IAGE – Indian Association of Gynaecological Endoscopists
The Indian Association of Gynaecological Endoscopists (IAGE) was established in June 1978 to provide support and continuing education for the over 10,000 Endoscopic Surgeons and Gynecologists who are performing Endoscopic surgeries in India. The mission of the IAGE is to bring together Obstetricians and Gynecologists interested in the art and science of Gynaecological Endoscopy. IAGE’s president, Dr. Sunita Tandulwadkar’s vision and initiatives for IAGE this year is:
E = mc2: Endoscopy = mastering challenges2
The first initiative, ‘Project EAGLE’ stands for Every Aspiring Gynaecologist Learns Endoscopy. In India, many medical colleges are not equipped with Endo units. This means that residents graduating from those medical colleges have never witnessed an endo-surgery unless they attend conferences. ‘Project EAGLE’ will be reaching out to medical colleges across the country to organize two-day operative training workshops for residents in the Obstetrics and Gynecology departments. Over 150 Endo surgeons of India, who have worked for more than 10 years in the field, have volunteered to participate in this important project. The aim is to highlight simple cases and ensure that residents understand that a hysterectomy can be performed by laparoscopy.
Another initiative by Dr. Tandulwadkar’s is the ‘Knowledge Enclave’. This is a one-day workshop for recently graduated Gynaecologists which features live surgeries and scientific discussions. She is also spear-heading two FEM – Focus Expert Group Meetings for expert Gynaecologists on the topics of Myoma and Endometriosis.
Throughout 2019-2020, Dr. Tandulwadkar’s and IAGE will be organizing sixteen STAR EndoGyn conferences in eleven states. The goal is to provide a platform where Endoscopic surgeons can present their knowledge and skills on a national level and encourage an exchange of knowledge between IAGE members.
Dr. Tandulwadkar’s fifth initiative, BALI – Balancing Advanced Laparoscopy in India, is a one-day, hands on training led by experts in the field for Gynaecologists who wish to advance their skills.
Another incredible initiative set this year is the use of STAR Drives. These drives are simplified audio and video recordings of endoscopy trainings led by expert surgeons across the country. The training videos will be shared by pen drives on topics such as Hysteroscopy, Myoma, Hysterectomy, Pelvic Floor, Vaginal Hysterectomy, Ovarian Adnexal Masses, and Endometriosis.
Dr. Tandulwadkar’s last initiative is a youth council whose goal is to promote young endoscopic surgeons and to encourage them to participate into various conferences.
In association with doctors from India’s Primary Health Centers, IAGE will be planning ‘Family Planning Camps’, across the country.
The IAGE is continually growing and currently consists of 2845 members. Under the inspiring leadership of Dr. Tandulwadkar, IAGE will make continue to make an enormous impact in the healthcare for women in India.
For more information, please visit IAGE Online at https://www.iageonline.com/contact_iage.php.
