Joe Lopez, front, a graduate student in Virginia Shepherd's lab, received his Ph.D. in pathology, and Chris Lossin, a graduate student in Al George's lab, received his Ph.D. in neuoroscience, at the Graduate School ceremony last Friday. (photo by Dana Johnson)
Dr. Steven G. Gabbe, dean of the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, has been elected president-elect of the Society for Gynecological Investigators, a premier scientific organization in obstetrics and gynecology of about 1,000 members. Gabbe will serve as the group’s president in 2005.
SGI is one of a few scientific organizations with a broad international representation. About 81 percent of its members are in the United States, 4 percent are in Canada and 15 percent are from outside North America. One-third of the members are basic scientists and two-thirds are clinical investigators. Clinician SGI members are not only obstetricians and gynecologists but are also pediatricians, anesthesiologists, and internists. Although many members focus on research in obstetrics, gynecology, gynecologic oncology and reproductive medicine, much of their work integrates other disciplines such as genetics, molecular and developmental biology, endocrinology, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, immunology, and epidemiology.
The organization provides and promotes leadership and excellence in research; international forums for scientific exchange; mentoring, career development and education; advocacy for research in women’s health and reproductive science; and collaboration with academia, government, industry, and professional organizations.
“It’s quite an honor to be the president-elect, then president of this organization, especially since the president is elected by a vote of its members,” Gabbe said.
He has been a member since 1971 and has served on the governing council since the early 1990s.