Awards
NOTEWORTHY AWARDS
Noteworthy Awards, FAAGL's highest achievement award, recognizes 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. AAGL and FAAGL Board Members are not eligible for nomination during their active status on the Board.
The Barbara S. Levy AchieveHER Award honors an exceptional femail leader in MIGS who has served in leadership, mentored others for five or more years, and played a pivotal role in paving the way for future generations of female surgeons.
Established in 2022, the Javier F. Magrina Excellence in Robotics Award recognizes an outstanding surgeon for innovations in robotic assisted surgery. Dr. Magrina has touched the lives of innumerable students, residents, fellows, and gynecological surgeons worldwide, providing leadership and mentorship through training, lectures, videos, observership programs, advising and coaching. 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. Additionally, he continues to elevate the field of robotics through the publication of over 50 papers in peer reviewed journals with exclusive content related to robotic surgery, authoring 17 book chapters on robotic surgical techniques, as well as a textbook on Robotic Gynecologic Surgery, and authorship of 46 robotic surgical videos.
The John F. Steege Mentorship Award was established in 2015 to honor John F. Steege, MD, who 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 also a leader in the evaluation and treatment of chronic pelvic pain, co-authored the first comprehensive text on chronic pelvic pain, and was a foundational figure in the development of laparoscopic pain mapping under conscious sedation.SIGNATURE AWARDS
Individuals are invited to submit an abstact for presentation at the AAGL Global Congress. The FAAGL Signature Awards recognize the highes scoring abstracts as determined through the AAGL Award Committee's meticulous grading process.
The Jay M. Cooper Award is presented to the top scoring abstract on minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS) by a Fellow in the Complex Benign Gynecology Fellowship (CBGF) program (formerly named the Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (FMIGS).
The Jerome J. Hoffman Award is presented to the best abstract on MIGS by a physician in training. This award is sponsored by the Jerome J. Hoffmann Endowment.
The Jordan M. Phillips Award is presented to the top scoring abstract for best research on MIGS. This award is sponsored by the Jordan M. Phillips Endowment.SCHOLARSHIP AND ENDOWMENT AWARDS
The FAAGL Scholarship and Endowment awards recognize individuals for their achievements in MIGS in the areas of global outreach, excellence in residency, suturing skills, diversity and inclusion, and outstanding papers/videos published in JMIG. Our sincere thanks to Dr. Ralph Turner, Sharon Sharett-Hasson, the Hunt Family, MedStar NCAPS, and FAAGL donors for their support of these awards.
Harrith M. Hasson, MD, was a true visionary, and dedicated physician. He served as the 19th president of AAGL and demonstrated his passion for continuous learning and development for surgical gynecologists. His legacy endures with the cannula and open laparoscopy techniques that bear his name.
As the fifth President of AAGL, Dr. Jaroslav Hulka, MD was an innovator, artist, and author. He was renowned for:
Robert B. Hunt, MD served as President of both the AAGL and the Foundation of the AAGL Board of Directors. During his tenure, he was the founding Editor-in-Chief the Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology (JMIG) (formerly called the Journal of the AAGL). This journal continues to be a resource to provide ongoing education and information for physicians worldwide.
As a pioneer in the field of medical audiovisual technology, Colonel Daniel F. Kott, MD videotaped live surgeries to document the procedures – a unique concept in 1973!
Since 1971, Franklin D. Loffer, MD, FACOG has worked diligently to develop and guide the organizational and medical policies of the AAGL. Not only is he a passionate leader and advocate, but he has shown exceptional commitment with a thoughtful approach during his service to AAGL and the Foundation of the AAGL (FAAGL). Dr. Loffer has served in various roles such as:
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.To learn more about the all FAAGL awards, please contact FAAGL 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