Listen now to the second episode of a two-part interview where Dr. Steven Lindheim chats with Dr. Victor Gomel about his history and the legacy he leaves behind. Join ASRM Today for a special 14-episode bonus series about surgical legends, "On the Shoulders of Giants: Perspectives in Minimally Invasive Reproductive Surgery". Crafted by the Society of Reproductive Surgeons, each episode will be an in-depth interview with a distinguished pioneer of reproductive surgery. Sit back, grab a cup of coffee, and enjoy what we think are valuable lessons about our history, sparking innovation, and newer applications of reproductive surgery. Victor Gomel, M.D. holds the rank of Professor Emeritus in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia. He served as the chairperson of his department for fifteen years when the department was greatly expanded and attained international recognition. Dr. Gomel is internationally known for his pioneering work in both gynecologic microsurgery and operative laparoscopy. His experimental work over the many decades elucidated the functions of the fallopian tube and led to better understanding of the tubal and peritoneal factors that cause infertility. He also established an IVF program in Vancouver in 1981. Under his leadership this program was the first to achieve success resulting in the life birth on December 25, 1983, of the first IVF baby in Canada. Dr. Gomel is also responsible for the establishment of a Masters and PhD program in reproductive and developmental sciences within his department in 1984. Dr. Gomel has published in multiple prestigious books and journals, served on multiple editorial boards, received honorary memberships and awards of excellence from numerous international scientific societies and universities in recognition of his pioneering work in reproductive medicine and operative laparoscopy.

Dr. Gomel is also a recipient of the prestigious distinction of Chevalier of the order of the Légion d'honneur, awarded by Jacques Chirac, President of France in 2003. In 2008 he was elected Fellow of the World Academy of Art and Science. In 2009 he received the degree of Doctor of Science Honoris Causa from the Simon Fraser University. He was awarded the rank of Professor Honoris Causa by the National Medical Research Center for obstetrics, gynecology, and perinatology of the Russian Federation. In 2018, he received a medal of the Order of Valor from the government of Cameroon.

Videos of the Surgical Legends interviews will be available to SRS Members on the Society of Reproductive Surgeons website.

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