Society of Gynecologic Oncology – SGO

• Amanda Bridges
• July 8, 2015
• Resources

In May 1968, Drs. Averette and Mikuta gathered other likeminded fellows of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to discuss the potential for this new organization. Those in attendance agreed to form a society consisting of obstetrician-gynecologists whose major interest was gynecologic cancer. In January 1969, interested parties were gathered to formalize the creation of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO). Chairman George C. Lewis, Jr., MD, began the session with a challenge to the group:

“If we are to seriously pursue the creation of a new society, we must consider its aims, for it is these aims that will be our reason for existence. The objectives should be to identify those principles, knowledges and skills related to gynecologic malignancy, to guide the development of a subspecialty devoted to this field of interest, to promote the training and certification of specialists in gynecologic malignancy, and to promote research, education and practice of this subspecialty.”

SGO changed its name to the Society of Gynecologic Oncology in May 2011, recognizing SGO’s expanded membership, which now includes representatives from the entire cancer care team, including medical and radiation oncologists, pathologists, researchers, gynecologic oncology nurses and physician assistants, palliative care specialists, and social workers.

SGO in April 2012 restructured itself as a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit entity and created a 501(c)(3) entity called the Foundation for Gynecologic Oncology. The Foundation became responsible for education, research, development and fundraising to complete the missions of both groups. As the new 501(c)(6), SGO assumed responsibility for clinical practice, government relations, coding and membership activities.

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