Out of 271 candidates, 33 fellows from 24 countries were selected to attend the annual obstetrics and gynecology course, held from June 14 to 20, 2026, at Schloss Arenberg. “I always feel like I learn as much as I teach, and at the end of the week, I have acquired dozens of new colleagues,” reflected course director Dr. Stephen T. Chasen from Weill Cornell Medicine. His statement captured the atmosphere of collaboration and knowledge exchange that defined the week.
We were thrilled that Dr. Chasen joined us again for the ninth time, and that co-course director Dr. Petra Kohlberger from the Medical University of Vienna joined us for the 13th time. Dr. Chasen is actively involved in clinical research involving prenatal diagnosis, multiple pregnancy, and obstetric complications. Dr. Kohlberger specializes in gynecologic oncology, preinvasive lesions of the female genital tract, and children and adolescent gynecology.
The duo has led many seminars together, and their enthusiasm encouraged the other faculty members to network with the fellows and share as much of their knowledge and expertise as possible. The remainder of the teaching cohort was made up of Dr. Victoria Blinder from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Dr. Eloise Chapman-Davis, Dr. Julia Cron, and Dr. Yelena Havryliuk, all of whom work at Weill Cornell Medicine, as well as Dr. Barbara Bodner-Adler, Dr. Klara Rosta, and Dr. Stefanie Aust from the Medical University of Vienna.
The seminar is part of a three-year curriculum with rotating topics. Infectious diseases, gynecologic oncology, reproductive immunology, maternal fetal medicine, fetal therapy, and gynecologic surgery were the subjects covered this year.
The seminar addressed important issues in obstetrics, gynecology, and women’s health. The faculty cohort lectured on conditions affecting women throughout their life cycles, focusing on topics such as breast cancer and gynecologic malignancy, endometriosis, infectious diseases, obstetric hemorrhage, and adolescent gynecology. Fellows were exposed to the latest, evidence-based diagnostic and management strategies for a broad range of conditions affecting women. The lectures were accompanied by fellows’ case presentation sessions, and a workshop by faculty on how to present a case.
When asked why he continuously decides to donate his time and expertise to OMI seminars, the course director explained his commitment in a meaningful statement. “I have been participating in OMI seminars since 2002, and in recent years I have been the course director at OMI seminars in Salzburg and Mexico City,” noted Dr. Chasen. “These seminars are uniquely rewarding, as the participating fellows have taught me so much about the practice of medicine in their home countries. Through the years, I have observed them advancing in their careers, and it is so gratifying to know that I have participated in some small way in their education.”
Vanja Popović, MD
OMI fellow from Montenegro
“Dr. Chasen may be the best teacher I have ever had the privilege of learning from. His lecture on abnormal placentation reminded us of all the important aspects we need to consider when managing placental disorders. Despite the diversity of our backgrounds, healthcare systems, and clinical practices, he addressed our questions with remarkable clarity and relevance. He was always direct and to the point.”
Menberu Moges, MD
OMI fellow from Ethiopia
“As an obstetrician-gynecologist working in a setting without a pediatric and adolescent gynecology specialist, I found Dr. Julia Cron’s lectures on abnormal vaginal bleeding and premature ovarian insufficiency in adolescents very encouraging. She shared recent and practical updates that were highly relevant to my practice.”
Bunrith Touch, MD
OMI fellow from Cambodia
“As a healthcare professional working in a low-resource environment, taking this course has helped me better understand what I can and cannot implement in my daily practice. I will share this knowledge and experience with my colleagues to help continue improving skills within the maternity ward in Cambodia.”
