A new University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) endowment for a professorship dedicated to advancing benign gynecological surgery will enhance the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women’s Health (OBGYN). The OBGYN department now holds the largest endowment among all JABSOM departments.
Benign gynecological conditions, such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis and ovarian cysts, affect many women and can cause significant pain and stress. The Advanced GYN Surgery Professorship will support a faculty member who will elevate training for OBGYN residents in areas like chronic pelvic pain, fibroids and endometriosis.
“Our department has long been recognized for excellence in gynecologic oncology and urogynecology, yet there has been a significant gap in dedicated expertise for advanced and complex benign gynecologic surgery,” said Ivica Zalud, OBGYN department chair. “The need for highly specialized faculty—at the full professor level, with fellowship training, board certification, and national recognition—is critical in ensuring that our learners receive the highest standard of clinical training in surgical care.”
“This endowment is a step towards filling a major void in Hawaiʻi’s health care system,” said JABSOM Dean Sam Shomaker. “Having a nationally recognized expert in this area, right in our backyard, will improve clinical care and give OBGYN residents the training they need to help Hawaiʻi’s women as they go into practice in our community.”
