Awards
The Foundation of the AAGL offers Awards in the following three categories:
Noteworthy Awards
Application Deadline: Friday, May 29, 2026
Noteworthy Awards, the Foundation's highest achievement, recognize Excellence in MIGS. These prestigious awards are given to individuals nominated for their significant contributions which empower progress in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery through innovation, leadership, and mentorship. FAAGL Board Members are not eligible for nomination during their active status on the board.
Leila V. Adamyan, MD, PhD | Innovation in Surgery and Reproductive Medicine Award
The Leila V. Adamyan, MD, PhD, Innovation in Surgery and Reproductive Medicine Fund was established in honor of Dr. Leila V. Adamyan whose groundbreaking contributions have had a profound impact on gynecologic surgery. Dr. Adamyan developed innovative methods of diagnosis and treatment for different gynecological diseases and is the author of three diagnostic classifications: adenomyosis, retrocervical endometriosis, and Mullerian anomalies. She expanded education in Reproductive Health and Gynecologic Surgery in Russia and created over 20 national standards in Reproductive Health.
The Leila V. Adamyan, MD, PhD, Innovation in Surgery and Reproductive Medicine Award recognizes exceptional achievements in the diagnoses and treatment of endometriosis, myoma, Mullerian anomalies, pelvic floor disorders and other gynecologic conditions, enhancement of surgical precision and efficacy, assistance in protection and achievement of successful reproduction, and/or significant improvements in patients' quality of life.
An FAAGL designated committee and the Fund's Designated Spokesperson will select a qualified winner. The winner chosen will receive recognition at the annual AAGL Global Congress on Minimally Invasive Gynecology and a commemorative crystal award.
Barbara S. Levy, MD | AchieveHER Award
Sponsor: Medtronic
Barbara S. Levy, MD, FACOG, FACS, is a lifelong advocate for advancing the quality and equity of women's health, an inspiring leader and mentor, and has broken through barriers to women in medicine. She was elected as the first female President of AAGL in 1994-1995.
The Barbara S. Levy, MD, AchieveHER Award recognizes women leaders in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS) who, like Dr. Levy, have paved the way for female MIGS surgeons; served in leadership roles; and have been an influential mentor for five or more years. Qualified candidates must be 5-15 years out of fellowship training.
An FAAGL designated committee will review all applications/nominations and select a winner. The winner chosen will receive recognition at the annual AAGL Global Congress on Minimally Invasive Gynecology and a commemorative award. This endowment is supported by an educational grant from Medtronic.
Javier F. Magrina, MD | Excellence in Robotic Surgery Award
Sponsor: Intuitive Surgical
Javier F. Magrina, MD, is an exceptional leader and mentor who has touched the lives of innumerable students, residents, fellows, and gynecological surgeons worldwide. Known as a "master surgeon," Dr. Magrina's pioneer robotic techniques and technical innovations have benefited many patients and contributed to the advancement of robotics in Gynecology.
The Excellence in Robotic Surgery Award, established in 2022 in honor of Dr. Magrina, recognizes an outstanding surgeon for their innovations in robotic assisted technology. The winner chosen will receive recognition at the annual AAGL Global Congress on MIGS and a commemorative award.
This endowment is supported by a grant from Intuitive Surgical.
John F. Steege, MD | Mentorship Award
Sponsor: CooperSurgical
Dr. John F. Steege famously pioneered one of the earliest Fellowship Programs with the objective of training academicians. Many of his original fellows have remained in academic positions with several going on to establish their own fellowship programs. Dr. Steege was a leader in the evaluation and treatment of chronic pelvic pain.
The John F. Steege, MD, Mentorship Award, established in 2015, recognizes outstanding AAGL members who have provided at least ten years of support and mentorship to future generations of minimally invasive gynecologic surgeons. An FAAGL designated committee will review the nominations and select a winner. The winner chosen will receive recognition at the annual AAGL Global Congress on Minimally Invasive Gynecology and a commemorative crystal flame award. This endowment is supported by an educational grant from CooperSurgical.
Signature Awards
Application Deadline: Monday, May 4, 2026
Individuals are invited to submit an abstract for presentation at the AAGL Global Congress. The FAAGL Signature Awards recognize the highest scoring abstracts as determined through the AAGL Award Committee's meticulous grading process.
Jay M. Cooper, MD | Best Paper By A Fellow Award
Jay M. Cooper, MD, the 26th President of the AAGL, was renowned for his clarity of vision and gift for communication. This award is a tribute to his passion for excellence in women's healthcare, both in research and in surgical education.
Established in 2004, this fund provides an award for the Best Paper on Minimally Invasive Gynecology submitted by a current FMIGS fellow or graduated fellow within five years of their fellowship.
Jerome J. Hoffman, MD | Best Paper By A Fellow Award
Jerome J. Hoffman, MD, was an early AAGL Board member, a philanthropist, and an educator who believed strongly in championing residents and fellows. Dr. Hoffman was enthusiastically supportive of the Foundation of the AAGL and was its first Executive Director.
Established in 2008, this award recognizes the Best Paper on Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery submitted by a current resident or fellow.
Jordan M. Phillips, MD | Best Research Paper Award
Jordan M. Phillips, MD, founded the AAGL in 1971 to help organize the research and development that led to the first minimally invasive gynecologic procedures. He served as Chairman of the AAGL for 29 years.
Established in 2005, this fund provides an award for Best Research Paper on Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery.
Olympus Golden Hysteroscope Scholarship Award
Sponsor: Olympus America Inc.
The Golden Hysteroscope Award is presented by the Foundation of the AAGL for the Best Paper on Hysteroscopy. An AAGL designated committee will grade all abstracts and determine the winner. The Golden Hysteroscope Award is supported by an educational grant from Olympus America Inc.
Olympus Golden Laparoscope Scholarship Award
Sponsor: Olympus America Inc.
The Golden Laparoscope Award is presented by the Foundation of the AAGL for the Best Surgical Video on Laparoscopy. An AAGL designated committee will grade all video abstracts and select the winner. The Golden Laparoscope Award is supported by an educational grant from Olympus America Inc.
IRCAD | Best Research in Education and Innovative Ideas in Teaching Award
Sponsor: Karl Storz Endoscopy
The IRCAD Award is presented by the Foundation of the AAGL for best research in education and innovative ideas in teaching by a current FMIGS Fellow or graduate within 5 years of graduation. The winner (lead author) will receive funding to attend IRCAD in Strasbourg, France. The IRCAD Award is supported by a grant from Karl Storz Endoscopy.
Robotic Assisted Surgery Award
The Robotic Assisted Surgery Award is presented to the physician that submits the best robotic surgery abstract or video on MIGS. A committee appointed by FAAGL will select the winner of this prestigious award for presentation at AAGL's Global Congress on MIGS.
Scholarship & Endowment Awards
Application Deadline: Friday, May 29, 2027 (except Loffer)
These awards recognize individuals for their Achievements in MIGS in the following areas: global outreach, excellence in residency, suturing skills, diversity & inclusion, and outstanding papers/videos published in JMIG.
Harrith M. Hasson, MD | Physician from an Emerging Country Scholarship
Dr. Hasson was a true visionary, dedicated physician, and prolific inventor of surgical and educational devices and techniques. His legacy endures with the cannula and open laparoscopy techniques that bear his name.
Established in 2013 by Dr. Hasson's family, this scholarship recognizes a deserving physician from a developing economy who is empowering progress in minimally invasive gynecology within their community. The winner receives a scholarship to attend the annual AAGL Global Congress.
Jaroslav Hulka, MD | North American Resident Scholarship
Jaroslav Hulka, MD, was the fifth President of the AAGL and served on the first AAGL Board of Trustees. He was renowned for his commitment to women's reproductive rights and to making obstetrical, gynecological, and infertility procedures safer and less invasive.
Established in 2015, this award recognizes a deserving Fellow or Resident who is empowering progress in MIGS in North America.
Robert B. Hunt, MD | Best Paper Published in JMIG Award
Robert B. Hunt, MD, served as President of both the AAGL and the Foundation of the AAGL Board of Directors and was the founding Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology (formerly called the Journal of the AAGL). This esteemed academic journal has provided ongoing education and information for physicians worldwide for more than a quarter century.
Established in 2004, this fund provides an annual award for the best paper published in JMIG.
Robert B. Hunt, MD | Best Video Published in JMIG Award
Robert B. Hunt, MD, served as President of both the AAGL and the Foundation of the AAGL Board of Directors and was the founding Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology (formerly called the Journal of the AAGL). This esteemed academic journal has provided ongoing education and information for physicians worldwide for more than a quarter century.
Established in 2004, this fund provides an annual award for the best video published in JMIG.
Daniel F. Kott, MD | Scholarship (Panama, Costa Rica, Colombia)
Colonel Daniel F. Kott, MD, was a pioneer in the field of medical audiovisual technology. Colonel Kott practiced at Tripler Army Medical Center where the AAGL held some of its earliest meetings.
The Daniel F. Kott Scholarship is for a Resident, Fellow or recent graduate (within 2 years of fellowship or residency) in Panama, Costa Rica or Colombia only.
Franklin D. Loffer, MD | Exceptional Resident Award
Franklin D. Loffer, MD, FACOG, has worked diligently to develop and guide the organizational and medical policies of the AAGL. He has served as Board President, AAGL Medical Director, Executive Vice-President and Emeritus Medical Director of the Foundation Board of Directors.
Established in 2018, the Franklin D. Loffer, MD, Exceptional Resident Award recognizes a resident who demonstrates leadership in their training program and a commitment to minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.
MedStar NCAPS Diversity, Inclusion and Access in MIGS Award
The National Center for Advanced Pelvic Surgery (NCAPS) at MedStar Health trains physicians using a blend of clinical, surgical, and academic excellence in minimally invasive gynecology. NCAPS focuses on the latest minimally invasive vaginal laparoscopic, and robot assisted surgeries to improve the patient experience, reduce pain, and allow for a faster recovery.
The MedStar NCAPs Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion in MIGS Award recognizes a top scoring manuscript presenting research on access, diversity and inclusion.
An FAAGL appointed committee will review all applications/nominations. The recipient will be recognized at AAGL’s Global Congress on MIGS and will receive a commemorative plaque.
To learn more about how you can make a worthwhile and lasting contribution to your profession by giving to The Foundation of the AAGL, please contact The Foundation of the AAGL at foundation@aagl.org.
About Us
The Foundation of the AAGL is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to funding the development and application of emerging technologies to the benefit of gynecologic health care for women.
Mission
The Foundation of the AAGL provides opportunities for education, mentorship, global outreach, and patient advocacy, with the ultimate goal of improving women's health.
Vision
We seek to provide the resources to support the Foundation of the AAGL's mission to fund education, mentorship, global outreach, patient advocacy, and other initiatives that improve the health of women worldwide. We do this by providing grants to support the AAGL's FMIGS programs, periodic awards for outstanding MIGS achievements and scientific accomplishments at the AAGL Global Congress, opportunities for mentorships in MIGS, and patient advocacy and education to empower progress in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery and improve women's healthcare.
President’s Message
President, FAAGL
It is my distinct privilege to serve as the 2026 President of the Foundation of AAGL (FAAGL). I am deeply grateful for the groundwork laid by past leaders who embrace our collective purpose – to improve the health of women worldwide. Our commitment to supporting education, mentorship, training, patient advocacy, and research continues to drive the work of our distinguished Board.
The core purpose and influence of any organization are shaped by its mission and vision. Last year, the board worked on further clarifying FAAGL’s mission and vision, as well as emphasizing its vital role in advancing AAGL’s progress in innovative, transformative care for women. Consequently, the AAGL continues to value and prioritize Foundation funding to support its initiatives.
Expanding access to high-quality surgical training and creating opportunities that empower the next generation of MIGS leaders requires funding. Over the coming year, the FAAGL Board and staff will explore various approaches to fundraising that both enhance donor engagement and boost financial support. The Board is ready to meet this challenge and may call on you, the esteemed AAGL membership, to help lead the organization in securing funds for future growth and initiatives.
Thank you for your unwavering dedication to this crucial work. Your commitment enhances our efforts to promote compassionate, transformative progress in gynecological care. I look forward to sharing more updates and opportunities with you in the coming months. Together, we will keep advancing the mission and impact of FAAGL!
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is the principal policy-making body of the Foundation of the AAGL, responsible for oversight and strategic direction of the organization's mission to advance minimally invasive gynecologic surgery through education, mentorship, and research funding.
Amy Garcia, MD
Albuquerque, NM
Javier Magrina, MD
Phoenix, AZ
Ido Sirota, MD, FACOG
Raphael Hospitals
Tel Aviv, Israel
Lori Warren, MD, FACOG, FPMRS
Louisville, KY
Andrew Brill, MD
California Pacific Medical Center
San Francisco, California
Cheryl Iglesia, MD, FACOG
MedStar Health
Washington, DC
Charles Miller, MD, FACOG
Chicago, Illinois
Mark Woodland, MD, MS, FACOG
Drexel University College of Medicine
Philadelphia, PA
Tamer Seckin, MD
New York, NY
Vincent Lucente, MD
Oaks, PA
Linda Bradley, MD
Linda Michels
Individual Donors
The Foundation’s impact would not be possible without the generous support of our individual donors. Their contributions have impacted women’s health care around the world. As part of the Foundation’s commitment to transparency, we publicly disclose those who support our efforts on a quarterly basis. This list is comprised of those who have made contributions to advance the work of any part of the Foundation.
Donors: Individual Lifetime Giving
| Consultant: $50,000-$99,999 |
| Barbara S. Levy |
| Ralph J. Turner |
| Advisor: $20,000-49,999 | |
| Joan Hoffman | Camran R. Nezhat |
| Charles and Laura Miller | Sharon Sharrett-Hasson |
| Nash S. Moawad | Assia A. Stepanian |
| Educator: $10,000-$19,999 | |
| Barbara S. Hulka | Ceana H. Nezhat |
| C.Y. Liu | Donald W. Parker |
| Franklin D. Loffer | Harry Reich |
| Hwa Sook Moon |
| Teacher: $5,000-$9,999 | |
| David Adamson | Javier F. Magrina |
| Krisztina Bajzak | Jorge P. Mayo |
| Smith Barney | Ragnvald Mjanger |
| Lawrence D. Boysen | Jamal Mourad |
| Linda D. Bradley | Resad P. Pasic |
| Brian M. Cohen | Lisa M. Roberts |
| Jaroslav F. Hulka | Robert M. Rogers |
| Martin Farrugia | Tamer A. Seckin |
| Paul D. Indman | George and Jo Spirrison |
| Anthony A. Luciano |
| Associate: $2,500-$4,999 | |
| Abayomi B. Ajayi | Hans F. & Dolores Levy |
| Stephen D. Baer | Joseph M. Maurice |
| R. Edward Betcher | John R. Miklos |
| Mercedes Birlain | Douglass E. Ott |
| Jubilee Brown | William H. Parker |
| Yoon-Seok Chang | Jordan M. Phillips |
| Brian Cohen | David B. Redwine |
| Emilio O. Fernandez | Richard B. Rosenfield |
| Richard J. Gimpelson | James M. Shwayder |
| Paul Hendessi | Paul F. Vietz |
| Jodi Kaigh |
| Contributor: $1,000-$2,499 | |
| Leila V. Adamyan | Louis G. Keith |
| Arnold P. Advincula | Rosanne M. Kho |
| Prabhat K. Ahluwalia | Cho Kiu Kwong |
| Ted L. Anderson | Ronald L. Levine |
| Jay M. Berman | Katherine S. Lin |
| R. Edward Betcher | Vincent Lucente |
| Philip G. Brooks | Danielle E. Luciano |
| Young-Kwon Chang | Thomas L. Lyons |
| Stephen L. Corson | Suketu M. Mansuria |
| Howard L. Curlin | Greg Marchand |
| Raymon E. Darling | Daniel C. Martin |
| Leonardo Garza Fernandez | Timothy B. McKinney |
| Gary N. Frishman | Linda Michels |
| Donald I. Galen | Michael L. Moore |
| Larry R. Glazerman | Farr R. Nezhat |
| Joseph M. Gobern | David L. Olive |
| Paul Goeld | Marie Fidela R. Paraiso |
| Magdi M. Hanafi | Bhupendrakumar M. Patel |
| Amir A. Hasson | Gerard M. Roy |
| Harrith M. Hasson | Scott P. Serden |
| Paul Hendessi | George Sexton |
| Joseph L. Hudgens | Kurian Thott |
| Robert B. Hunt | George A. Vilos |
| Keith B. Isaacson | Lori L. Warren |
| Sarah Jeffries | Wendy K. Winer |
| Donor: $250-$999 |
Click here for a full list of Donors ($250-$999)
| Friend: $1-$249 |
Click here for a full list of Friends ($1-$249)
*Important Note: In compliance with the EU GDPR, this list does not include members from the European Union. If you live in the EU and would like to have your donation recognized on our website, please contact us foundation@aagl.org.
Company & Industry Donors
The Foundation’s impact would not be possible without the generous support of our industry donors. Their contributions and grants have impacted women’s health care around the world. As part of the Foundation’s commitment to transparency, we publicly disclose those who support our efforts on a quarterly basis. This list is comprised of those who have made contributions or grants to advance the work of any part of the Foundation.
Industry Cumulative Giving
| Partner: $500,000-$999,999 |
| Intuitive Surgical |
| Olympus America, Inc. |
| Colleague: $250,000-$499,999 |
| Ethicon |
| Intuitive Foundation |
| Karl Storz Endoscopy |
| Ally: $50,000-$249,999 |
| CooperSurgical |
| Backer: $25,000-$49,999 |
| Medtronic |
| Richard Wolf Medical |
| WISAP |
| Donor: $1-$24,999 | |
| Adiana, Inc | Inlet Medical |
| Advanced Text & Data | InSightec, Ltd |
| American Medical Systems | Lexicon Medical |
| Apple Medical Corporation | Microsulis Plc |
| Aragon Surgical, Inc | Minerva |
| Bard Medical Division | Mpahty Medical |
| Baxter Healthcare | Myovant |
| Bayer/Conceptus | National Fertility |
| Boston Scientific | Novare Surgical Systems, Inc |
| Conmed Corporation | Omnitech Systems, Inc |
| Cook OB/GYN | Solarant Medical, Inc |
| Covidien | Sound Surgical Technologies |
| Drs. Yee, Shu & Associates | Stryker Endoscopy |
| Ethicon Women’s Health and Urology | Sumitomo Pharma America |
| Fertility & Endo Center | SurgRX, Inc. |
| Fertility Physicians | Teleflex Medical |
| Fleet Pharmaceuticals | Tyco Healthcare |
| Gynecare Worldwide | U.S. Surgical |
| Gyrus ACMI Surgical | Universitaetsklinikum Luebeck |
| Hologic | Vascular Control Systems, Inc. |
Funding
We invite you to be a part of the commitment and progress the Foundation of the AAGL is making to advance global women’s health initiatives. Your dedication, collaboration and innovation is invaluable and it’s clear that the Foundation is making a significant impact in the field of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery.
For those interested in supporting the Foundation of the AAGL Awards, we offer various ways to contribute, including donations, endowments, bequests, and other forms of planned giving. It’s a tremendous opportunity to be part of a community that’s driving change, recognizing excellence in MIGS, scientific achievements, and improving healthcare outcomes worldwide.
Donations received have been used to fund Endowments, Scholarships, Awards, and our General Fund allowing us to support educational and scientific independence, promote quality, and ensure financial stability. Without your generous donations, none of these awards are possible. We want to thank you in advance for considering us in your giving!
The Foundation of the AAGL hosts an annual Awards Ceremony to celebrate these “Achievements in MIGS.” We invite you to join us this year in celebrating our award winners for Excellence, Achievements and Scientific Contributions in MIGS.
Ways to Give
The Foundation of the AAGL is grateful for the generous support of our donors, families, corporations, and other partners for promoting research in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery and advancing women's healthcare. There are several ways you can donate to support our cause:
How to Donate
The Foundation of the AAGL accepts donations online, or via check, cash, money order, or wire transfer.
Donations can be mailed to:
The Foundation of the AAGL
6757 Katella Avenue
Cypress, CA 90630
For wire instructions, please contact foundation@aagl.org.
Other Ways to Give
The Foundation of the AAGL welcomes donations of liquid assets, such as publicly traded securities or privately-held stock, and more. Please contact us at foundation@aagl.org or have your financial advisor contact us directly.
Foundation Fundraising Events at the Annual Global Congress
Each year we offer a host of exciting tours and networking events for you to experience the flavor of each city at the Annual Global Congress.
Planned Giving
Including a gift in your estate to the Foundation of the AAGL is a powerful way to support our specialty. We encourage donors to document bequest for several reasons:
- Documenting your bequest will allow the Foundation of the AAGL to recognize you now for your future gift.
- Providing details about your bequest will help ensure that your wishes are met.
- Encourage others with your generosity with your public show of support.
If you are considering making a planned gift or bequest, your advisor may request our street address and tax identification number:
The Foundation of the AAGL
6757 Katella Avenue
Cypress, CA 90630
EIN/Tax ID is 95-4375651
Contact
As with all decisions related to giving and estate planning, we encourage you to work with your financial advisor. For more information, contact us at foundation@aagl.org or 714-503-6200.
Global Outreach
Your Donation Will Help Fund the Following:
SUPPLIES
Providing the necessary supplies to assist with surgery for women.
TRAINING
Develop curriculum training program for surgeons to study online.
TALENT
Send volunteer medical teams to perform surgery.
QUESTIONS? EMAIL: foundation@aagl.org