Origins of the Society

In January 1968, Drs. Hervy E. Averette and John J. Mikuta identified a need for the creation of a medical society focused solely on gynecologic oncology. The proposed purpose of the new organization was to "stimulate interest in gynecologic cancer and to promote the training and education of individuals in this area of interest." The working title for the proposed organization was the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists.

In May 1968, Drs. Averette and Mikuta gathered other likeminded fellows of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to discuss the potential for this new organization. Those in attendance agreed to form a society consisting of obstetrician-gynecologists whose major interest was gynecologic cancer. In January 1969, interested parties were gathered to formalize the creation of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists. Chairman George C. Lewis, Jr., MD, began the session with a challenge to the group:

"If we are to seriously pursue the creation of a new society, we must consider its aims, for it is these aims that will be our reason for existence. The objectives should be:

to identify those principles, knowledges and skills related to gynecologic malignancy

to guide the development of a subspecialty devoted to this field of interest

to promote the training and certification of specialists in gynecologic malignancy, and

to promote research, education and practice of this subspecialty."

A Full History of SGO

Founding of SGO

In January 1970, the first Annual Meeting of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists was convened. Shortly thereafter, the organization was incorporated in the State of Florida.

Founding Members of SGO

Sidney L. Arje, MD*	John G. Masterson, MD, Council*
Hervy E. Averette, MD, Vice President*	Richard F. Mattingly MD*
Hugh R.K. Barber, MD*	Abe Mickal, MD*
David L. Barclay, MD*	John J. Mikuta, MD, Secretary-Treasurer
Clayton B. Beechman, MD*	George W. Morley, MD*
Herbert W. Birch, MD*	John Mc Lean Morris, MD*
Richard C. Boronow, MD	James H. Nelson, Jr., MD, Council*
Charles R. Boyce, MD	Michael Newton, MD*
H. Marvin Camel, MD*	Leonard Palumbo, Jr., MD*
Denis Cavanaugh, MD	Roy T. Parker, MD*
Joseph T. Crapanzano, MD	Warren E. Patow, MD*
James W. Daly, MD	Humbert L. Riva, MD*
Edward J. Dennis, III, MD*	J. William Roddick, Jr., MD*
Leo J. Dunn, MD	Felix N. Rutledge, MD*
Henry Clay Frick, II, MD*	Alfred I. Sherman, MD Council
Hans E. Geisler, MD	Hugh M. Shingleton, MD
Laman A. Gray, Sr., MD*	Charles J. Smith, MD*
Saul B. Gusberg, MD, Council*	Julian P. Smith, MD
J. Edward Hall, MD*	Richard E. Symmonds, MD, Council
Myroslaw M. Hreshchyshyn, MD*	John D. Thompson, MD
Robert R. Hughes, MD*	W. Norman Thornton, Jr., MD*
John H. Isaacs, MD*	Howard Ulfelder, MD*
Alan L. Kaplan, MD	Paul B. Underwood, Jr., MD
James S. Krieger, MD*	John A. Wall, MD*
Philip J. Krupp, Jr., MD	W. Budd Wentz, MD
Thomas B. Lebherz, MD*	George D. Wilbanks, Jr., MD
George C. Lewis, Jr., MD, President*	Tiffany J. Williams, MD
John L. Lewis, Jr., MD, President-Elect	John F. Wurzel, MD
William E. Lucas, MD

* deceased

In Memorial

SGO recognizes the invaluable contributions of our founding members listed above. Their wisdom and tenacity to create this sub-specialty organization for gynecologic oncologists has lead the society to over 40 years of unwavering support for the treatment and one-day cure of women's cancers. SGO gratefully acknowledges the involvement of all the individuals who have contributed to the Society as since passed on.

Advanced Subspecialty Certification in Gynecologic Oncology

In 1970, the American Board of Obstetricians and Gynecologists appointed several ad hoc committees to consider advanced subspecialty certification. The Gynecologic Oncology Committee included five SGO members, including John L. Lewis, Jr., MD as Chairman. In 1972, the subspecialties in Obstetrics and Gynecology were formally approved by the American Board of Medical Specialists. The first written and oral examinations for certification for Special Competence in Gynecologic Oncology were given in 1974.