News Release—September 2025
Carmel J. Cohen, MD
The Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) and the Foundation for Women’s Cancer (FWC) mourn the passing of a pioneering leader in our field, Dr. Carmel J. Cohen, who died on August 21, 2024. Dr. Cohen served as the 19th President of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology in 1987, and was a renowned clinician, mentor, and advocate for all facing gynecologic cancers.
Born in Jerusalem in 1932, Dr. Cohen later immigrated to the United States and grew up in Louisiana. He graduated from Harvard University, followed by his medical education at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1956. He went on to train in Obstetrics and Gynecology at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, where he would spend much of his illustrious and distinguished career.
Dr. Cohen was a preeminent gynecologic oncologist who held a lifelong commitment to medicine, teaching, research and advocacy. He shared his extraordinary clinical ability and deep knowledge with commitment, compassion, empathy, and humor. As a visionary leader, Dr. Cohen played a formative role in advancing the field of gynecologic oncology as a specialty, and elevating the mission of SGO at a critical time in its growth. As one of the leaders present in the Society’s formative years, he carried with him the living history of SGO’s founding while always pushing the field toward future innovation.
In 1970, Dr. Cohen established the Gynecologic Oncology Service at the Mount Sinai Hospital, and he served as its Chief for 31 years. He was not only an exceptional clinician, but also an educator who inspired generations of medical students, residents, and fellows. He authored numerous scientific publications, and presented nationally and internationally. He was known not only for his clinical expertise, but also for his ability to frame the research questions that would define the future of gynecologic oncology. His influence extended far beyond the operating room. Carolyn D. Runowicz, MD, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine and Past President of SGO, reflects, “Dr. Carmel J. Cohen was an extraordinary influence in my life and career, serving as both teacher and mentor during my training as a resident, and later as a gynecologic oncology fellow at the Icahn School of Medicine, The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. His mastery as a clinician and surgeon was matched only by his generosity as a mentor, guiding with wisdom and an unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care. He set the highest standards in the operating room and in the clinic. Dr. Cohen’s example shaped not only my professional skills but also my values as a physician, and his legacy will continue to inspire me and all those fortunate enough to have learned from him.”
Ginger Gardner, MD, Vice Chair of Hospital Operations, Department of Surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and FWC Chair reflects on Dr. Cohen’s influence across generations, “Dr. Cohen lives on in the halls of the Giants of Gynecologic Oncology. He galvanized the concept of the multi-faceted gynecologic oncologist as the centerpiece in patient care, and he never lost sight of the importance of future research and innovation. Dr. Cohen represents to me, the shared history of SGO, and our priority on future solutions for all our patients. He received me as an FWC (nee GCF/NCI) research grant recipient to be his fellow, and he was always a beacon of inspiration to me in where we have come as a field, and where we need to grow and build. I will always remember going to his office in the evenings as he made his many personal calls to patients, and yet he still made time to sit with me to share of his valuable time and expertise. Dr. Cohen was a force of nature in our field with his vast knowledge and unwavering commitment to progress, yet with compassion and sincerity beyond measure. She also noted Dr. Cohen’s deep respect for his own mentors such as Dr. Saul Gusberg, and how that respect shaped his approach to mentoring others. Dr. Farr Nezhat, Clinical Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, remembers him as the “Ultimate Teacher, Ultimate Mentor and Ultimate Friend!”
Stephanie Blank, MD, Director of Gynecologic Oncology at Mount Sinai Health System and Past President of SGO, reflects, “Dr. Cohen’s visionary leadership, dedication, and mentorship profoundly shaped the Gynecologic Oncology and Mount Sinai communities. The creation of the Carmel Cohen Endowed Research Fellowship at Mount Sinai ensures that his influence endures, fostering discovery and innovation. His impact will be felt for generations, inspiring all of us to carry forward his commitment to improving the lives of people facing gynecologic cancer.” Beyond his many professional accomplishments, Dr. Cohen was known for his generosity of spirit, and was deeply devoted to his family, his colleagues, and the patients whose lives he touched.
Recognizing his visionary impact for the field of gynecologic oncology, the SGO/FWC has established the Dr. Carmel J. Cohen Move4Her Tribute. All proceeds will go directly to support gynecologic cancer research, education and awareness in honor and tribute to Dr. Cohen, and his watershed impact to the field of gynecologic oncology. Fittingly, this effort reflects Dr. Cohen’s lifelong commitment to accelerate the future of gynecologic cancer care and research, and the field of gynecologic oncology for generations.
The Society of Gynecologic Oncology and the Foundation for Women’s Cancer are indebted to Dr. Cohen for his decades of service, his vision, and his enduring example of how to lead with excellence, visionary leadership, commitment and compassion.
We honor Dr. Cohen with gratitude and extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and former patients who carry forward his extraordinary legacy. The official obituary, published by his family in The New York Times, is available online here.