From June 29 to July 5, 2025, the OMI hosted the Obstetrics and Gynecology seminar in Salzburg in collaboration with Weill Cornell Medicine and the Medical University of Vienna. This year’s course brought together 37 fellows from 28 countries, ranging from Azerbaijan to Kenya, Mongolia, and Tajikistan, creating a truly global exchange of knowledge and experience.
Access to quality Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) care remains a critical pillar of public health. Around the world, women continue to face significant barriers in accessing essential health services. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), challenges such as maternal mortality, limited access to reproductive care, and untreated gynecological conditions persist, especially in low-resource settings. This seminar aimed to address those gaps by equipping physicians with evidence-based knowledge and practical tools to improve care in their local contexts.
The course was led by Dr. Glenn L. Schattman, associate professor at Weill Cornell, whose involvement with the OMI dates back to the year 2000. Twenty-five years later, his dedication to education and capacity building remains strong. Reflecting on the week, Dr. Schattman noted:
“Being part of the faculty at the OMI is an honor. Seeing the ingenuity of clinicians from all over the world and being a part of their education to develop new and innovative ways of providing optimal care is very rewarding.”
This year’s seminar focused on several key areas in reproductive medicine, including pelvic pain, endometriosis, fibroids, minimally invasive surgery, fertility, and assisted reproductive technologies. As Dr. Schattman highlighted, “Infertility is a disease like any other. For the infertile couple, the monthly stress of waiting for menses to see if conception was successful is similar to any major stressful life event or loss.” The week offered a comprehensive look at how these challenges can be addressed effectively, regardless of setting or resource availability.
The faculty from Weill Cornell included Drs. Rony Elias, Mohamad Irani, and Nikica Zaninovic. Dr. Andrea Weghofer joined as co-course director from the Medical University of Vienna, and this leading Austrian institution was well represented with contributions from Drs. Iris Holzer, Heinrich Husslein, Katrin Klebermass-Schrehof, Lorenz Kuessel, Johannes Ott, Klara Rosta, and Richard Schwameis.
One of the seminar’s standout features was its interactive approach, especially the laparoscopy workshop, which was supported by Olympus.
This practical session allowed fellows to receive hands-on training under expert supervision. As Dr. Husslein explained: “The laparoscopy workshop provided hands-on training in both basic and advanced laparoscopic skills. Fellows developed their proficiency in essential techniques such as bimanual dexterity, suturing, and a thorough understanding of surgical anatomy.”
In summarizing the week, Dr. Schattman emphasized the value of practical learning: “These core lectures and workshops provide OB/GYN professionals with many of the tools necessary to optimize care for their female patients no matter where they practice or their country’s resources.”
We extend our sincere thanks to Olympus for their generous support and to our dedicated faculty from Weill Cornell Medicine and the Medical University of Vienna. Their commitment plays a vital role in advancing global standards in women’s health through education and exchange.
Zhainagul Abdirasulova, MD
OMI fellow from Kyrgyzstan
“The laparoscopy workshop was a personal highlight for me. Having previously performed gynecological surgeries only via laparotomy, this hands-on training gave me the confidence and motivation to begin incorporating minimally invasive techniques into my practice. It truly felt like a breakthrough moment.”
Doris Meigas-Tohver, MD
OMI fellow from Estonia
“Dr. Schattman gave us an excellent overview of the fundamentals of female reproductive endocrinology before diving into the complex world of ovarian stimulation for IVF. Moreover, his continuous supervision and insightful commentary throughout the seminar fostered valuable discussions.”
Lucija Rosić, MD
OMI fellow from Croatia
“I was really looking forward to the laparoscopy workshop. I was not expecting that just prior to it, I would attend one of the best lectures I have heard in a long time. Packed with clinical pearls, practical tricks, and informative tips, the talk on perioperative management by Dr. Husslein was truly outstanding and became my highlight of the day.”
