A Year of Growth, Perspective and Leadership: Jordyn Tumas, MD, on Her SGO Experience
When Jordyn Tumas, MD, looks back on her time serving as the fellow-in-training representative to the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) Board of Directors, one word rises to the top: perspective.
As a gynecologic oncology fellow, most days are focused on patient care, surgical training and academic growth. Stepping into a board role offered something different. It opened a window into how a national organization thinks, plans and makes decisions that shape the future of the field.
Seeing Leadership Up Close
Serving as a nonvoting member of the board gave Dr. Tumas a close view of how ideas move from discussion to action. She observed the level of care and deliberation that goes into each initiative, from educational programming to long-term strategy.
What stood out most was the intentionality. Decisions were not made quickly or in isolation. They involved collaboration, discussion and often months or years of planning. Watching that process unfold gave her a deeper appreciation for the infrastructure that supports fellows across the country.
“It was a unique opportunity to understand how leadership works at scale,” she shared. “You see how much thought goes into every step.”
Understanding the Fellow Experience on a National Level
There are fewer than 300 gynecologic oncology fellows nationwide. That small community creates a strong sense of connection, but it also means training experiences can vary.
Through her work on the board, Dr. Tumas championed the needs of fellows at the national level. Discussions about education, access, and professional development gained sharper focus when viewed from the board’s perspective. She emphasized the importance of clear communication and having fellows represented in decision-making to help ensure fair access to opportunities, which is essential for trainees. When programs are competitive or offered only periodically, awareness matters. Ensuring fellows know what is available to them is an essential part of supporting their growth.
That is why one of her main priorities this year has been partnering with SGO’s Membership Team to rethink how the organization communicates with fellows and shares important information, including enrollment for skills courses, society meetings, and professional development programs.
This work is still in progress. Improving and organizing content specifically for fellows within a large organization takes time. Looking ahead, there may also be new technology that helps fellows connect with one another more directly and in a more inclusive way.
Education and Access as Priorities
If asked what should remain front and center for fellows within SGO, Dr. Tumas is clear: education and access.
High-quality surgical and clinical training is the foundation of gynecologic oncology. Beyond that, fellows benefit from opportunities to engage with leaders in the field, participate in specialized courses and connect with peers outside their home institutions.
Reducing barriers, whether logistical, financial or informational, can make a meaningful difference in how fully fellows are able to participate. From online resources to in-person programming at the Annual Meeting, she saw firsthand how much effort SGO puts into creating spaces for learning and connection. It is especially important not only to encourage fellows to get involved, but also to make participation easier and more rewarding for them.
Innovation in Practice
Dr. Tumas describes her board experience as innovative, not because it led to sweeping change, but because of the forward-thinking mindset she witnessed and helped shape. Her mentors approached challenges with creativity and persistence. When obstacles arose, the conversation shifted to how to move forward, not whether to move forward. That culture left an impression.
It also influenced how she thinks about her own career. Innovation, in her view, is about steady progress and thoughtful problem-solving. It is about asking how systems can work better for the people they serve.
Creating Space for Fellows
One of the most meaningful aspects of her role was contributing to programming for fellows at the SGO Annual Meeting. Helping shape sessions designed specifically for trainees reinforced the importance of creating spaces where fellows can connect, ask questions and see themselves as future leaders in the field.
Those interactions, whether in structured sessions or informal gatherings, underscored a simple truth: community matters. Training is demanding, and having a national network makes it feel less isolating.
Looking Ahead
As Dr. Tumas prepares for the next phase of her career, she carries forward more than a line on her CV. She leaves with a deeper understanding of organized medicine, a clearer view of how national priorities are set, and a stronger sense of responsibility to stay engaged.
Her experience reflects what is possible when fellows are invited into leadership spaces. It is not only about contributing ideas. It is about learning how the field evolves and recognizing that today’s trainees will shape tomorrow’s standards of care.
For fellows considering getting involved, her message is simple: say yes to the opportunity. The view from the boardroom offers lessons that extend far beyond a single year of service.