About CanSAGE
Our society seeks to be the place to find answers and to improve MIS skills, whether one is a novice or an expert.
Introduction to CanSAGE
CanSAGE currently has over 300 members including residents, fellows and gynecologists with a range of expertise in minimally invasive gynecology. CanSAGE is also taking a leadership role in the design of the objectives and curriculum offered in the 14 MIS fellowships currently available in Canada.
Our Story
In 2015, a group of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic surgeons from across Canada shared a vision to form the first national society to support education and research in the field of Minimally Invasive Gynecology. To introduce that vision, the society’s first national meeting, the “Canadian Symposium on Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery” was held in Toronto in April 2016. This inaugural meeting was the first of its kind in Canada, allowing Canadian MIG surgeons to learn, network and present their research at a dedicated MIG national meeting.
The Canadian Society for the Advancement of Gynecologic Excellence (CanSAGE) was officially incorporated in 2017, and since then it has continued to grow and increase its influence as the expert voice of advanced and minimally invasive gynecology in Canada.
In addition to the annual clinical meeting which continues to grow and exceed expectations, we now offer a host of educational events and webinars engaging our members on topical issues with both national and international speakers. CanSAGE provides support for Fellowship programs across the country with a centralized match, and curriculum-based training for future MIGS leaders. The fellows are exposed to regular Journal Clubs and teaching sessions in addition to Virtual and In-Person Boot Camps for comprehensive learning.
The CanSAGE Video Library is an excellent educational resource and includes a collection of outstanding member videos highlighting the spectrum of surgical foundations and techniques. The CanSAGE Foundation will soon be incorporated to support research and educational endeavours by members for years to come.
CanSAGE is excited about expanding our reach to all gynecologic surgeons across Canada as we become the national home for MIS expertise. We are collaborating with other national and international societies to foster education, research and collegiality among Minimally Invasive Gynecology and pelvic pain specialists everywhere.
Our Values
Expertise
CanSAGE offers a source for education, scholarship, collegiality and technical expertise in Minimally Invasive Gynecology across Canada.
Leadership
CanSAGE is actively involved in designing the objectives and curriculum offered in Canada’s current MIGS fellowships.
Our Mission Statement
The mission of the Canadian Society for the Advancement of Gynecologic Excellence is to promote and maintain high standards of excellence in the diagnosis and management of complex gynecologic conditions. The society is committed to ensuring quality education, providing a national forum to promote clinical and basic research, and promoting improved ways to deliver quality patient care.
Executive Committee
President
Vice-President
Dr. Sari Kives
Toronto, ON
Secretary
Dr. Olga Bougie
Toronto, ON
Treasurer
Dr. Alysha Nensi
Toronto, ON
Executive Director
Lisa Lipowski, BSc, CMP, DES
Montreal, QC
Past-President
Dr. Liane Belland
Calgary, AB
Board of Directors
Member at Large
Dr. Chelsey Topping
Lethbridge, AB
Member at Large
Dr. Darrien Rattray
Regina, SK
Atlantic
Dr. Joannie Neveu
St. John’s, NL
Central
Dr. Ari Sanders
Calgary, AB
Quebec
Dr. Jessica Papillon Smith
Montreal, QC
Ontario
Dr. Deanna Buitenhuis
Thunder Bay, ON
British Columbia
Dr. Caroline Lee
Vancouver, BC
Fellow Representative
Dr. Erica Pascoal
Toronto, ON
Additional Volunteer Leads
Annual Conference
Co-Director
Dr. Michael Suen
Vancouver, BC
Annual Conference
Co-Director
Dr. Meghan O’Leary
Hamilton, ON
Social Media & Membership Representative
Dr. Paxton Ting
Vancouver, BC
Charitable Organization
Chair and Director
Dr. John Thiel
New Germany, NS