ISGE Credo Mission Statement

Dear Colleagues, Dear Friends,

I am both proud and humble to accept the role of President of the International Society of Gynecologic Endoscopy. This position represents more than an honor—it is a commitment to lead with integrity, uphold the highest clinical and educational standards, and support our shared mission: to advance the field of gynecologic endoscopy through knowledge, technical excellence, and the fundamental belief that access to education is a universal right.

As a non-profit organization, ISGE is dedicated to the dissemination of medical knowledge across all levels of expertise and regions. From foundational techniques to the most advanced procedures, our aim is to provide accessible, current, and high-quality learning opportunities for all healthcare professionals engaged in this discipline.

In the practice of medicine, each of us is an educator—whether we realize it or not. From the moment we assume responsibility for patient care, we begin to teach. This role requires a professional, empathetic, and mature approach from the very beginning of our careers.
Effective teaching involves creating a supportive environment where learning—and the inevitable mistakes that accompany it—are met with respect. The way we respond to those moments shapes us as mentors. True educators correct constructively, guide without diminishing, and inspire through trust. This is the core of andragogy—the science and art of adult education, grounded in respect, diplomacy, and mutual growth.

We must also recognize and dismantle the barriers that limit access to education. Learning must not be viewed as a privilege for a few, but rather as a standard for all. As a global society, we are collectively responsible for ensuring that educational resources reach every corner of the world—so that a student in Kathmandu or Nairobi is just as empowered as one in Berlin or New York.

Among all the skills necessary for learning, focus remains paramount. Sustained, intentional focus on a single topic at a time can lead to exponential progress. It is the same kind of deep engagement we experience when we are truly passionate—when our attention is fully captured by a concept or cause. This level of concentration transforms both our learning process and our professional development.

True expertise is not measured solely by technical skill, but also by one’s ability to elevate others. The most impactful surgeons are not only those who operate with precision, but those who empower the next generation to surpass them.

The future of gynecologic endoscopy depends not only on innovation, but on how openly, respectfully, and effectively we share what we know.

Let us teach with clarity.
Let us learn without limitations.
And let us remain inspired—by surgery, by learning, and by the global community we serve.

Thank you,

Anneli Linnamägi