Yale Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (YOGS) 2026 Meeting Recap

It was a day full of scientific talks, networking, and reminiscing during the 18th Annual Yale Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (YOGS) Alumni Reunion.

The event, held on June 6, began with opening remarks and department updates from Yale Ob/Gyn Chair Hugh Taylor, MD. Mary Jane Minkin, MD, then introduced the special guest lecturers.

Throughout the afternoon, alumni speakers gave special keynote talks in the Jane Ellen Hope Memorial Building at Yale School of Medicine.

• Thomas M. Hanson, MD, Sound Obstetrics and Gynecology — “Formed in Excellence: A Career Shaped by Training and Mentorship”
• Illana Cass, MD, chair, obstetrics and gynecology, vice president, obstetrics and gynecology service line, Dartmouth Health, professor, obstetrics and gynecology, Geisel School of Medicine — “Barriers to Obstetrics and Gynecology in Rural America”
• Karen Lu, MD, executive vice president, physician in chief, president of Moffitt Medical Group; senior member, department of gynecological oncology at Moffitt Cancer Center — “Embracing Change”
• Beth Karalan, MD, professor, department of obstetrics and gynecology; Nancy Marks Endowed Chair in Women’s Health Research, director, Cancer Population Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA — “Genetic Testing for Inherited Cancer Susceptibility: Addressing Implementation Challenges to Improve Outcomes”

Each year at YOGS, an alum of Yale Ob/Gyn is recognized for their contribution to the field. The 2026 honoree was David M. Gershenson, MD, professor of gynecology, oncology, and reproductive medicine at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

Since 1980, Gershenson’s research has focused on women with hereditary tumors and low-grade serous ovarian cancer. In 2004, he was part of the MD Anderson team that defined the binary histologic grading system for serous carcinoma, which was later adopted by the World Health Organization. He’s won multiple awards, including the 2026 Gynecologic Oncology Innovation Award from the Society of Gynecologic Oncology, the 2025 Pioneer of Progress Award from the STAAR Ovarian Cancer Foundation, and the 2024 Rosalind Franklin Prize for Excellence in Ovarian Cancer Research from the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance. He was also featured as a "Giant of Obstetrics and Gynecology" in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Gershenson presented a special grand rounds talk to end the day of learning titled, “Three Giants, Interwoven Legacies: Johns Hopkins, MD Anderson and the Yale Influence.”