Join the AAGL Research Committee

Since its inception in 1972, AAGL has been a leader in gynecologic medicine. Minimally invasive surgery, once touted as a “technical gimmick,” has become fully integrated into gynecologic education and training. Decades of AAGL-led innovation have completely transformed the paradigm of gynecologic surgery.  Now is the time for AAGL to expand its footprint of leadership.  

Research funding for gynecologic conditions and other aspects of women’s health has lagged for years. It is well-documented that this disparity leads to poorer health outcomes for our patients.  Despite this known gap, there has been an additional blow to women’s health outcomes in the form of a recent dramatic decrease in federal funding for gynecologic and other health research.

Bleak news often comes with a silver lining of opportunity. Several recent publications have predicted an increase in venture capital and other private investment funding in women’s health for 2025 and beyond. As we look toward a possible ABOG subspecialty designation on the horizon, the need to demonstrate more comprehensive leadership in our areas of expertise is apparent. Now is the perfect time to expand AAGL and the discipline of complex benign gynecology into a global resource through evidence-based information and guidance, leadership in surgical and scientific innovation, and connection with patients and industry.

Accordingly, AAGL’s Research Committee has expanded its mission along five strategic initiatives:

1. Support high-quality, impactful research that advances gynecologic medicine.
   • The Research Committee will foster a framework for multi-center trials, similar to the gynecologic oncology group (GOG); establish a program, similar to the GOG Bridges Initiative (https://www.sgo.org/education/bridges/) or SGS CoRPS (https://www.sgsonline.org/corps-landing-page) to provide formal training and mentorship for early-career investigators in clinical trial design and support the development of novel clinical trials.
   • Develop, maintain, and publish a list of research priorities available to the public, investors, and researchers.
   • Evaluate surveys proposed to membership
   • Collaborate with the Fellows Pelvic Research Network to provide leadership, mentoring, and funds for fellow research.

2. Serve as the conduit and resource of expertise for private equity, venture capital, and industry. The research committee should develop an entity similar to the structure of GOG Partners (https://www.gog.org/gog-partners), which connects industry partners with members who want to operate clinical trials. AAGL will become the primary source for technological companies seeking to appoint gynecologic experts to their advisory boards. This entity can provide oversight and guidance for ethical collaboration. 

3. Enhance the member experience by promoting and disseminating new research and practice guidance.
   • The research committee will increase the scientific output of AAGL through calls for research and through clinical guidance publications and “white paper” position statements in collaboration with the Practice Committee.
   • Advertise open grants related to complex benign gynecology to our members and expand offerings on basic science updates, clinical trial enrollment, and education in research, consistent with a large academic organization.
4. Establish relationships with patient advocacy groups to align initiatives and improve doctor/patient communication and patient trust. As gynecologists, we know that trust in the patient/doctor therapeutic relationship is key to success. We do better work for our patients and facilitate better outcomes if we are a trusted voice. By partnering with organizations like the White Dress Project and the Endometriosis Foundation to produce content, we advance our mission. AAGL may consider applying to become a “non-state actor in relation with the World Health Organization,” given the impact of our worldwide membership and international educational initiatives in supporting the rapidly evolving state of minimally invasive surgery to address critical disparities in women’s health globally.

5. Structure the Research Committee to provide enough workforce and ideas to meet the goals listed above. Accomplishing these goals listed above requires the talent, time, and skill of AAGL’s members at all levels of experience. The research committee is expanding to at least 8-10 members, including a YAN and fellow representative. It is also important to include ad hoc members from the research and advocacy communities outside of AAGL to provide advisory expertise and guidance.

If this resonates with you, please consider applying to the research committee by September 20, 2025. We are looking for members experienced with research, those with great relationships with industry, with basic science backgrounds, and more. We need engaged and energetic complex benign gynecologists with a vision of what AAGL will be in 50 years!