• IUGA’s First Webinar Filling Up Fast
• Volunteer for the IUGA Champions Program

Mark your calendars for IUGA’s first webinar on Saturday, August 3rd at 5:00 p.m. EDT.

The focus of the webinar will be an update on vaginal mesh, and the learning objectives for this session are as follows:

1. Understand the current situation and views regarding the use of mesh
2. Know the range and incidence of problems associated with mesh implants and be able to identify patients who might benefit from the procedure
3. Understand alternatives to the use of mesh
4. Understand the steps for securing informed consent

Moderated by Chris Maher of Brisbane, Australia, the speakers and their topics will be:

Lynsey Hayward (Auckland, New Zealand)
Background – explaining how mesh came to be used
Class 3 products
RCOG Guidelines
What’s happening now in different countries – where stopped and where still used

Kaven Baessler (Berlin, Germany)
Indications for use and alternatives
Early adopters vs. appropriate approach
Minimum number of surgeries

Steven Swift (Charleston, USA)
Getting it Right – working with patients re: consent

The webinar is only open to IUGA members and is free to participate. We have created a new online system to register.  Just click on the button below.  After logging in with your member username and password you will be redirected to complete a short form.  If you have previously registered for the webinar via email, you do not need to take any additional steps.  If you have any questions please contact us at webinar@iuga.org. 

A link and dial-in instructions will be sent two days prior to the webinar. There will be no charges to connect to the webinar.  Registered members can also participate in the webinar using a mobile device through the Adobe Connect app for Android, iOS and Blackberry devices.

With a globally based membership we understand it will be difficult for some of our members to participate due to the timing of the webinar, so we will be recording it for posting on the IUGA web site at a later date. We will notify our members when the recording is available for viewing.

*Space is limited and is filling up fast, so register now to reserve your spot!*

As IUGA continues to grow and extend our roots to more countries around the world, our need for volunteers grows as well. We are now seeking IUGA members to volunteer for the newly established IUGA Champions Program, which was created to promote awareness about urogynecology and IUGA. For the first year, we will accept at least two volunteers from up to 12 countries around the world to act as IUGA champions, helping with both recruitment of new members and the retention of our existing members. The program will be evaluated after the first year and additional champions may be added as needed.

As an IUGA Champion, you will have the opportunity to establish camaraderie with other champions and IUGA members throughout the world and make a significant contribution to the growth of urogynecology in your country. The application process for the champions program will be open through August 26, 2013. Once all the applications are received they will be reviewed by a group of people which will include IUGA office staff, a board member and a committee chair. The selection criteria for champions includes demonstrating access to contacts in your country, effective service in other health related organizations/associations and active participation in IUGA. To download the champions program manual and application, please click here.

Questions about the champion program should be sent to Amy Cassini, Membership Manager at amy@iuga.org.