Faculty

Afshin FAZEL, MD, PhD
University Hospital Lariboisière
2, rue Ambroise Paré
75010 Paris, France
Email: a.fazel@aphp.fr

**Current Position:**

Assistant Professor in Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Lariboisière, Paris, France (2003-present)
Deputy Editor of the Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology

**Professional Background:**

Dr. Afshin Fazel is an expert in Obstetrics and Gynecology, specializing in minimally invasive surgery. With a career spanning over two decades, he has held pivotal roles in various esteemed institutions. Notably, Dr. Fazel served as the Chef de Clinique à la Faculté – Assistant des Hôpitaux at both University Hospital Lariboisière and University Hospital of Lille. His expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of benign and malignant gynecologic procedures, including laparoscopic and hysteroscopic myomectomy, neuropelveology, endometriosis treatment, gynecologic oncology, and urogynecology.

**Educational Background:**

• **PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences:** University Paris Sud Orsay, France (2008-2012)
• ** Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Suergery, New York Presbyterian Medical Center, Columbia University, (2000)
• **Doctorate in Medicine:** University of Lille, France (1998)
• **Medical Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynecology:** (1998)
• **Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology:** University of Lille, France (1991-1998)
• **Medical School:** University Paris 5, Necker, Paris, France (1985-1991)

**Research and Clinical Contributions:**

Dr. Fazel has been a principal investigator for several groundbreaking studies, including the ENDOSEARCH project, funded by the European Union’s H2020 program, aimed at diagnosing and prognosing endometriosis using biomarkers. His research interests also involve developing new medical devices for treating breast cancer and peritoneal carcinomas through laparoscopy. He has significantly contributed to the field of neuropelveology, investigating chronic pelvic pain syndromes and corresponding therapeutic options.

**Hospital Activities:**

• **Mentor and Trainer:** Over 300 residents since 1998
• **Member of Research and Care Commissions:** Since 2012
• **Member of the Medical Advisory Board:** 2003-2011
• **Organizer and Head of the Minimally Invasive Unit:** 2004-2007

**Awards and Honors:**

• **Gold Medal in Surgery:** 1998
• **Best Reviewer for the Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology:** 2019
• **Best Abstract Awards:** AAGL 47th Global (2018), ESGE (2018)
• **Research Grants:** Including H2020 grant for ENDOSEARCH and ANR grant for the ROBUST project

**Professional Memberships:**

• American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL)
• European Society of Gynecologic Surgery
• Society of Endometriosis and Uterine Disorders
• European Society of Gynecologic Oncology
• French College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

**Select Publications:**

Dr. Fazel has authored numerous impactful articles and abstracts in leading medical journals. Some of his notable works include studies on laparoscopic myomectomy, the role of biomarkers in diagnosing endometriosis, and innovative surgical techniques in gynecology.

**International Conferences and Workshops:**

Dr. Fazel is a frequent speaker at major international conferences, sharing his insights on topics ranging from robotic biopsy techniques to advanced laparoscopic procedures. He has led workshops on essential surgical skills and complications management, contributing significantly to the education and training of fellow gynecologists globally.

Education

1966 – 1972 – University of Barcelona Medical School – MD

1969 – 1972 – Maternity Hospital of Diputacion Provincial of Barcelona, Barcelona Spain – Special Fellowship, Colposcopy and Gynecologic Cytology/Dr S Dexeus, FIAC

1970 – Hammaersmith Hospital, University of London – Fellow, Gynecologic Cytology/Dr E Wachtel, FIAC

1970 – 1972 – University of Barcelona Medical School – Clerkship, Internal Medicine/Professor C Rozman

1971 – Institut de Pathologie et de Cytologie Appliquee, Paris, France – Fellow, Gynecologic and Mammary Cytology; Pathology/Professor J de Brux, FIAC

1972 – 1973 – University of Barcelona Medical School – Doctorate course

1973 – Maternity Hospital of Diputacion Provincial of Barcelona, Barcelona Spain – Rotating Internship

1973 – 1974 – Instituto Dexeus, Barcelona Spain – Rotating Internship

1974 – 1978 – Mayo Graduate School of Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine – Resident, Obstetrics and Gynecology

1978 – 1980 – University of Kansas Medical Center – Fellow, Gynecologic Oncology

Academic Rank and Positions

1981 – 1985 – Director – Division Gynecologic Oncology. Kansas University
Medical Center, Kansas City, KS

1985 – 1988 – Director –   Division Gynecologic Oncology. University of Missouri at Kansas City, Kansas City, MO

1988 – 2005 – Chair – Department of Medical & Surgical Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona

1998 – 2018 – Head – Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Medical & Surgical Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona

2006 – 2010 – Director – Robotic Fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Medical & Surgical Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona

1998 – Present –  Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology – Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Phoenix, Arizona

2010 – 2018 – Director – Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, Department of Medical & Surgical Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona

2021 – Present – Emeritus consultant – Department of Medical and Surgical Gynecology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Phoenix, Arizona

2021 – Present – Supplemental Emeritus – Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Department of Education Administration

2021 – 2023 – Consultant, Division of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, Banner University Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ

Fellowship Director, Nezhat Medical Center

Medical Director of Training & Education and Director of Minimally Invasive Surgery & Robotics,
Northside Hospital, Atlanta Georgia

Adjunct Professor of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Emory University

Past President, Society of Reproductive Surgeons

Past President, American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists

Editor in Chief, Atlanta Medicine

Pr. Mohamed Mabrouk MD, PhD is a Consultant Gynaecologist and Minimal Access Reproductive Surgeon, with special interests in endometriosis, and advanced endoscopic surgery.

Currently, he is:
– Consultant gynaecologist and endometriosis surgeon at the University College of London Hospitals (UCLH), London, UK.
– President of the European Endometriosis League (EEL)
– Consultant gynaecologist and endometriosis specialist at the Cleveland Clinic London (CCL)
– Director of Cambridge EndoCare Endometriosis Centre at the Spire Lea Hospital, Cambridge, UK
– Honorary Professor of Gynaecology at the University College of London (UCL), London, UK.
– Adjunct Professor of Gynaecology at the University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Demark.
– Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Alexandria University, Egypt.

Over the years he has been involved in the following:
– Past president of the Middle East Society of Gynaecological Endoscopy (MESGE)
– He co-founded the endometriosis centre of Cambridge University Hospitals in Cambridge, UK.
– He received his training and earned the European Board in Obstetrics & Gynaecology from Bologna University, Italy.
– He obtained his PhD in Endometriosis management from VUMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
– He was a senior consultant at the Sacred Heart Hospital in Negrar, Verona, Italy and at the Endometriosis Centre of Bologna University Hospital, Italy.

Mabrouk is a recognised International Expert in endometriosis, surgical anatomy, and minimally invasive surgery.

He is the author and co-author of numerous International, peer-reviewed publications and three books.

Marc Pocard is Professor of digestive surgery at Université Paris Cité. He focused is research and surgical activity on cytoreductive surgery, HIPEC and PIPAC to help patient affected by peritoneal metastasis. He is interested to understand tumor implantation, angiogenesis and chemo sensitivity to develop drugs delivery using new technology for treatment or prevention.

Nassir HABIB works as a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in Clinique de l’Yvette, Paris , France.

He is a renowned expert in advanced laparoscopic surgery and has a wide range of experience in managing malignant and benign pelvic diseases.
He is dedicated to develop the management of pelvic cancers, deep endometriosis, and chronic pelvic pain with a holistic approach.

Dr. HABIB has participated as lecturer in numerous national and international events, and has published over 35 peer-reviewed publications in scientific journals.

Dr. HABIB is passionate about teaching, and continues to be an active faculty member in the European Society of Gynaecological Endoscopy, in the Minimally Invasive Surgery Academy, and in IRCAD- Strasbourg.

Benoit Rabischong is full ordinary Professor in Gynecological Surgery Department of University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand (CHU Estaing) in France and also the head of training in CICE (Centre International de Chirurgie Endoscopique, Clermont-Ferrand).

He’s the author of more an hundred publications in the field of minimal invasive gynecological surgery and gave more than two hundred conferences or lectures as invited faculty in various international events.

He was president of the International Society of Neuropelveology (ISON) from 2020 to 2022 and he’s the immediate past president of the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE) and the current Director of ESGE Academy.

Dr. Fariba Mohtashami is a Clinical Professor and Head of the Division of General Obstetrics & Gynecology at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. She also serves as Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at St. Paul’s Hospital, where she practices as a Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgeon.

A dedicated surgical mentor and coach, Dr. Mohtashami has a strong passion for education, with a particular emphasis on pelvic surgical anatomy. As a respected leader in academic medicine, she is a vocal advocate for gender equity, working to ensure fair access to academic and healthcare resources for Gynecology. Her advocacy is focused on closing the gender data gap, the pain gap, and the pay gap—advancing equity for women in medicine and surgery.

Hélder Ferreira, MD, PhD, MBA, is the Head of the Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Unit at Centro Hospitalar Universitário Santo António in Porto, Portugal. He also serves as a Professor of Gynecology at the University of Porto.

Dr. Ferreira has completed two prestigious fellowship programs in Minimally Invasive Gynecological Surgery, training under Prof. Arnaud Wattiez in France (2009) and Prof. Joerg Keckstein in Austria (2011). He is a Board Member of the ESGE Academy and serves as the Chair of the Education and Training Special Interest Group (ESGE-SIG). Additionally, he is an Advisory Board Member of the European Endometriosis League (EEL) and holds board positions in the Endoscopy Section of Portuguese Society of Gynecology and the Portuguese College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He is also the President of the Portuguese Society of Minimally Invasive Surgery.

Pr. Ferreira, specializes in advanced laparoscopic and robotic gynecological surgeries, including procedures for endometriosis, oncology, genital prolapse, and uterovaginal malformations. He is the author of numerous original research articles, book chapters, short communications, and surgical video publications.

A sought-after speaker, Pr. Ferreira regularly lectures at national, regional, and international scientific conferences. He has also performed live interactive surgeries at various global events and has been an instructor in numerous training courses, including dry/live-tissue labs and cadaver dissection workshops.

Chief of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the General University Hospital of Valencia

Associate Profesor of the University of Valencia
Director of European Gynecology Endoscopy School

Quality indexes of scientific activity: sum of citations: 871; H-INDEX= 15.

41 international and 59 national articles, with a complete book with ISBN. Sum Factor
Impact: 163.11. 21 articles as First author and 11 articles as author of correspondence

254 conferences (101 International, 153 national).

Researcher in more than 20 project. Principal Investigator of 2 Oficial projects of the Spanish
government (PI14 / 0139, PI17/01945). PI in 6 clinical trials

Reviewer of 25 manuscripts of 9 international Rev. and excellent reviewer review
(Human Reprod and Mol. Hum. Repr)

Director of 5 doctoral theses with maximum qualification.

Organization of more than 50 scientific events related to Obstetrics and Gynecology

Participation as surgeon expert in oncology, deep endometriosis and pelvic floor with endoscopic treatment in live surgical demonstrations in more than 100 national and international.

Dr. Farinaz Seifi is Vice Chair of the Gynecology and Gynecology Subspecialty at the University of Maryland. She is an Associate Professor, sub-specialized in minimally invasive gynecology surgery. Dr. Seifi completed her OBGYN residency at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York. She then completed a minimally invasive gynecology surgery (MIGS) fellowship at Yale University.

Before joining the University of Maryland, she was a section chief and director of Gynecology at Bridgeport Hospital, Yale New Haven Health. She performed over 1000 complex robotic and laparoscopic procedures in patients with morbid obesity, complex surgical histories, and advanced endometriosis.  She is also highly skilled in Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgeries (vNOTES), radiofrequency ablation of fibroids, and complex hysteroscopic cases. Her focus is performing minimally invasive surgeries for large uterus, fibroids and endometriosis.
Dr. Seifi has been integral to the Yale/Bridgeport Minimally Invasive Gynecology Surgery (MIGS) fellowship program. She is a surgical consultant for complex benign gynecology surgeries and has been pivotal in training medical students, OBGYN residents, and MIGS fellows.
Dr. Seifi was awarded the best surgical teaching award by Yale OBGYN residents, Certificate of Excellence in Laparoscopic Surgeries, AAGL. She was part of the MIGS fellowship faculty and trained many fellows over the past few years.
She mentored the junior OBGYN faculty and created different laparoscopic and robotic simulation curriculums, sessions, and detailed lecture series.

She has published extensively and garnered substantial experience presenting at National and International conferences. She published more than 40 peer reviewed articles, abstracts and surgical videos completed several research projects, including a Randomized clinical trial looking for the efficacy of laparoscopic-assisted Transversus Abdominis (TAP) Block, Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Video Education, Racial and Social Determinants of Health Disparities in Post-operative Pain in Minimally Invasive Gynecology Surgery, Reduced Postoperative Narcotic Prescription in Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy Following ERAS Protocols: A Quality Improvement Project, A Novel Technique to Minimize the Blood Loss in Robotic Laparoscopic Myomectomies, Laparoscopic-Assisted Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Block, Posterior Versus Lateral TAP Block in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Gynecologic Surgery: Randomized Controlled Trial, Vascular Pseudo-Invasion in Laparoscopic Treatment of Endometrial Cancer with and without Uterine Manipulator.