Dear colleagues, friends, and gynecologic oncology community,
You may be familiar with the Spring adage “April showers bring May flowers”. The saying symbolizes the advent of positive growth and opportunity following challenging times. We are still emerging from the COVID pandemic and addressing the impact on healthcare delivery, clinical trials access, supply chains, the workforce, and financial outlook. Thus, May is a perfect time to elaborate on the major initiatives we will address in the upcoming year as we harness our theme for this year “The Power of Shared Purpose: Transforming Gynecologic Cancer Care.” We are focused on synergistic opportunities to further our mission and vision where everyone has the power to impact, prevent, overcome, and eradicate gynecologic cancers. In addition, it is critical to invest in our future to ensure that SGO/FWC remain on a strong path for success and meet the needs of our members and patients.
Our major objectives include the following:
- The SGO/FWC Organizational Assessment: The organizational assessment was initiated in 2023 to assure that SGO/FWC’s organizational structure, leadership, culture, and governance practices are aligned with the needs of its members/constituents. Bloch Reed Association Advisors is leading the assessment, and we anticipate delivery of the final report at the end of this month. The findings from this comprehensive review will position our organizations to attain our defined strategic objectives in the future. We will keep you updated on the final results.
- The SGO/FWC Strategic Plan for 2024-2026: The strategic plan is developed every three years, and we will utilize the SGO/FWC Organizational Assessment findings to guide us forward. We will hold this as a joint SGO/FWC strategic planning meeting to ensure cohesive alignment. The retreat is an opportunity to reassess our missions, visions, and core values and align strategic goals with supporting initiatives. We recognize strategic planning requires continual reassessment and adaptability to be successful when new opportunities or challenges arise. We will work on behalf of and for our members/constituents to best position the SGO/FWC for continued success and growth, and to best meet the current and future needs of our members, patients, and their networks of support.
- The SGO/FWC/GOG Foundation collaboration: This strategic partnership was launched in 2022 with the ultimate goal to improve patient outcomes and accelerate cancer research. Our organizations identified significant areas for collaboration and strategic alignment, including opportunities to enhance research, career advancement, and health equity. Ultimately, we want to ensure a strong pipeline of diverse future key thought leaders, clinical trialists, and physician scientists; and promote access to clinical trials and care for our patients. We welcome others to join our collaborative efforts.
- The SGO Future of the Profession Initiative: The society is committed to completing and expanding the Future of the Profession (FOP) Initiative led by SGO past presidents, Drs. Stephanie Blank and Warner Huh. The findings from the Fall 2022 SGO FOP Task Force meeting were presented in an interactive session at the March 2023 SGO Annual Meeting. Polling responses and discussion points inform the priorities and set the roadmap for further development. We will keep you updated regarding future initiatives.
SGO/FWC will continue to support and develop other collaborative opportunities such as the ongoing work with the World Health Organization and the International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS) to eradicate cervical cancer led by Drs. Wendy Brewster and Mark Einstein; IGCS to ensure global equity for ovarian cancer care; and other associations such as American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Gynecological Obstetrical Society, American Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Foundation, and Women First Research Coalition.
Moreover, we need to be nimble to address emerging critical issues. The recent cisplatin/carboplatin/methotrexate chemotherapy shortages highlight the need to quickly identify the scope of the problem; assemble a task force to address key issues and action items; provide alternative treatment options; disseminate information via enhanced communication; and develop proactive approaches to mitigate future treatment shortages. Dr. Amanda Fader is leading this collaborative effort with a diverse team of experts, including our Clinical Practice Committee Chairs, Drs. Roisin O’Cearbhaill and Renata Urban, Communication Chairs, Drs. Mark Einstein and Erin Medlin, and President Elect I Dr. Wendy Brewster as they work tirelessly on rapid communiques and webinars to support our gynecologic oncology community.
In our shared work, we stand together committed to accelerating progress for patients, providers and communities affected by gynecologic cancers, and to the broader needs of all at risk of developing gynecologic cancer.