Congress Organising Committee

Meet the Congress Organising Committee

Please click on each image to view the biography of the Organising Committee member.

Ernesto Castelazo Morales

Ernesto Castelazo Morales

Born in Mexico City, Mexico.

Attended the Colegio Mexico 1960 – 1965 in Mexico City for grammar school and then the Marymount Military Academy in the United States of America for one year, 1966; returning to the Colegio Mexico for high school (first three years) from 1967 – 1969; and the for the second three years of high school he attended the Centro Universitario Mexico 1969 - 1972. He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine from the Escuela Mexicana de Medicina de la Universidad La Salle (La Salle University’s Mexican School of Medicine) 1973 - 1978, Undergraduate Rotation Internship at the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS)’s Grupo I del Valle de Mexico 1977. He presented his Professional Examination to obtain his degree in Medicine in 1978, and did his Social Service at the Research Department in Perinatal Medicine at the IMSS’s Hospital de Gineco Obstetricia 4 1978 - 1979. Graduate Rotation Internship at the IMSS’s Centro Medico Nacional 1979 – 1980. He also obtained a Specialization in Gynecology and Obstetrics at the IMSS’s Hospital de Gineco Obstetricia 4 1980 – 1983. He obtained his Board Certification in Gynecology and Obstetrics conferred by the Consejo Mexicano de Ginecologia y Obstetricia (Mexican Board of Gynecology and Obstetrics) in 1985 and has been recertified every 5 years as of 1992. He has taken 68 Refresher Courses in the areas of Gynecology and Obstetrics as well as in the area of Teaching.

Instructor for the Professorship of Pathological Anatomy at the Escuela Mexicana de Medicina de la Universidad La Salle 1974 – 1976, Instructor and Associate-Full Professor of the Pre University Course of Medical Orientation at the Escuela Mexicana de Medicina de la Universidad La Salle 1974 – 1976, Instructor for the Professorship of Gyneco- Obstetrics at the Escuela Mexicana de Medicina de la Universidad La Salle 1976, Assistant Professor for the Faculty of Medicine of the UNAM – Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (Mexican National Autonomous University) at the Clinica 7-A de Ginecologia y Obstetricia at the Instituto Nacional de Perinatologia (National Institute of Perinatology) 1987 – 1988, Assistant Professor for the Specialization Course in Gynecology and Obstetrics for the Faculty of Medicine of the UNAM at the Instituto Nacional de Perinatologia 1985 – 1999 and at the Hospital Angeles Lomas 2002 – 2023, Tutor of the University Medical Internship at the Hospital Angeles Lomas 1999 – 2001. Associate-Full Professor of 32 and Associate Professor of 188 refresher/updating courses. Assistant professor and professor at 202 national and international scientific events. Author of 49 scientific articles published at the national and international level as well as 28 chapters of books.

Editor of the journal Revista Perinatologia del Instituto Nacional de Perinatologia 1995 – 1999, Member of the International Committee of Enciclopedia Medico Quirurgica of France 1996 – 2012, Associate Editor 1998 – 2002 and Editor-Coordinator of the Journal Ginecologia y Obstetricia de Mexico 2003 – 2006, Member of the Editorial Committee of the Journal Perinatologia y Reproduccion Humana 1999, Member of the International Advisory Board of the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2007 – 2023.

Aspirant - Candidate to Member in 1982 and Full Member since 1986 of the Asociacion Mexicana de Ginecologia y Obstetricia (Mexican Association of Gynecology and Obstetrics), member of 11 national and international scientific associations, President of the Asociacion Mexicana de Medicina de la Reproduccion (Mexican Association of Reproductive Medicine) 1993 – 1994, Treasurer of the Federacion Mexicana de Ginecologia y Obstetricia 1995 – 1997; President Elect of the Mexican Federation of Colleges of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2011 – 2013; President of the Mexican Federation of Colleges of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2013 – 2015. Vice-Chairman 1999-2002 and Chairman of the Mexico Section of District VII of The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 2002 – 2005. Ex officio member of the Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology of The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 1998 – 2012, Member of the International Affairs Committee of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 2006 – 2009 and 2011-2012. Vice President of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics 2012-2015. Chairman of the Committee for Capacity Building in Education and Training of the International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2015-2018.

Coordinator of Admissions, Escuela Mexicana de Medicina de la Universidad La Salle 1976 – 1977. Coordinator of the Thesis Evaluation Committee of the Escuela de Medicina de la Universidad Anahuac 1982 – 1983. Synodal Examiner-Professor of Professional Examinations at the Escuela de Medicina de la Universidad Anahuac 1982-1983. Head of Residents 1982 – 1983 and Assigned Physician 1983 – 1985 at the IMSS’s Hospital de Gineco Obstetricia 4. Assigned Physician 1985, Head of the Department of Undergraduate Teaching 1985 – 1990, Head of the Department of Medical Education 1990–1995, Director of Education 1995 – 1999 of the Instituto Nacional de Perinatologia. Examining Professor 1992 – 2012, Member of the Governing Board 1996 – 2012 and Director of Examinations 2003 – 2006 of the Mexican Board of Gynecology and Obstetrics, President of the Mexican College of Specialists in Gynecology and Obstetrics 2006 – 2008, President of the Mexican Board of Gynecology and Obstetrics 2009 – 2011, Mexico’s Representative on the Executive Board / Council of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) 2009 – 2012 and 2105 - 2023.

Honorable Award in High School in the Area of Chemical-Biological Sciences, Centro Universitario Mexico 1972. Honorable Award in the Bachelor in Medicine, Escuela Mexicana de Medicina de la Universidad La Salle 1978. Four prizes awarded in contests for scientific research works, Mexican Federation of Colleges of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Distinguished District Service Award 2010, District VII, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Health Sciences Award 2011, Anahuac University, Mexico. Honorary Member, The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, 2018.

Frank Louwen

Frank Louwen

Frank Louwen MD/PhD
2011 Honorary Doctorate (Dr. h.c.) of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Professor & Head Division Obstetrics and Fetomaternal Medicine
University of Frankfurt/ Main & University Hospital
60590 Frankfurt/Main
Germany
+49 69 6301 7703

1995 – 2002 University and University Hospital Muenster, Germany

Residency in Gynecology and obstetrics, Medical School
Specialist Gynecology and Obstetrics, Fellowship in Special Obstetrics and Perinatology
Physician and Head Division of Obstetrics, Prenatal Medicine and Reproductive Medicine
Deputy Director Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics.

2002 - University Hospital Frankfurt Goethe-University

Full Professor and Chief, Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical School, Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany

Academical, social and other Functions
German Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics DGGG

Executive Board member 2010 – 2022
Vicepresident 2020 – 2022

European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology EBCOG

President November 2023

International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics FIGO

President elect October 2023

Executive Council Member 2015 – 2021

Chairman Scientific Program Committee – FIGO World Congress 2021
Adviser ECAC FIGO 2021-2023

President: German-Israel Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics

Member board quality management of the government of the Federal Republic of Germany

Planning commission for certification of perinatal centers

Medical Director School of Midwifery, Frankfurt/Main

Coordinator of Evidence Based Medicine Guidelines

President, German Women Health Foundation

2019 Fellow (ad eundeum), RCOG, Great Britain
2022 Honorary membership AOG, Ukraine
2022 Honorary membership SOG, Israel
2022 Active Fellow, AGOS, USA
2023 Fellow honorary FOGSI, India
2023 Fellow honorary RCPI, Ireland
2023 Fellow honorary MOGSI, India

Ravi Chandran

Ravi Chandran

Dr Ravi Chandran is a Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist practicing in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and is currently the FIGO President-elect. He has served as the FIGO Hon Secretary from 2023-2025 and the FIGO Regional Trustee for Asia Oceania from 2021-2023. He was a member of the COC of the 2023 FIGO World Congress in Paris as well as the 2025 FIGO World Congress in Cape Town. He is also a Past President of the Asia Oceania Federation of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and the Obstetrical & Gynaecological Society of Malaysia.

Diane Francoeur

Diane Francoeur

Dr. Francoeur led the Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec (FMSQ) from 2014 to 2021 and was the first and only woman to hold the position of President within the organization. Her role within the FMSQ was highly political in nature, focused on ensuring that the funding envelope for specialist physicians was used in the most effective way possible to provide the best care to the population. During her term in office, she also created the IPAM Institute (Institut de pertinence des actes médicaux).

She continues her work as an Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at CHU Sainte-Justine, affiliated with the Université de Montréal where she values the opportunity to broaden the horizons of young medical students and residents by sharing the complex and challenging realities of women’s health at the international level. She ardently advocates for women's rights, physician leadership, and health care management.

She earned her MD degree from Université Laval, her obstetrics and gynaecology speciality degree from the Université de Montreal, and her subspecialty in pediatric gynaecology from the University of Louisville in Kentucky. Her administrative career began with the Corporate Directors Program at McGill University, and she later obtained her master's degree in health care management from Harvard University.

Her academic training helped shape her exemplary career in obstetrics, management and women’s leadership, leading her to assume the role of Chief Executive Officer of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) in January 2022.

In 2025, Dr. Francoeur was elected to the position of Honorary Treasurer of FIGO (the International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology), where she will draw on her strong experience in governance and management to ensure financial sustainability and the strategic allocation of resources in support of FIGO’s international programs.

Her community engagement includes helping establish sexual and reproductive health services for women in situations of extreme vulnerability supported by Le Chaînon.

Andrew Wiles

Andrew Wiles

Prior to joining FIGO Andrew's roles have included leading the overseas development operations for the British Council, Chief Operating Officer at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew and establishing a start-up charity focused on tackling climate change. Andrew is passionate about social justice and has a desire to bring commercial acumen to the third sector.

Married to Annie, and father to three grown-up daughters; in his spare time Andrew enjoys motorcycle trips, travel and trying to keep three Jack Rusell terriers under control.

Ranee Thakar

Ranee Thakar

Throughout her career, Prof. Thakar has held leadership roles at local, regional, national, and international levels. She has led the Perinatal Pelvic Health Project and Urogynaecology network for South-West London, fostering multi-disciplinary collaboration among healthcare professionals. As President of the International Urogynecological Association (IUGA) (2019-2020), she played a pivotal role in advancing urogynaecological care worldwide and was awarded the Distinguished Service Award in 2022.

Her commitment to global health is evident from her tenure as RCOG Senior Vice President for Global Health (2019-2022). Under her leadership, the College secured funding for the Essential Gynaecology Skills programme in Bangladesh. It led the Making Abortion Safe programme, which promotes safe abortion and contraception in five sub-Saharan countries.

Prof. Thakar is also a champion for racial equity within obstetrics and gynaecology. She has spearheaded initiatives, including an e-learning module on tackling racism, a toolkit on differential attainment, and a coaching programme to develop race equity champions. She actively raises awareness of maternal health disparities through conferences and fundraising efforts.

A globally recognised expert on obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASI), Prof Thakar was the clinical lead on a landmark RCOG-RCM national project that achieved a 20% reduction in OASI rates across 16 maternity units. She has authored 145 original articles, 50 review articles, and 37 book chapters, edited three textbooks, and has an h-index of 66

Ranee speaks internationally on women’s health, women’s health rights, and tackling racial equity. She is considered the voice of women’s health both in the UK and globally and is often featured in national and international media.

As a significantly accomplished gynaecological surgeon, Ranee is focussed on teaching skills in this highly complex area to the next generation of surgeons, leading a UK-wide project to improve surgical training for the benefit of women.

Javier Gomez Pedroso Rea

Javier Gomez Pedroso Rea

• Founding Member of the Oncology Department at the National Institute of Perinatology • Examining Professor, Mexican Board of Gynecology and Obstetrics, A.C. (1991–present) • President, Residents’ Society, National Institute of Perinatology • Lead Professor, International Course on Breast Pathology, Mexican College of Specialists in Gynecology and Obstetrics (1999–present) • Member, Governing Board, Mexican Board of Gynecology and Obstetrics (2005–present) • Coordinator, Press and Media Committee, Mexican Association of Gynecology and Obstetrics, and Member, Organizing Committee, 57th Mexican Congress of Gynecology and Obstetrics (2005–2006) • First Principal Secretary, Mexican College of Specialists in Gynecology and Obstetrics (2006–2008) • Executive President, XXIV COMEGO Congress (2008) • Treasurer, Mexican Board of Gynecology and Obstetrics (2007–2008) • Deputy Treasurer, Mexican Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (2007–2008) • Treasurer, Mexican Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (2008–2010) • Member, Editorial Board, Revista de Ginecología y Obstetricia de México (1999–2009) • Emeritus Member, Mexican College of Specialists in Gynecology and Obstetrics (2009–present) • Head of the Gynecology and Obstetrics Division, Hospital Ángeles del Pedregal (2010–2011) • Founder and Member, Ethics and Morbidity & Mortality Committees, Hospital Ángeles del Pedregal (2010–2016) • Vice President, Mexican College of Specialists in Gynecology and Obstetrics, A.C. (2011–2012) • President, Mexican College of Specialists in Gynecology and Obstetrics, A.C. (2013–2014) • Founder, Center for Medical Education in Simulation (CEMS-COMEGO) (2013–2014) • Member, Advisory Council, Mexican College of Specialists in Gynecology and Obstetrics (2015–present) • Coordinator, Interinstitutional Relations Committee, Mexican Board of Gynecology and Obstetrics, A.C. (2016 – present) • Coordinator, Scientific Committee for Mexico and the Caribbean Region, XXII FLASOG Congress (November 5– 9, 2017) • Board Member, Heritage Committee, Mexican College of Specialists in Gynecology and Obstetrics (2018–present) • Vice-president FEMECOG (2020-2021) • President FEMECOG (2022-2023) • Educational COMEGO Award (2026) • Honorary President 30 COMEGO Regional Meeting (2026)

Marc Yvon Arsenault

Marc Yvon Arsenault

Dr. Marc-Yvon Arsenault, MD, MSc, FRCSC(c) is an experienced obstetrician-gynecologist based in Montreal, with over 25 years of clinical, academic, and leadership experience. He is currently affiliated with the Centre Hospitalier de LaSalle and has held key leadership roles including Head of Obstetrical & Gynecological Ultrasound and Head of Family Planning Services.

He has been actively involved in major professional organizations such as the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada and the Association des Obstétriciens-Gynécologues du Québec, where he has contributed extensively to continuing medical education, conference organization, and professional development initiatives.

Dr. Arsenault has also served as an examiner and committee leader for the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, playing a role in shaping national certification standards. His academic background includes degrees from McGill University, Université Laval, and Université de Montréal.

He has authored multiple scientific publications and received recognition for innovation in medical education, including awards for continuing professional development initiatives.

Verda Hicks

Verda Hicks

She has authored numerous articles and book chapters. She has lectured widely with focus on cervical disease and pathology.

Dr. Hicks has participated actively in medical organizations of the American Society of Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology as well as the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), the Society of Gyn-Oncology, and the American College of Surgeons. She has held gradually increasing leadership positions in ACOG, including as President, May 2023-May 2024.

Thomas Gellhaus

Thomas Gellhaus

Dr. Thomas Gellhaus is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Iowa College of Medicine in Iowa City, Iowa. He received his Doctor of Medicine Degree from the University of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Following a Pathology residency, he completed his Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. During his career, he was in both private practice and academic medicine. Dr. Gellhaus is the Past President of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. His interests are in the area of mentoring, advocacy and healthcare policy. He founded and endowed the Gellhaus Resident Advocacy Fellowship at ACOG. He and his wife, Melanie, recently endowed the Global Women’s Health Program in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Iowa. He is currently the Chair of the Board of Directors of Health Volunteers Overseas, a non-profit global health organization based in Washington, DC. Most recently in October 2025, he was elected as the Regional Trustee for North America on the Board of Trustees of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) in London, UK.

Mauricio Arturo Cuello Fredes

Mauricio Arturo Cuello Fredes

Mauricio A. Cuello, MD is a gynecologic oncologist, academic leader, and researcher based in Santiago, Chile. He currently serves as LATAM Trustee of FIGO and is Full Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC). He is also a Gynecologic Oncology Surgeon at the UC-Christus Health Network, Associate Researcher at the Center for Cancer Prevention and Control (CECAN), and Advisor to the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Chile.

Dr Cuello completed postgraduate clinical and research training in gynecologic oncology, including a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Oncology at the US National Institutes of Health (NIH). His academic and clinical work focuses on gynecologic cancers, cervical cancer prevention and elimination, translational oncology, and the reduction of inequities in women’s cancer care.

He is Editor-in-Chief of the Revista Chilena de Obstetricia y Ginecología (RECHOG), Associate Editor of IJGO, and Associate Editor of Frontiers in Medicine. He is also Past President of SOCHOG, Past Chair of the Chilean Chapter of ACOG, and Past Member of the FIGO Women’s Cancer Committee.

Stephen Rulisa

Stephen Rulisa

Held leadership positions both in academic; as Dean of school of Medicine and Pharmacy at University of Rwanda and in clinical; head of department of obstetrics and gynecology at University of Rwanda covering teaching hospitals in Rwanda, and Head of Department of Obstetrics and gynecology at University teaching hospital of Kigali.

Founded and chaired the department of education and research at University Teaching hospital of Kigali.

Presently serving as a Clinician and National chair of Maternal, Perinatal & Child death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) committee responsible for monitoring, evaluation and mitigating maternal and perinatal mortality in Rwanda.

Founding fellow of East Central and Southern African College of obstetricians and gynecologists (ECSACOG) and currently serving as chair of Education, Scientific and Research responsible for Education and training in the Region.

Member of East African Community Health Research Commission (EAHRC) - Expert Working Group on Research and Capacity Development.

Has made significant contributions to peer-review journals through, with over 120 peer reviewed publications as well as serving as an associate editor and board member for BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, PLOS one, Current Obstetrics & Gynecology Reports, and Rwanda Medical Journal.

Have significant experience in international collaborations such as Serving on several advisory committees on maternal health, antimalarial treatment groups, Scientific Committee Director for African Association of obstetrician gynaecologist (AFOG) and currently chairing Scientific committee for International Federation of Obstetrician gynecologists (FIGO).

Aisha Siddiqa

Aisha Siddiqa

Professor Siddiqa graduated as the Best Graduate and Gold Medalist of Bolan Medical College, Quetta. Born and raised in a remote tribal region of Balochistan where formal education—even for men—was limited, she defied social barriers and cultural norms to pursue higher education, eventually building an outstanding academic and clinical career and becoming a role model for women in medicine.

She previously served as Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Bolan Medical College and Civil Hospital Quetta, where she played a key role in strengthening specialist training. She is widely recognized for establishing and promoting postgraduate training programs, examinations, and preparatory courses for postgraduate trainees in Balochistan, significantly improving local capacity for specialist medical education.

Professor Siddiqa also led initiatives to improve healthcare services, including the establishment of an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Sandeman Provincial Hospital, Quetta, strengthening critical care support for women and emergency obstetric patients.

Her services to women’s health have been recognized with more than ten national and international awards, including the Presidential Pride of Performance Award by the Government of Pakistan and the FIGO Women’s Award 2025, honoring her lifelong commitment to advancing maternal and women’s health.

Sambit Mukhopadhyay

Sambit Mukhopadhyay

Dr. Sambit Mukhopadhyay has held numerous prominent leadership roles in obstetrics and gynecology, including serving as President and former Treasurer of the European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (EBCOG), Chair of both the Health Inequalities Committee at EBCOG and the Professional Development Committee at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG). He has been the Clinical Governance Lead and Clinical Director in the Gynaecology department at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, as well as a Faculty Development Advisor for RCOG. His academic contributions include directing clerkships and undergraduate medical education at St George’s University, Grenada, and at Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia. He has also contributed to curriculum development at Kelaniya University, Sri Lanka, and has held several examination and quality assurance roles for EBCOG and RCOG. He is widely published in peer reviewed journals and have edited several books including the “The EBCOG Postgraduate Textbook of Obstetrics and Gynaecology” by Cambridge University Press.

Elif Göknur Topçu

Elif Göknur Topçu

Associate professor in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Istanbul, Turkiye. Specialised in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, PhD(c) in Histology and Embryology. Past president and executive member of WATOG. FIGO RReproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Committee member.

Meet the Congress Organising Committee

Please click on each image to view the biography of the Organising Committee member.

Aisha Siddiqa

Aisha Siddiqa

Professor Dr. Aisha Siddiqa, MBBS, FCPS, MSc (University of Glasgow), FRCOG (UK-Hon) is a distinguished obstetrician and gynecologist from Pakistan with more than three decades of experience in clinical practice, medical education, and advocacy for women’s health. She currently serves as a Trustee representing the Asia–Oceania region at the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO). She is also Councillor and Regional Director of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP) Regional Centre, Quetta, and previously served as Vice President of CPSP. She is also President-Elect of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Pakistan (SOGP). Professor Siddiqa graduated as the Best Graduate and Gold Medalist of Bolan Medical College, Quetta. Born and raised in a remote tribal region of Balochistan where formal education—even for men—was limited, she defied social barriers and cultural norms to pursue higher education, eventually building an outstanding academic and clinical career and becoming a role model for women in medicine. She previously served as Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Bolan Medical College and Civil Hospital Quetta, where she played a key role in strengthening specialist training. She is widely recognized for establishing and promoting postgraduate training programs, examinations, and preparatory courses for postgraduate trainees in Balochistan, significantly improving local capacity for specialist medical education. Professor Siddiqa also led initiatives to improve healthcare services, including the establishment of an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Sandeman Provincial Hospital, Quetta, strengthening critical care support for women and emergency obstetric patients. Her services to women’s health have been recognized with more than ten national and international awards, including the Presidential Pride of Performance Award by the Government of Pakistan and the FIGO Women’s Award 2025, honoring her lifelong commitment to advancing maternal and women’s health.

Aisha Siddiqa

Andrew Wiles

Andrew Wiles

Andrew trained as an Electronic Engineer before going on to study at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst and having a career as an officer in the British Army. After leaving the military, Andrew spent time in commercial roles with major international corporates including Hewlett Packard, before focusing on bringing his leadership and commercial experience to the charity sector. Prior to joining FIGO Andrew's roles have included leading the overseas development operations for the British Council, Chief Operating Officer at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew and establishing a start-up charity focused on tackling climate change. Andrew is passionate about social justice and has a desire to bring commercial acumen to the third sector. Married to Annie, and father to three grown-up daughters; in his spare time Andrew enjoys motorcycle trips, travel and trying to keep three Jack Rusell terriers under control.

Andrew Wiles

Diane Francoeur

Diane Francoeur

Dr. Diane Francoeur is a highly accomplished obstetrician-gynaecologist with more than 30 years of service. A dedicated advocate for women’s health, as well as their sexual and reproductive rights, and for strengthening the capacity of health care professionals, she continues to serve the community as an obstetrician-gynaecologist at CHU Sainte-Justine, mother and child hospital. Dr. Francoeur led the Fédération des médecins spécialistes du Québec (FMSQ) from 2014 to 2021 and was the first and only woman to hold the position of President within the organization. Her role within the FMSQ was highly political in nature, focused on ensuring that the funding envelope for specialist physicians was used in the most effective way possible to provide the best care to the population. During her term in office, she also created the IPAM Institute (Institut de pertinence des actes médicaux). She continues her work as an Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at CHU Sainte-Justine, affiliated with the Université de Montréal where she values the opportunity to broaden the horizons of young medical students and residents by sharing the complex and challenging realities of women’s health at the international level. She ardently advocates for women's rights, physician leadership, and health care management. She earned her MD degree from Université Laval, her obstetrics and gynaecology speciality degree from the Université de Montreal, and her subspecialty in pediatric gynaecology from the University of Louisville in Kentucky. Her administrative career began with the Corporate Directors Program at McGill University, and she later obtained her master's degree in health care management from Harvard University. Her academic training helped shape her exemplary career in obstetrics, management and women’s leadership, leading her to assume the role of Chief Executive Officer of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) in January 2022. In 2025, Dr. Francoeur was elected to the position of Honorary Treasurer of FIGO (the International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology), where she will draw on her strong experience in governance and management to ensure financial sustainability and the strategic allocation of resources in support of FIGO’s international programs. Her community engagement includes helping establish sexual and reproductive health services for women in situations of extreme vulnerability supported by Le Chaînon.

Diane Francoeur

Ernesto Castelazo

Ernesto Castelazo

Born in Mexico City, Mexico. Attended the Colegio Mexico 1960 – 1965 in Mexico City for grammar school and then the Marymount Military Academy in the United States of America for one year, 1966; returning to the Colegio Mexico for high school (first three years) from 1967 – 1969; and the for the second three years of high school he attended the Centro Universitario Mexico 1969 - 1972. He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine from the Escuela Mexicana de Medicina de la Universidad La Salle (La Salle University’s Mexican School of Medicine) 1973 - 1978, Undergraduate Rotation Internship at the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS)’s Grupo I del Valle de Mexico 1977. He presented his Professional Examination to obtain his degree in Medicine in 1978, and did his Social Service at the Research Department in Perinatal Medicine at the IMSS’s Hospital de Gineco Obstetricia 4 1978 - 1979. Graduate Rotation Internship at the IMSS’s Centro Medico Nacional 1979 – 1980. He also obtained a Specialization in Gynecology and Obstetrics at the IMSS’s Hospital de Gineco Obstetricia 4 1980 – 1983. He obtained his Board Certification in Gynecology and Obstetrics conferred by the Consejo Mexicano de Ginecologia y Obstetricia (Mexican Board of Gynecology and Obstetrics) in 1985 and has been recertified every 5 years as of 1992. He has taken 68 Refresher Courses in the areas of Gynecology and Obstetrics as well as in the area of Teaching. Instructor for the Professorship of Pathological Anatomy at the Escuela Mexicana de Medicina de la Universidad La Salle 1974 – 1976, Instructor and Associate-Full Professor of the Pre University Course of Medical Orientation at the Escuela Mexicana de Medicina de la Universidad La Salle 1974 – 1976, Instructor for the Professorship of Gyneco- Obstetrics at the Escuela Mexicana de Medicina de la Universidad La Salle 1976, Assistant Professor for the Faculty of Medicine of the UNAM – Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (Mexican National Autonomous University) at the Clinica 7-A de Ginecologia y Obstetricia at the Instituto Nacional de Perinatologia (National Institute of Perinatology) 1987 – 1988, Assistant Professor for the Specialization Course in Gynecology and Obstetrics for the Faculty of Medicine of the UNAM at the Instituto Nacional de Perinatologia 1985 – 1999 and at the Hospital Angeles Lomas 2002 – 2023, Tutor of the University Medical Internship at the Hospital Angeles Lomas 1999 – 2001. Associate-Full Professor of 32 and Associate Professor of 188 refresher/updating courses. Assistant professor and professor at 202 national and international scientific events. Author of 49 scientific articles published at the national and international level as well as 28 chapters of books. Editor of the journal Revista Perinatologia del Instituto Nacional de Perinatologia 1995 – 1999, Member of the International Committee of Enciclopedia Medico Quirurgica of France 1996 – 2012, Associate Editor 1998 – 2002 and Editor-Coordinator of the Journal Ginecologia y Obstetricia de Mexico 2003 – 2006, Member of the Editorial Committee of the Journal Perinatologia y Reproduccion Humana 1999, Member of the International Advisory Board of the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2007 – 2023. Aspirant - Candidate to Member in 1982 and Full Member since 1986 of the Asociacion Mexicana de Ginecologia y Obstetricia (Mexican Association of Gynecology and Obstetrics), member of 11 national and international scientific associations, President of the Asociacion Mexicana de Medicina de la Reproduccion (Mexican Association of Reproductive Medicine) 1993 – 1994, Treasurer of the Federacion Mexicana de Ginecologia y Obstetricia 1995 – 1997; President Elect of the Mexican Federation of Colleges of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2011 – 2013; President of the Mexican Federation of Colleges of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2013 – 2015. Vice-Chairman 1999-2002 and Chairman of the Mexico Section of District VII of The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 2002 – 2005. Ex officio member of the Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology of The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 1998 – 2012, Member of the International Affairs Committee of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 2006 – 2009 and 2011-2012. Vice President of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics 2012-2015. Chairman of the Committee for Capacity Building in Education and Training of the International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2015-2018. Coordinator of Admissions, Escuela Mexicana de Medicina de la Universidad La Salle 1976 – 1977. Coordinator of the Thesis Evaluation Committee of the Escuela de Medicina de la Universidad Anahuac 1982 – 1983. Synodal Examiner-Professor of Professional Examinations at the Escuela de Medicina de la Universidad Anahuac 1982-1983. Head of Residents 1982 – 1983 and Assigned Physician 1983 – 1985 at the IMSS’s Hospital de Gineco Obstetricia 4. Assigned Physician 1985, Head of the Department of Undergraduate Teaching 1985 – 1990, Head of the Department of Medical Education 1990–1995, Director of Education 1995 – 1999 of the Instituto Nacional de Perinatologia. Examining Professor 1992 – 2012, Member of the Governing Board 1996 – 2012 and Director of Examinations 2003 – 2006 of the Mexican Board of Gynecology and Obstetrics, President of the Mexican College of Specialists in Gynecology and Obstetrics 2006 – 2008, President of the Mexican Board of Gynecology and Obstetrics 2009 – 2011, Mexico’s Representative on the Executive Board / Council of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) 2009 – 2012 and 2105 - 2023. Honorable Award in High School in the Area of Chemical-Biological Sciences, Centro Universitario Mexico 1972. Honorable Award in the Bachelor in Medicine, Escuela Mexicana de Medicina de la Universidad La Salle 1978. Four prizes awarded in contests for scientific research works, Mexican Federation of Colleges of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Distinguished District Service Award 2010, District VII, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Health Sciences Award 2011, Anahuac University, Mexico. Honorary Member, The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, 2018.

Ernesto Castelazo Morales

Frank Louwen

Frank Louwen

Professor Dr. med. Dr. h.c. Frank Louwen is Full Professor and Chief of the Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine at the Goethe University Frankfurt and University Hospital Frankfurt, Germany. A leading expert in obstetrics and fetomaternal medicine, he has played a pivotal role in advancing clinical practice, research, and policy in women’s health. Professor Louwen completed his medical training and specialization in gynecology and obstetrics at the University of Münster, where he also held senior leadership roles, including Head of Obstetrics, Prenatal Medicine, and Reproductive Medicine, and Deputy Director of the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Since 2002, he has led the Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine in Frankfurt, shaping one of Germany’s prominent academic centers in the field. He is widely recognized for his leadership within international professional organizations. He currently serves as President of the European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (EBCOG) and President-elect of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO). His longstanding involvement with FIGO includes roles as Executive Council Member and Chair of the Scientific Programme Committee for the FIGO World Congress 2021. At the national level, Professor Louwen has held key positions within the German Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (DGGG), including Vice President, and contributes to healthcare policy through advisory roles in quality management and perinatal care certification in Germany. He is also President of the German Women’s Health Foundation and actively involved in advancing evidence-based medicine and midwifery education. His contributions to the field have been recognized globally through numerous honors, including an honorary doctorate from the Russian Academy of Sciences and fellowships and honorary memberships from leading international organizations such as RCOG, FOGSI, RCPI, and others.

Frank Louwen

Goknur Topcu

Goknur Topcu

Javier Gomez Pedroso

Javier Gomez Pedroso

Marc Yvon Arsenault

Marc Yvon Arsenault

Dr. Marc-Yvon Arsenault, MD, MSc, FRCSC(c) is an experienced obstetrician-gynecologist based in Montreal, with over 25 years of clinical, academic, and leadership experience. He is currently affiliated with the Centre Hospitalier de LaSalle and has held key leadership roles including Head of Obstetrical & Gynecological Ultrasound and Head of Family Planning Services. He has been actively involved in major professional organizations such as the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada and the Association des Obstétriciens-Gynécologues du Québec, where he has contributed extensively to continuing medical education, conference organization, and professional development initiatives. Dr. Arsenault has also served as an examiner and committee leader for the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, playing a role in shaping national certification standards. His academic background includes degrees from McGill University, Université Laval, and Université de Montréal. He has authored multiple scientific publications and received recognition for innovation in medical education, including awards for continuing professional development initiatives.

Marc Yvon Arsenault

Mauricio Cuello

Mauricio Cuello

Mauricio A. Cuello, MD is a gynecologic oncologist, academic leader, and researcher based in Santiago, Chile. He currently serves as LATAM Trustee of FIGO and is Full Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC). He is also a Gynecologic Oncology Surgeon at the UC-Christus Health Network, Associate Researcher at the Center for Cancer Prevention and Control (CECAN), and Advisor to the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Chile. Dr Cuello completed postgraduate clinical and research training in gynecologic oncology, including a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Oncology at the US National Institutes of Health (NIH). His academic and clinical work focuses on gynecologic cancers, cervical cancer prevention and elimination, translational oncology, and the reduction of inequities in women’s cancer care. He is Editor-in-Chief of the Revista Chilena de Obstetricia y Ginecología (RECHOG), Associate Editor of IJGO, and Associate Editor of Frontiers in Medicine. He is also Past President of SOCHOG, Past Chair of the Chilean Chapter of ACOG, and Past Member of the FIGO Women’s Cancer Committee.

Mauricio Cuello

Ranee Thakar

Ranee Thakar

Professor. Ranee Thakar is a Consultant Obstetrician and Urogynaecologist at Croydon University Hospital and an Honorary Senior Lecturer at St George’s University of London. She served as President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) from December 2022 to 2025, making history as the first woman of colour and only the third female President in the College’s 96-year history. She was recently appointed an Honorary Professor of Women’s Health by the University of Liverpool. Throughout her career, Prof. Thakar has held leadership roles at local, regional, national, and international levels. She has led the Perinatal Pelvic Health Project and Urogynaecology network for South-West London, fostering multi-disciplinary collaboration among healthcare professionals. As President of the International Urogynecological Association (IUGA) (2019-2020), she played a pivotal role in advancing urogynaecological care worldwide and was awarded the Distinguished Service Award in 2022. Her commitment to global health is evident from her tenure as RCOG Senior Vice President for Global Health (2019-2022). Under her leadership, the College secured funding for the Essential Gynaecology Skills programme in Bangladesh. It led the Making Abortion Safe programme, which promotes safe abortion and contraception in five sub-Saharan countries. Prof. Thakar is also a champion for racial equity within obstetrics and gynaecology. She has spearheaded initiatives, including an e-learning module on tackling racism, a toolkit on differential attainment, and a coaching programme to develop race equity champions. She actively raises awareness of maternal health disparities through conferences and fundraising efforts. A globally recognised expert on obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASI), Prof Thakar was the clinical lead on a landmark RCOG-RCM national project that achieved a 20% reduction in OASI rates across 16 maternity units. She has authored 145 original articles, 50 review articles, and 37 book chapters, edited three textbooks, and has an h-index of 66 Ranee speaks internationally on women’s health, women’s health rights, and tackling racial equity. She is considered the voice of women’s health both in the UK and globally and is often featured in national and international media. As a significantly accomplished gynaecological surgeon, Ranee is focussed on teaching skills in this highly complex area to the next generation of surgeons, leading a UK-wide project to improve surgical training for the benefit of women.

Ranee Thakar

Ravi Chandran

Ravi Chandran

Sambit Mukhopadhyay

Sambit Mukhopadhyay

Stephen Rulisa

Stephen Rulisa

Professor of Obstetrics and gynecology with over 20 years of experience in Research, administration and Academic Medicine, presently an Obstetrician gynecologist with PhD in public health focusing on infectious diseases and Maternal health. With vast experience in epidemiology, public health especially reproductive health, health systems strengthening, and health policy. Held leadership positions both in academic; as Dean of school of Medicine and Pharmacy at University of Rwanda and in clinical; head of department of obstetrics and gynecology at University of Rwanda covering teaching hospitals in Rwanda, and Head of Department of Obstetrics and gynecology at University teaching hospital of Kigali. Founded and chaired the department of education and research at University Teaching hospital of Kigali. Presently serving as a Clinician and National chair of Maternal, Perinatal & Child death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) committee responsible for monitoring, evaluation and mitigating maternal and perinatal mortality in Rwanda. Founding fellow of East Central and Southern African College of obstetricians and gynecologists (ECSACOG) and currently serving as chair of Education, Scientific and Research responsible for Education and training in the Region. Member of East African Community Health Research Commission (EAHRC) - Expert Working Group on Research and Capacity Development. Has made significant contributions to peer-review journals through, with over 120 peer reviewed publications as well as serving as an associate editor and board member for BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, PLOS one, Current Obstetrics & Gynecology Reports, and Rwanda Medical Journal. Have significant experience in international collaborations such as Serving on several advisory committees on maternal health, antimalarial treatment groups, Scientific Committee Director for African Association of obstetrician gynaecologist (AFOG) and currently chairing Scientific committee for International Federation of Obstetrician gynecologists (FIGO).

Stephen Rulisa

Thomas Gellhaus

Thomas Gellhaus

Verda Hicks

Verda Hicks

Dr. Verda Hicks is a Gyn Oncologist. She is a native of Illinois and attended the University of Illinois College of Medicine. Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology was in Baltimore, Maryland with Fellowship in Gyn-Oncology at Duke University. She has practiced in University, Private and Hospital based systems for over 30 years in Kansas City. Throughout her career, she has been active in teaching medical students and residents. She has authored numerous articles and book chapters. She has lectured widely with focus on cervical disease and pathology. Dr. Hicks has participated actively in medical organizations of the American Society of Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology as well as the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), the Society of Gyn-Oncology, and the American College of Surgeons. She has held gradually increasing leadership positions in ACOG, including as President, May 2023-May 2024.