The Foundation of the AAGL launched the Jordan M. Phillips, M.D. Endowment campaign in Fall 2008 to raise money Fellowships, Research, Patient Education, and the Keynote Address at the annual meeting year in honor of the organization’s founder.

 

“Dr. Phillips was a leader, innovator and teacher who championed laparoscopic procedures for women everywhere,” said Franklin D. Loffer, Executive Vice President / Medical Director of the AAGL. “His impact on gynecologic endoscopy has been felt around the globe from physicians to residents to the patients they serve for generations to come. By naming this campaign in memory of Dr. Phillips, it carries on his vision and matches AAGL’s commitment to advanced medical education, research and better health care for women.”

 

The Foundation of the AAGL embraces that spirit with the Jordan M. Phillips Endowment as we seek support these four areas. While our goal is ambitious, the need is great…

 

 

 

Fellowships– Grants will support AAGL Fellowship sites to further advanced education in minimally invasive gynecology. With corporate support dwindling for clinical fellowships, the Foundation is committed to finding funds for advanced education.    The AAGL’s Fellowships in Gynecologic Endoscopy was the vision of Dr. Jordan Phillips. Now in its eighth year of operation, the Fellowship Program has graduated 79 fellows from 20 active sites throughout the United States and Canada. 
 

 

Dr. Liu has trained 15 fellows, most of who are in leading academic institutes today. "This past year, due to a lack of funding from industry, I seriously considered no longer participating," explained Dr. Liu. "But I'm compelled to stay involved, and teach the next generation of laparoscopic gynecological surgeons.  As more surgeons are trained, we close the gap and raise the standard of patient care which increases medical payor's acceptance of minimally invasive procedures.”

 

Enhancing that standard of patient care is vital in the AAGL’s quest to gain acceptance of minimally invasive procedures by insurance companies. If we can support more fellowships, we can increase physician expertise, provide better care and value to our patients and strengthen the insurance provider’s bottom line. 

 

Preceptors and Fellows alike benefit from the experience. “Prior to participating in the AAGL fellowship, I offered patients treatment options based on a limited skill set,” said Diane Hughes, a current Fellow. “Now, having broadened my skills and acquired an awareness of advances in minimally invasive interventions and how to evaluate these advances, I am able to discuss a broader range of treatment options available, allowing her a choice not previously possible.” 

 

Dr. Hughes hopes that she too will one day open her own Fellowship site to train others.

 

 

Research– The Foundation Board will award research grants to members working to find answers to improve physician technique and knowledge of minimally invasive procedures. While grant applications will be welcomed by all members, the AAGL Research Committee is currently formulating two practical proposals that will benefit all members. 

 

 Research Committee Chair Krisztina Bajzak, M.D.

"We are looking at research questions that will have a positive impact on the quality of life for women with pelvic organ prolapse and endometriosis. Physicians are seeking objective answers on the effects of certain techniques, patient outcome and care.  By exploring these projects, we'll be better able to provide our patients with these problems the scientifically proven best options for care," said Krisztina Bajzak. "We can't answer these questions without your help."

 

Patient Education – Statistics show that 98% of women expect their Ob/Gyn to offer them treatment options with the least amount of pain, while 94% of women expect their physician to consider how treatment will affect their lifestyle (recovery time, lost wages, child care concerns, etc.). Your support could help thousands of women avoid pain and longer recovery times associated with open surgery.  

 “Women with PHDs are not being fully informed about the range of available treatment options,” said Charles Miller, Immediate Past President of AAGL. “When half of women suffering from a given condition are unaware that they may be candidates for a minimally invasive procedure that spares them pain, time and disruption of their lives; there is a clear need for stronger efforts in patient education.”

 

AAGL has spearheaded a patient education initiative supported by industry for the last two years to inform women about minimally invasive gynecology. Although, the leadership recognizes to sustain the program, it will need more funds from industry, other foundations, insurance payors and members.

 

 

 

Keynote Address – At the Annual Meeting, AAGL features the Jordan M. Phillips Lecture where attendees hear from leaders in our specialty. By incorporating the keynote address into the Phillips Endowment, it will fund a broadened list of speakers and topics that reflect AAGL’s goal to promote dialogue on a diverse range of issues related to women’s health.

 

 Foundation Executive Director Ralph Turner, M.D. 

“The contribution of our Founder, Jordan Phillips, to women’s healthcare worldwide literally shifted the paradigm in the late 20^th Century,” said Ralph J. Turner, Executive Director of the Foundation for the AAGL. “The surgical advancements and cutting-edge innovative techniques took off and were revolutionary. Now is the time for the AAGL to join with all our other peer organizations to endow the lectureship for the presidential address at the annual meeting.” 

 

1.        Become a Donor – Since this is an endowment, any contribution will be preserved for the future while the interest it bears is used for today’s critical needs. Contributions of $2,500 and more can be automatically deducted monthly, quarterly or annually for 5 years. Register as a “Colleague” Donor for under $42 per month – less than a cup of coffee a day!  

2.       Pledge Form – Fill out your pledge form and you choose which area you want to support. Fax it back to: (714) 503-6201

3.       Thank you! – Our donors are recognized and listed by name in various ways including: Listed on the Wall of Distinction at AAGL headquarters, on AAGL’s Web site, all AAGL publications and Foundation publicity, promoted at the Annual Meeting, and acknowledgment from your peers.

 

For more information, contact the Foundation’s Heather Flower, Director of Development, at 1-800-554-2245