President's Letter
Dear Colleagues & Friends,
As I draft this last newsletter, I cannot believe how quickly my year as President has gone. I am filled with gratitude as I reflect on the past year and once again want to thank you for entrusting me with leadership of this important Society.
With words of affirmation as my love language I am really excited about our new “Notes of Gratitude” program which helps us carry on the SGS tradition and culture of generous giving. The idea is that you recognize a someone who has helped shape your personal or professional journey with a note of gratitude (that comes with a message that you have donated to SGS in their honor) – so you get to thank someone AND give back to SGS at the same time! As soon as you write the note of gratitude and make your donation, your note reaches the recipient as a personalized SGS branded message. The recipient does not need to be an SGS member, and the best part is that this is an affordable way to support SGS. Starting at just $30 per note, you can recognize many people in your life with a Note of Gratitude. In fact, making a $100 donation allows you to send four Notes of Gratitude. So start spreading the love and Click here to get working on your Note(s) of Gratitude. See how great it feels for someone to get a surprise in their inbox!
I often get asked how to become more involved in SGS, and I am grateful for the members who recently expressed interest in joining committees in response to our call for volunteers. I am pleased that this year we will appoint volunteer members to the Education, Membership and Publications Committees with terms starting immediately after the Annual Meeting, please take a look at the Committee website page for ongoing opportunities, including vacancies on the Communications Committee and the Women First Research Coalition (an opportunity specific to advocacy efforts).
I am excited to share that Dr. Christopher X. Hong from the University of Michigan has been selected as our first SGS participant in the Betsey, Lucy, and Anarcha Editorial Mentorship Program, in collaboration with the Green Journal. As a chosen participant in this program, Dr. Hong will be invited to an in-person, one-day editorial and peer-review workshop with the Editors of Obstetrics & Gynecology. Academic career development opportunities over the course of the Program also include virtual seminars, mentored peer reviews, editorial conference calls and networking with peers, mentors, and editors. Stay tuned for more on this program in the coming year as it represents another excellent opportunity for learning and mentorship.
The Executive Committee recently approved the establishment of a new Industry Advisory Group (IAG) to include selected members who have deep knowledge, expertise and experience in industry relations. The guiding purpose of IAG is to maximize potential collaborations with industry that would best serve SGS membership and the success of the Society. I want to thank Past President Cheryl Iglesia for agreeing to serve as our first IAG Chair and I look forward to the IAG helping to strengthen relationships between SGS and our industry colleagues.
As the SGS President I have the distinct honor of recommending to the Executive Committee an Active or Lifetime SGS Member for the President’s Award, who has provided long term contributions to the mission of the Society. I am absolutely thrilled to share this year’s President’s Award recipient is Dr. Vivian Sung. Vivian is a past SGS president who, among other contributions over time, has had significant involvement in the Research Committee, Systematic Review Group and Fellows Pelvic Research Network, and as President, was visionary in development of the Pelvic Anatomy Group. An annual targeted funding campaign is associated with this award and Dr. Sung has requested that all donations in honor of the award this year are earmarked to support the Pelvic Anatomy Group Digital Library.
Click Here – if you wish to donate to this campaign. All donations must be received by March 1, 2025 and separate dedicated emails are scheduled.
I believe many of you know Nancy Frankel and Lennie Siegal who served respectively as SGS Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer for many years. I am pleased to report that the Board of Directors has awarded Nancy and Lennie with honorary membership status for their more than nine years of dedication and innovation in helping SGS become the vibrant organization that it is today. Nancy and Lennie will be with us at the Annual Meeting where we will recognize them with this honor at the Annual Meeting Awards Ceremony on Monday night, March 31. I hope to see you there!
I ask you to take a moment to join me in reflecting on the incredible progress and work we have achieved together over the past ten months. I look forward with great anticipation to seeing all of you at our Annual Meeting in Rancho Mirage, starting March 29! Registration is up and abstract submissions this year have broken records! Program Chair Gena Dunivan has put together, with her committee, an outstanding lineup of speakers and presentations! And we have had outstanding abstract submissions and acceptances!
Again, it has been an honor and privilege to serve as your Society President. As we navigate current challenges, I have great anticipation about seeing you soon to celebrate the successes we achieved together this year, and to look towards the future with courage and optimism.
Best,
Star Hampton, MD
SGS President 2024-2025
