Dear members of the IUGA family,
In my part of the world, days have become short and winter will soon start, as does the Christmas holiday season. This time welcomes a bit of reflection.
We’re approaching IUGA’s 50th anniversary; half a century of dedication to the global advancement of urogynecological knowledge and patient care through education and the promotion of basic and clinical research on female pelvic floor disorders. It’ll be worth a celebration in Barcelona we’re all looking forward to.
IUGA has proven to be the diverse association, where its members all have a feeling of belonging and are challenged to make an impact in the field of Urogynecology.
We’re also approaching a change in team compositions after this year’s elections. A huge ‘thank you’ to all volunteers for the work delivered! And a warm welcome to newly elected members. IUGA’s is fortunate and grateful for this worldwide family of volunteers.
As my term as your president comes to an end as well, it’s good to look back at the past two years. Based on your input, 5 newly defined strategic focus areas have been defined.
We have strengthened our position as the premier authority & advocate in urogynecology.
And we cultivate collaborations and partnerships. An example of the latter is our upcoming first joint meeting with our European partner EUGA in Barcelona. And we’re happy to share with you that the boards of both IUGA and ICS have consulted each other for an upcoming joint meeting as well. The result of a good collaboration is greater than the sum of its parts.
As an example of empowering through education, the board is proud to have launched the InSpiRe program, that offers recognition to devoted practioners in countries where urogynecology is not yet a certified subspecialty. The board believes it might facilitate the subspecialty accreditation in those countries.
All that we achieve is the result of TEAM work, for which I am very grateful.
As I reflected at the beginning of my term, I quoted that ‘nothing will stay the same’, according the law of impermanence. The content of ‘my’ team is thus changing as well.
I take the opportunity to convey my deep gratitude for their work and commitment to Jorge Haddad, who leaves the board as Immediate Past President, and to Lisa Progalidad, who served as IUGA’s treasurer for the last 4 years. We have been family!
At the same time, I warmly welcome Jan Deprest as the new Treasurer and to Dudley Robinson as the next President Elect.
It is with great confidence and pleasure that I handover the Presidency to Anna Rosamilia from Australia, where days are heading for their longest duration.
Wherever you’re from, I wish you a happy and healthy holiday season in a safe environment, surrounded by family and friends. I continue to hope and pray for peace in our world!
on behalf of the entire Board, my warm Christmas greetings to all of you,
Fred Milani
IUGA President 2023-2024