and the Chicago Association of Gynecologic Endoscopists (CAGE), with special thanks to Donald Chatman, CAGE President. Of special note is the fact that the Society received letters of support from Chicago’s Mayor Richard M. Daley and U.S. President George W. Bush. On behalf of the society, I would like to extend appreciation to the Local Scientific and Organizing Committees and my Co-Chairs, Louis Keith, Charles Miller and Rafael Valle for their great investment of time and effort. Also, I should like to thank the sponsors and exhibitors who contributed generously to the Congress, making the breakfasts, luncheons and many of the social events possible.
The scientific program was built around the Congress theme, “Gynecologic Endoscopy, Today and Tomorrow”,
and addressed current and state of the art practices, as well as conceptualizing what we can expect in the future. We owe many thanks to Magdy Milad, the scientific chair and the driving force behind the program organization. His contributions were essential to this outstanding program. The sessions featured international experts who focused on recent advancements in minimally invasive surgery as it relates to our discipline. The Congress also included state of the art seminars, free communications and video sessions, and provided an opportunity for the participants to interact with expert gynecologic surgeons during live telesurgery sessions. Additional thanks go to Charles Miller who organized and participated in the telesurgery sessions, a major highlight of the scientific program, and also served as master of ceremonies for the opening ceremony. The program was well balanced and unbiased in nature, presenting the latest equipment and techniques in gynecologic endoscopy and also addressing the limitations of these procedures. The overall climate of the scientific sessions was energetic, marked by a willingness to share information and build intellectual bridges between physicians from the 62 countries represented.
Participants arriving early attended the pre-congress program, finding two engaging half-day courses and an innovative, hands-on workshop in which the practicing gynecologist was afforded the unique opportunity to have individual, expert instruction in laparoscopic pelvic surgery. The half-day courses, organized by Melvin Gerbie and Eric Bieber were filled to capacity. A one-day nursing symposium, organized by Donna Morrison, of Northwestern Memorial Hospital, was the first of its kind organized for an ISGE Annual Congress and was clearly a valuable addition to the program.
Delegates enjoyed each other’s company outside the scientific sessions at a number of social events highlighting the city of Chicago. At the Opening Ceremony, participants heard welcome speeches and Chicago jazz provided by the Chicago City Lights Quartet. A reception followed the ceremony in the Congress exhibit hall where participants mingled with the 35 exhibitors and continued to enjoy the Chicago City Lights Quartet. The black-tie Gala Dinner on Friday evening, held at the Chicago Cultural Center, a landmark building, was a sold-out event. Attendees began with cocktails and conversation, enjoyed a superb dinner, and finished with an appealing cabaret performance. In appreciation of their participation on the scientific program, the invited faculty spent an evening on the 95th floor of one of Chicago’s tallest skyscrapers, the John Hancock Building. The Chicago Organizing Committee also arranged trolley rides and prize giveaways for the accompanying persons to enjoy the sights of the city.