LEILA V. ADAMYAN, MD, PhD
FUND 

The Leila V. Adamyan, MD, PhD, Innovation in Surgery and Reproductive Medicine Fund was established in honor of Dr. Leila V. Adamyan whose groundbreaking contributions have had a profound impact on gynecologic surgery. Dr. Adamyan developed innovative methods of diagnosis and treatment for different gynecological diseases and is the author of three diagnostic classifications: adenomyosis, retrocervical endometriosis, and Mullerian anomalies. She expanded education in Reproductive Health and Gynecologic Surgery in Russia and created over 20 national standards in Reproductive Health. Her expertise has been disseminated nationally and internationally through vast amounts of published work, appearances on national media programs and the generous, ongoing mentorship of professors, physicians, surgeons, and residents worldwide.

The Leila V. Adamyan, MD, PhD, Innovation in Surgery and Reproductive Medicine Award recognizes exceptional achievements in the diagnoses and treatment of endometriosis, myoma, Mullerian anomalies, pelvic floor disorders and other gynecologic conditions, enhancement of surgical precision and efficacy, assistance in protection and achievement of successful reproduction, and/or significant improvements in patients’ quality of life which have brought about advancement in the science, practice, technology, and education in gynecology and gynecologic surgery nationally, regionally, or internationally.

An FAAGL designated committee and the Fund’s Designated Spokesperson will select a qualified winner. The winner chosen will receive recognition at the annual AAGL Global Congress on Minimally Invasive Gynecology and a commemorative crystal award. Award recognition and scholarships will be determined annually by the FAAGL Board of Directors based on funding.

BARBARA S. LEVY, MD, FACOG, FACS
FUND

Barbara S. Levy, MD, FACOG, FACS, is a lifelong advocate for advancing the quality and equity of women’s health, an inspiring leader and mentor, and has broken through barriers to women in medicine. She was elected as the first female President of AAGL in 1994-1995. Dr. Levy served in private practice in comprehensive holistic women’s health for over 30 years; as a Medical Director for Women’s and Children’s Services in Washington State; as chair of the American Medical Association Resource Based Relative Value Scale Update Committee (RUC) advocating for fair payment for physicians; as Vice President of Health Policy of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) as the first full-time woman physician leader; and as a reviewer and editor for several medical journals. Dr. Levy has been a vocal advocate for women’s health with appearances on multiple media outlets. Her clinical work has focused on evidence-based, equitable, comprehensive care for women throughout their life course.

The Barbara S. Levy, MD, AchieveHER Award recognizes women leaders in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS) who, like Dr. Levy, have paved the way for female MIGS surgeons; served in leadership roles; and have been an influential mentor for five or more years. Qualified candidates must be 5-15 years out of fellowship training.

An FAAGL designated committee will review all applications/nominations and select a winner. The winner chosen will receive recognition at the annual AAGL Global Congress on Minimally Invasive Gynecology and a commemorative award. Award recognition and scholarships will be determined annually by the FAAGL Board of Directors based on funding. This endowment is supported by an educational grant from Medtronic.

JAVIER F. MAGRINA, MD
FUND

Javier F. Magrina, MD, is an exceptional leader and mentor who has touched the lives of innumerable students, residents, fellows, and gynecological surgeons worldwide through his trainings, lectures, videos, observership programs, mentorship, advising and coaching. Known as a “master surgeon,” Dr. Magrina’s pioneer robotic techniques and technical innovations have benefited many patients and contributed to the advancement of robotics in Gynecology. In addition, he has empowered progress in robotics through publication of over 50 papers exclusively related to robotic surgery in peer reviewed journals, publication of 17 book chapters on robotic surgical techniques and a textbook on Robotic Gynecologic Surgery, and authorship of 46 robotic surgical videos.

The Excellence in Robotic Surgery Award, established in 2022 in honor of Dr. Magrina, recognizes an outstanding surgeon for their innovations in robotic assisted technology. A Foundation of the AAGL designated committee will review applications/nominations and select a winner. The winner chosen will receive recognition at the annual AAGL Global Congress on MIGS and a commemorative award. Award benefits will be determined annually by the Foundation Board of Directors based on funding.

This endowment is supported by a grant from Intuitive Surgical.

JOHN F. STEEGE, MD
FUND

Dr. John F. Steege famously pioneered one of the earliest Fellowship Programs with the objective of training academicians. Many of his original fellows have remained in academic positions with several going on to establish their own fellowship programs. Dr. Steege was a leader in the evaluation and treatment of chronic pelvic pain, co-authored the first comprehensive text on chronic pelvic pain, and was an early developer of laparoscopic pain mapping under conscious sedation.

The John F. Steege, MD, Mentorship Award, established in 2015, recognizes outstanding AAGL members who have provided at least ten years of support and mentorship to future generations of minimally invasive gynecologic surgeons. An FAAGL designated committee will review the nominations and select a winner. The winner chosen will receive recognition at the annual AAGL Global Congress on Minimally Invasive Gynecology and a commemorative crystal flame award. Award benefits will be determined annually by the FAAGL Board of Directors based on funding. This endowment is supported by an educational grant from CooperSurgical.

HARRITH M. HASSON, MD
SCHOLARSHIP

Dr. Hasson was a true visionary, dedicated physician, and prolific inventor of surgical and educational devices and techniques. His legacy endures with the cannula and open laparoscopy techniques that bear his name. The 19th president of AAGL, Dr. Hasson was a passionate proponent of lifelong learning for surgical gynecologists.

Established in 2013 by Dr. Hasson’s family, the Harrith M. Hasson, MD, Physician from an Emerging Country Scholarship and Award recognizes a deserving physician from a developing economy who is empowering progress in minimally invasive gynecology within their community. The winner of this award will receive a scholarship to attend the annual AAGL Global Congress on Minimally Invasive Gynecology. An FAAGL designated committee will review the applications and select a winner. The winner chosen will receive recognition at the annual AAGL Global Congress on Minimally Invasive Gynecology and be presented with a commemorative plaque by Sharon Sharrett-Hasson, wife of Dr. Hasson. Award recognition and scholarships will be determined annually by the FAAGL Board of Directors based on funding.

JAROSLAV HULKA, MD
AWARD 

Jaroslav Hulka, MD, was the fifth President of the AAGL and served on the first AAGL Board of Trustees. He was renowned for his commitment to women’s reproductive rights and to making obstetrical, gynecological, and infertility procedures safer and less invasive. Dr. Hulka was an innovator, artist, author, and a dedicated mentor to many young gynecologists.

In honor of Dr. Hulka, this award was established in 2015 to recognize outstanding Ob-Gyn residents and fellows from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Dr. Hulka’s alma mater. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Program Director will nominate a resident or fellow for approval by the FAAGL Board of Directors. The winner of this award will receive recognition at the AAGL Global Congress on Minimally Invasive Gynecology and a commemorative plaque. Award recognition and scholarships will be determined annually by the FAAGL Board of Directors based on funding.

ROBERT B. HUNT, MD
FUND

Robert B. Hunt, MD, served as President of both the AAGL and the Foundation of the AAGL Board of Directors and was the founding Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology (formerly called the Journal of the AAGL). This esteemed academic journal has provided ongoing education and information for physicians worldwide for more than a quarter century.

Established in honor of Dr. Hunt in 2004, this fund provides an annual award for the Best Paper Published in JMIG. An AAGL designated committee will grade papers submitted to JMIG and select the winner. The award winner chosen will receive recognition at the AAGL Global Congress on Minimally Invasive Gynecology and a commemorative plaque. Award recognition and scholarships will be determined annually by the FAAGL Board of Directors based on funding.

CHARLES H. KOH, MD, FRCOG, FACOG
SCHOLARSHIP

Dr. Charles H. Koh is a pioneer in advanced laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis and has lectured extensively on this internationally. His innovation of various macro suturing techniques culminated in the Vertical Zone ipsilateral method taught in courses worldwide. Over 90% of course participants learned to throw a suture and tie it intra-corporeally in less than one minute. In addition, Dr. Koh invented instrumentation for laparoscopic microsurgery and macro suturing and pioneered the Koh System for Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy. Driven by the belief that advanced laparoscopic suturing is essential to establish operative laparoscopy as an unlimited surgical tool, Dr. Koh established the Koh World Suturing Championship at the annual AAGL Global Congress.

The Charles H. Koh Excellence in Suturing Award, established in 2022, recognizes excellence and innovation in laparoscopic suturing. The winner of the suturing championship will receive recognition at the AAGL Global Congress on Minimally Invasive Gynecology. Award recognition and scholarships will be determined annually by the FAAGL Board of Directors based on funding.

DANIEL F. KOTT, MD
SCHOLARSHIP

Colonel Daniel F. Kott, MD, was a pioneer in the field of medical audiovisual technology. Colonel Kott practiced at Tripler Army Medical Center where the AAGL held some of its earliest meetings. It was Colonel Kott who documented our first live surgeries by videotaping them—a unique concept in 1973!

NEW this year – a special Daniel F. Kott Scholarship will be available to a resident, fellow, or recent graduate from Panama, Costa Rica or Colombia only (2 years from fellowship or residency). This award will provide 2024 Congress Registration, a travel stipend, and a ticket to the FAAGL Awards Ceremony

FRANKLIN D. LOFFER, MD
FUND

A passionate leader, advocate, and member of the AAGL since 1971, Franklin D. Loffer, MD, FACOG, has worked diligently to develop and guide the organizational and medical policies of the AAGL. With a thoughtful approach and exceptional commitment, he has served the AAGL in the roles of Board President, AAGL Medical Director, Executive Vice-President and Emeritus Medical Director of the Foundation Board of Directors. Dr. Loffer has been a mentor and champion to countless AAGL members and has made an impact on women’s health through his publications and teaching contributions in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.

Established in 2018, the Franklin D. Loffer, MD, Exceptional Resident Award recognizes a resident who demonstrates leadership in their training program and a commitment to minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. This award was established to acknowledge the outgoing AAGL President’s leadership and demonstrates AAGL’s commitment to mentoring future leaders.

Third year Ob/Gyn residents selected by their chair to receive the AAGL Honorary Resident Member status, are eligible to apply. The winner of this award will receive a scholarship to attend the AAGL Global Congress, recognition at the Global Congress, and a commemorative plaque. An FAAGL designated committee will review the applications and select a winner. Award recognition and scholarships will be determined annually by the FAAGL Board of Directors based on funding.

MEDSTAR NCAPS DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN MIGS
FUND

Located in beautiful Washington, D.C., the internationally recognized faculty of the National Center for Advanced Pelvic Surgery (NCAPS) at MedStar Health train physicians with a comprehensive blend of clinical, surgical, and academic excellence in minimally invasive gynecology. NCAPS focuses on the latest minimally invasive vaginal, laparoscopic, and robot-assisted surgeries to improve the patient experience, reduce pain, and allow for a faster recovery.

The MedStar NCAPS Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion in MIGS Award recognizes a top scoring manuscript presenting research on diversity and inclusion. The award winner will submit their winning manuscript for publication.

An FAAGL designated committee will review the applications and select a winner. The winner chosen will receive recognition at the annual AAGL Global Congress on Minimally Invasive Gynecology and a commemorative plaque. Award recognition and scholarships will be determined annually by the FAAGL Board of Directors based on funding.

JAY M. COOPER, MD
FUND

Jay M. Cooper, MD, the 26^th President of the AAGL, was renowned for his clarity of vision and gift for communication. This award is a tribute to his passion for excellence in women’s healthcare, both in research and in surgical education.

Established in 2004 in honor of Dr. Cooper, this fund provides an award for the Best Paper on Minimally Invasive Gynecology submitted by a current FMIGS fellow or graduated fellow within five years of their fellowship. An AAGL designated committee will grade all abstracts and determine a winner. The award winner chosen will receive recognition at the AAGL Global Congress on Minimally Invasive Gynecology and a commemorative plaque. Award recognition and scholarships will be determined annually by the FAAGL Board of Directors based on funding.

JEROME J. HOFFMAN, MD
FUND

Jerome J. Hoffman, MD, was an early AAGL Board member, a philanthropist, and an educator who believed strongly in championing residents and fellows. Dr. Hoffman was enthusiastically supportive of the Foundation of the AAGL and was its first Executive Director.

Established in 2008, this award recognizes the Best Paper on Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery submitted by a current resident or fellow. An AAGL designated committee will grade all abstracts and determine the winner. The award winner chosen will receive recognition at the AAGL Global Congress on Minimally Invasive Gynecology and a commemorative plaque. Award recognition and scholarships will be determined annually by the FAAGL Board of Directors based on funding.

JORDAN M. PHILLIPS, MD
FUND

Jordan M. Phillips, MD, founded the AAGL in 1971 to help organize the research and development that led to the first minimally invasive gynecologic procedures. He served as Chairman of the AAGL for 29 years and helped build the AAGL into the foremost, internationally recognized organization specializing in minimally invasive gynecology that it is today. Known as a visionary and a humanitarian, his impact on the field has been felt across the globe from physicians and residents to the patients they serve.

Established in 2005 in honor of Dr. Phillips, this fund provides an award for Best Research Paper on Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery. An AAGL designated committee will grade all abstracts and determine the winner. Award recognition and scholarships will be determined annually by the FAAGL Board of Directors based on funding. Award recognition and scholarships will be determined each year by the FAAGL Board of Directors based on funding.

OLYMPUS GOLDEN HYSTEROSCOPE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

The Golden Hysteroscope Award is presented by the Foundation of the AAGL for the Best Paper on Hysteroscopy. An AAGL designated committee will grade all abstracts and determine the winner. The award winner chosen will receive recognition at the AAGL Global Congress on Minimally Invasive Gynecology and a commemorative plaque. Award recognition and scholarships will be determined annually by the FAAGL Board of Directors based on funding. The Golden Hysteroscope Award is supported by an educational grant from Olympus America Inc.

OLYMPUS GOLDEN LAPAROSCOPE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

The Golden Laparoscope Award is presented by the Foundation of the AAGL for the Best Surgical Video on Laparoscopy. An AAGL designated committee will grade all video abstracts and select the winner. The award winner chosen will receive recognition at the AAGL Global Congress on Minimally Invasive Gynecology and a commemorative plaque. Award recognition and scholarships will be determined annually by the FAAGL Board of Directors based on funding. The Golden Laparoscope Award is supported by an educational grant from Olympus America Inc.

IRCAD BEST RESEARCH IN EDUCATION AND INNOVATIVE IDEAS IN TEACHING AWARD

The IRCAD Award is presented by the Foundation of the AAGL for best research in education and innovative ideas in teaching by a current FMIGS Fellow or graduate within 5 years of graduation. Abstracts for the respective AAGL Congress will be submitted and a designated committee will grade all abstracts and select the winner. The winner (lead author) will receive funding to attend IRCAD (L’Institut de Recherche contre les Cancers de l’Appareil Digestif) in Strasbourg, France. The IRCAD Award is supported by a grant from Karl Storz Endoscopy.

ROBOTIC ASSISTED SURGERY AWARD

The Robotic Assisted Surgery Award is presented to recognize the best robotic surgery abstract or video submitted for presentation at AAGL’s Global Congress on MIGS.

JOHAN van der WAT, MB BCh, FACOG
INTERNATIONAL RISING STAR SCHOLARSHIP

Dr. Johan van der Wat made many important contributions to the AAGL including serving on the AAGL Board of Directors (2010-2012), organizing the 9^th AAGL International Meeting in Cape Town, South Africa, and helping to establish the Vaginal Hysterectomy Special Interest Group. Once funded, the Johan van der Wat, MB BCh, FACOG Award will recognize accomplished international gynecologic surgeons for their expertise, high surgical volume, philanthropy and/or significant contribution to the field of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.