On Cancer: Gynecologic Surgeon Richard Barakat to Be Appointed President of Two Leading Medical Societies

Memorial Sloan-Kettering gynecologic surgeon Richard R. Barakat recently became president-elect of both the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) and the International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS) and will serve as president of both organizations beginning in 2014.

Dr. Barakat’s lead roles at the two organizations will overlap by several months. SGO is the leading medical society in the United States for physicians who treat gynecologic cancers. IGCS is a global organization of physicians, nurses, and scientists who are interested in the prevention, treatment, and study of gynecologic cancers.

“Dr. Barakat's election to the presidency of the two most prestigious professional societies in his field  — both at the same time — reflects his extraordinary contributions and his remarkable leadership skills,” says Department of Surgery Chair Peter T. Scardino. “We are fortunate to have leaders of his stature in our department, and we congratulate him for this well-deserved honor.”

Dr. Barakat, who serves as Vice Chair of Clinical Activities in the Department of Surgery and Chief of the Gynecology Service, specializes in surgery for women with ovarian, endometrial, cervical, vulvar, or vaginal cancer. His main areas of surgical expertise are in advanced robotic and laparoscopic surgery for uterine cancer as well as extensive procedures for removing ovarian cancer, known as debulking.

He is involved in clinical research to help determine the best treatments for patients with gynecologic cancers, including studies that have helped show a benefit of intraperitoneal chemotherapy administered directly into the abdomen for women with advanced ovarian cancer. Dr. Barakat also holds the Ronald O. Perelman Chair in Gynecologic Surgery.

“I am both humbled and extremely excited about this opportunity,” says Dr. Barakat. “It is a great honor to be able to serve in this capacity, and I look forward to being able to influence how women with gynecologic cancer are cared for both in the United States and around the world.”