Peter E. Schwartz, MD
The Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) regrets to announce the passing of past president Peter E. Schwartz, MD. Dr. Schwartz passed away peacefully at Yale – New Haven Hospital on October 20, 2024 after a prolonged illness.
Dr. Schwartz had a remarkable career spanning nearly 50 years at Yale, where he served as chief of the division of gynecologic oncology from 1978 to 2005. He pioneered several groundbreaking treatments, including the establishment of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for ovarian cancer, which has become a global standard of care. Dr. Schwartz also introduced fertility-sparing treatments for young women with germ cell ovarian cancers and played a pivotal role in developing minimally invasive techniques to control massive hemorrhage in gynecologic and postpartum patients.
In addition to his tenure at Yale, Dr. Schwartz served as SGO President in 1997. During his presidency, he was instrumental in leading the initial groundwork that led to the funding of the first Ovarian Cancer Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE). “On behalf of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology, we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Dr. Peter Schwartz, our esteemed Past President,” shares SGO President Amanda Nickles Fader, MD. “Dr. Schwartz was a visionary leader in gynecologic oncology and a passionate advocate for women’s health. His clinical, academic, and educational contributions were extremely impactful, inspiring many colleagues and improving the lives of countless patients. We honor his leadership legacy and commitment to advancing gynecologic cancer care and research. He will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.”
Throughout his career, Dr. Schwartz trained numerous fellows, many of whom are now leaders in the field, and co-authored over 360 peer-reviewed articles. His contributions were recognized with numerous awards, including the Yale Cancer Center Lifetime Achievement Award and the Yale Medicine Distinguished Clinical Career Award. In 2023, the Discovery to Cure Program at Yale was renamed in his honor.
Dr. Schwartz was passionate about patient care and deeply valued his relationships with colleagues and trainees. He is remembered for his compassion, brilliance, and commitment to advancing the treatment of female reproductive cancers. As Rep. Rosa DeLauro, a grateful patient, noted, “Peter’s lifesaving work will be felt for generations.”
Dr. Schwartz’s legacy continues through the countless lives he touched and the advancements he championed in gynecologic oncology.