PRESIDENT’S WELCOME TO FIGIJ

Dear Friends,

I would like to warmly welcome you to the 2023-2026 term of the FIGIJ Board.

As the new president, I want to express my gratitude for allowing me to continue to be part of this great team working together to improve the overall gynaecological health of girls and adolescents worldwide.

First and foremost, I would like to thank the outgoing committee with whom we shared over three years of teamwork. Under the presidency of Paul Wood, along with Evelien, Zoran, and Judy in their respective roles, and with the support of Débora, Anna, Irene, Charleen, Gabriele, Zana, and the tireless work of Symphorosa in charge of examinations and IFEPAG centres, we were able to review the Statutes, work on advocacy and education, and create the new bursary (scholarship) fund for PAG training (a significant accomplishment led Gabriele Tridenti).

I want to share with you that, thanks to the  change in the Statutes, and for the first time, we have ensured the diversity of Board Members, allowing for a representative from each continent. This is crucial to ensure that we hear the voices of all corners of the world, enabling us to address the needs of girls and adolescents and improve our work based on their requirements.

Our main goal is to promote comprehensive care for girls and adolescents, focusing on their sexual and reproductive health and rights. We are committed to addressing their current needs and striving for comprehensive sex education to empower them. We aim to provide them with a safe and supportive environment where they can receive the best possible care.

Our Federation comprises professionals, researchers, clinicians, and educators in adolescent gynaecology who share a common passion for its advancement. We can collaborate, exchange ideas and knowledge, and tackle the challenges and opportunities we face in this ever-evolving field.

We will continue working with the resources and education committees to develop protocols and recommendations for the care of our patients, ensuring a unified approach and involving internationally recognised professionals in various areas of expertise.

We will also generate advocacy statements on critical issues that affect the health of girls and adolescents, as well as educational content for the training of PAG specialists.

I encourage you to submit clinical cases to enrich our knowledge and participate in discussions within the specialty.

Our website, managed by Lisa, will be active in generating the content, serving as a platform for exchange, and providing a space for our patients to find helpful information for their doubts and inquiries.

As members of the Federation, please actively participate in our activities, share your experiences and knowledge, and contribute to our collective growth. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of countless girls and adolescents, providing them with comprehensive medical care and empowering them to make informed decisions about their health.

On behalf of the entire International Federation of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology team, I thank you again for your participation. I look forward to working with you to achieve our common goal. Together, we can make a lasting impact in pediatric and adolescent gynecology and improve the health and well-being of young women worldwide.

Welcome!

Marisa Judith Labovsky MD
President of FIGIJ, 2023 – 2026