SGO Wellness: What does it mean to be part of a community? | Paul A. DiSilvestro, MD; Dineo Khabele, MD; & Stephanie V. Blank, MD
One of Webster’s definitions of community is … “a body of persons of common and especially professional interests scattered through a larger society.”1
In the opinion of the Department of Health and Aged Care of the Australian Government, “Being part of a community can have a positive effect on mental health and emotional wellbeing. Community involvement provides a sense of belonging and social connectedness. It can also offer extra meaning and purpose to everyday life.”2
The Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) advances its mission through its core values: advocacy, collaboration, diversity and inclusion, education, engagement, leadership and professionalism, patient care, and research. When we think of SGO as a community, the concept of engagement, defined as “providing opportunities to participate in the progress of the gynecologic oncology profession,” rings true.
As the Annual Meeting approaches, we reflect on what it means to be part of that community. We don’t have far to look back (said with a hint of optimism) to understand the significant negative impact of isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although we have enhanced connectivity, the experience of virtual conferences, Zoom meetings, social isolation, and limitations on travel affected so many of what we consider our own communities; family, friends, and colleagues.
The upcoming Annual Meeting provides us all with the opportunity to reconnect, to foster that sense of community that strengthens us as an organization, and, in our personal opinions, makes us more effective leaders, providers, researchers, advocates and educators, amongst a long list of activities. The theme of this year’s meeting is Patients, Purpose, Progress. As always, there will be outstanding science and education (Progress), along with information on how to advocate for our patients and their access to care (Patients). As members, we should also focus on how the meeting relates to the concept of community (Purpose). We should be asking ourselves questions such as, “How do we ensure that SGO imbues in its membership a sense of belonging?” “Is there equal access to the engagement that our society emphasizes as a core value?” and “What will the SGO community look like in the future and are we prepared?” Our discipline and, by extension, our community are changing, and we will need to adapt.
Of course, there will also be opportunities to engage with friends and colleagues through the SGO social event, alumni gatherings, and informal get-togethers. Take time to gather with others and renew and strengthen those bonds that tie us together in common purpose. Continue to build our community, and, of course, have some fun!
Paul, Dineo and Stephanie
Paul A. DiSilvestro, MD, is a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Women & Infants Hospital/Brown University, in Providence, RI, and Co-Chair of the 2023 SGO Program Committee.
Dineo Khabele, MD, is Chair of the of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Washington University in St. Louis, MO, and Co-Chair of the 2023 SGO Program Committee.
Stephanie V. Blank, MD, is the Director of Gynecologic Oncology for the Mount Sinai Health System in New York, NY, and the 2022-2023 SGO President.
References
- Community. Merriam-Webster’s unabridged dictionary. 2023. Retrieved February 8, 2023, from https://unabridged.merriam-webster.com
- Department of Health and Aged Care. Head to health. Canberra: Australian Government. Retrieved February 8, 2023, from headtohealth.gov.au