The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at WashU Medicine hosted A Golden Era: Celebrating 50 Years of Surgical Advances in OBGYN, a two-day symposium and hands-on Surgical Skills Course held October 16–17, 2025.
The event brought together clinicians, researchers, and trainees to celebrate five decades of innovation in women’s health and to explore the future of surgical education. The program featured expert-led lectures, panel discussions, and practical workshops covering key topics such as placenta accreta spectrum, management of complex gynecologic anomalies, surgical education, and advancements in cervical cancer care.
The highlight of the event was the Add-On Surgical Skills Course, offering immersive, hands-on training in advanced gynecologic techniques, including laparoscopic suturing, morcellation via the ExCITE technique, ovarian cystectomy, OASIS repair, and anterior entry for vaginal hysterectomy. Participants honed their skills through simulation-based learning guided by experienced WashU faculty.
Distinguished speakers included Dr. Jennifer Gilner, delivering the Roy Petrie Memorial Lecture, and Dr. Saketh Guntupalli, presenting the James R. Schreiber Lecture on the future of surgical education in Ob/Gyn. The symposium also featured a multigenerational REI panel luncheon and the Nelson Alumni Society Members’ Dinner, fostering collaboration and reflection on the department’s rich legacy.
Together, these sessions celebrated the department’s enduring commitment to excellence in surgical innovation, education, and patient care—ushering in the next golden era of women’s health.