Human Reproduction 2011

Dr Victor Gomel

University of British Columbia, Canada

Dr. Gomel holds the rank of Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine of the University of British Columbia. He served as Chairperson of his Department for fifteen years, during which the Department was greatly expanded and attained international recognition.

Dr. Gomel’s special research interests lie in the fields of gynecologic surgery and reproductive medicine. In the field of human reproduction, his work included infertility associated with tubal and peritoneal causes, fertility control, reproductive surgery, operative laparoscopy and in vitro fertilization. His other research interests include reproductive physiology and formation and prevention of peritoneal adhesions.

He is internationally known for his pioneering work in both microsurgery and operative laparoscopy. He was responsible for the introduction of laparoscopy in Canada; he was the first to demonstrate the efficacy of laparoscopic fertility-promoting procedures and one of the first to use laparoscopic surgical access for other gynecologic procedures.

For nearly four decades, he has been involved in work to better understand the tubal and peritoneal factors that cause infertility, and to improve the surgical techniques to correct them. His experimental work was designed to elucidate the function of the fallopian tube. Microsurgical techniques were employed to alter the structure of the fallopian tube and thus gain understanding of the function of its various parts. Another aspect of his animal work was designed to better understand the formation of peritoneal adhesions. Various techniques and numerous substances were used in the attempt to diminish or prevent the formation of peritoneal adhesions. This work was carried out with the collaboration of members and various trainees (fellows) in his Department. These efforts led to the development and introduction of microsurgical techniques in gynecology, which produce significantly better results. These techniques have gained international acceptance and recognition.

He established an in vitro fertilization (IVF) program in Vancouver in 1981. Under his leadership this program was the first to achieve success, resulting in the birth (on December 25, 1983) of the first IVF baby in Canada.

He was responsible for the establishment of a masters and PhD. Program “Reproductive and Developmental Sciences”, within his Department, which has been operative since 1984; at present this program has more than 40 graduate students. He was also instrumental in the creation of the “Women’s Health Centre,” which was the first such tertiary facility in Canada, and has been operational since early 1992.

In addition to medical students and residents he has trained, in Vancouver, post doctoral fellows from all over the World, many of whom currently hold important positions, in Canada and in their own countries.

Dr. Gomel authored a long list of scientific articles published in prestigious international journals. He wrote numerous book chapters, and authored and edited several books. His authored books, among others, include “Gynecology: A Practical Approach”, co-authored with Malcolm Munro and Timothy Rowe (Williams and Wilkins 1990), a problem oriented text designed for medical students, interns, junior residents and general practitioners. Published in 1983 (Little Brown & Co.), his book “Microsurgery in Female Infertility” is considered a classic. His book “Diagnostic and Operative Gynecologic Laparoscopy” (Mosby 1995) was highly acclaimed. In addition he has been the editor or co-editor of several other books including “Female Genital Prolapse and Urinary Incontinence”(Informa 2008). His most recent book is “Reconstructive and Reproductive Surgery in Gynecology” (Informa 2010).

He is on the editorial boards of numerous important international scientific journals. He has been on the Board of Trustees and Executive Boards of many national and international scientific societies, including among others, the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (previously AFS), the American Association of Gynecologic Endoscopists (AAGL) and the International Society of Gynecologic Endoscopy. He served as president several societies, including the Society of Reproductive Surgeons, the AAGL, and the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society. He is currently the Vice president of the Peritoneum and Surgery Society and the Vice President of the International Society of In Vitro Fertilization (ISIVF).

He has received honorary memberships and awards of excellence from numerous international scientific societies and universities, including his own Faculty of Medicine, in recognition of his pioneering work in reproductive medicine and gynecologic surgery. Professor Gomel was also the recipient, of the prestigious distinction of Chevalier of the order of Légion d’Honneur, awarded by Jacques Chirac, President of France in 2003. In 2008, he was elected “Fellow” to the World Academy of Art and Science, and in 2009 he received the degree of Doctor of Science, Honoris causa, from the Simon Fraser University.