April 2019
John B. Gebhart, MD, MS, FACOG
Professor, OBGYN & Surgery, Mayo Clinic
What made you interested in the field of urogynecology and why did you decide to dedicate your career to treating female pelvic disorders?
I always liked the surgical aspects of our discipline and I had a great mentor at Mayo Clinic, Dr. Raymond Lee. I enjoy the diagnostic challenges of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in a tertiary care setting and love the unique nature of our surgical procedures that combine anatomy, biomechanics, functionality, etc. Patients are very grateful to have you help them with a "hidden problem."
What is an interesting fact most people don't know about you?
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| Dr. Gebhart's Mayo Clinic door card |
I grew up in a small, rural town in North Dakota of about 300 people.
A surgical tradition at Mayo Clinic is to create a "door card" that is placed on the outside hospital door of each of your postoperative patients' rooms in a way to immediately recognize that this is your patient. Mine represents a North Dakota plains heritage - I'm here to take care of you and get the job done.
Was there a mentor or someone you admire who had a positive impact on your career?
I was absolutely blessed to have Dr. Raymond Lee as my mentor at Mayo Clinic. He was the nicest, kindest man you could ever meet and probably one of the greatest gynecologic surgeons of our time. Everyone sent their surgical challenges to Dr. Lee from all over the world. As a young learner, I didn't fully appreciate the degree of difficult cases that he got on a daily basis. He made extremely difficult procedures look easy, which is the hallmark of a great surgeon.
His honesty, integrity and humbleness were and are unique traits of such a gifted surgeon. Those things were not formally taught to his mentees but if you paid attention, those lessons were as important as the steps to a surgical procedure.
One of my most gratifying professional accomplishments was leading the effort to raise funds and formalize the Raymond A. Lee Lectureship for our AUGS annual meeting. I hope every AUGS member takes time to learn about one of our greatest mentors, Dr. Raymond Lee.
Why are you an AUGS member? How do you suggest other members receive maximum value from AUGS?
AUGS is the society for FPMRS. It represents the specialist that practices urogynecology (FPMRS). I have benefited from being an AUGS member by attending the annual meetings to learn the latest research and network with the urogynecologic community. I've also benefited by being on the AUGS Board, learning from other leaders and developing lifelong friendships.
My advice to members is to fully engage in the opportunities that AUGS provides: attend the annual meeting to learn from others presenting their research; present and defend your own research or surgical technique; participate in an AUGSome event; join a committee; raise funds for the Foundation; participate in the AQUIRE registry. In my opinion, the more you engage the greater the experience.
Please detail your involvement with AUGS, including participation in Annual Meetings, Board of Directors, Committees, and Special Interest Groups.
Attended most annual meetings since 1999 Board of Directors - 2 terms (member at large) Secretary/Treasurer (4 years) Executive Committee (4 years) Foundation Board (4 years) Campaign Chair - Raymond A. Lee Lectureship (2010) Leadership Council Program - Mentor (2 years) Raymond A. Lee Lecturer (2013) Fellows Hands-On Course Co-Director (2015-2019)
Do you have a favorite memory from PFD Week or your involvement with AUGS?
While there are too many favorites to pick from, I'll always fondly recall our Board Meetings in Baltimore and dinners on the harbor and the AUGSOME Event in Denver when Doug Hale was President - food trucks and fun and games!
I'm fortunate to have been exposed to many great members of our society and learned both the nuts and bolts of urogynecology but also the qualities and styles of leadership. The opportunity to serve AUGS gave me great insight into the workings of a large society and the work that is required to make it what it is, a constantly evolving organization. I'm grateful for what AUGS has done for me: educated me in urogynecology and leadership; provided a network for collegial and industry relationships and given me great memories and friendships. I'm especially proud of what AUGS has done for fellows. As a former fellowship director, I'm proud to see both my fellows and all fellows as a whole benefit from AUGS.
Please provide any additional information, memories, or advice that you would like to share.
The more you engage the more you will thrive. It is great to see our specialty growing and evolving. As a past director of the AUGS Fellows Course, it is rewarding to see the Fellows from every program grow and mature. You are the future of AUGS - grab the torch together and make our future and yours a bright one!
March 2019
David Glazier, MD
Physician, Virginia Urology
What made you interested in the field of urogynecology and why did you decide to dedicate your career to treating female pelvic disorders?
During my early medication training, I was drawn to the precision and immediacy of surgery. Urogynecology, in particular, offers the chance to impact women's health and alleviate suffering in a meaningful way. Most of our treatments are minimally invasive, with excellent outcomes, and they truly do offer hope to a major segment of the population. Many of our patients have spent so many years sacrificing for every other member of the family, putting their needs dead last. We should be helping these women and doing what we can to restore their health.
Was there a mentor or someone you admire who had a positive impact on your career?
Early in my surgical residency, I had the honor of working under a fantastic mentor named Arthur Tanner. His example of integrity, dedication, and skill was unparalleled. He demanded excellence and taught by example. I feel very fortunate to have his lasting influence on my career and I am very much inspired by his commitment to mentorship.
Why are you an AUGS member? How do you suggest other members receive maximum value from AUGS?
AUGS does a great job of providing practical leadership and guidance as our field progresses and evolves. I think it is very valuable to have the support and consensus from AUGS in terms of safe and effective treatments for our patients. Conversely, we also look to AUGS for their statements regarding treatments that are not approved by the FDA or proven for efficacy.
Please detail your involvement with AUGS, including participation in Annual Meetings, Board of Directors, Committees, and Special Interest Groups.
Most recently, I have been involved in workshops and educational roundtables during PFD Week. The best thing is the opportunity to network and exchange ideas with physicians from all over the country. I always come away with new ideas or tips and tricks.
Do you have a favorite memory from PFD Week or your involvement with AUGS?
My favorite memories are seeing colleagues and friends from all corners of the country and world. It is very special to connect with those whom you respect but don't otherwise have the opportunity to see.
What is an interesting fact most people don't know about you?
I met my lovely wife Gina in medical school and we are from Dublin, Ireland. We have three awesome kids.
Please provide any additional information, memories, or advice that you would like to share.
There is no substitute for just putting in the time. Whether it's hitting the books during board preparation, practicing on the robot simulator, or watching your own surgical videos. Patient care is a privilege and it demands excellence. This is important work that requires commitment and integrity. You can never be faulted for doing the right thing and being nice to people. Don't be afraid to ask for help. When in the position to offer it, don't hesitate to provide mentorship; that's how all of us got here.