The impact of Black founding fathers on the specialty of gynecologic oncology.

INTRODUCTION: The formative period of the specialty of gynecologic oncology was from 1968 to 1972 and became a board-certified specialty in 1973. During this formation there were no Black physicians participating in this process. We chronicle and document the incorporation of the first three board-certified Black physicians in the specialty of gynecologic oncology here for historical purposes. METHODS: We highlight the hostile climate experienced by Black physicians before and during the formation of gynecologic oncology, review the acceptance and training of the first three Black physicians in the specialty and recognize their significant contributions to the field. RESULTS: The biographies and the narrative of these men describe their impact and contribution to medicine. We chronicle the historic presence of the first board-certified Black gynecologic oncologists and pelvic surgeons in the United States. CONCLUSION: These three men represent the Black Founding Fathers of gynecologic oncology. Their perseverance in the face of adversity and commitment to excellence have left an indelible impact on the institutions that they developed, the individuals that they trained, and the patients that they served.

Racial disparities in endometrial cancer: Where are we after 26 years?

INTRODUCTION: Endometrial cancer is the most commonly diagnosed female genital tract malignancy in the United States of America. Racial disparities surrounding this particular disease have been extensively investigated for over 26-years. We sought to determine if research in this area has led to any significant improvements in this disparity. METHODS: We performed a rapid systematic review of English language publications on racial disparities in endometrial cancer among African American (AAW) and white American women (WAW), from 1997 to 2023. We looked at trends in incidence and survival; impact of known poor prognostic factors (stage at diagnosis, histological subtypes, grade); co-morbidities; differences in treatment (surgery, radiation and chemotherapy); socioeconomic factors; differences in biological and genetic markers; and policies/declarations. RESULTS: During the period under review (1997-2023), there was a notable increase in both disease incidence (39%) and mortality (26%) rates for AAW, in comparison to WAW among whom the incidence rates increased by 2% and mortality rates rose, but 9% less than for AAW. It should be noted that the current incidence rate of 29.4% in AAW represent a reversal of what is was 26-years ago, when the incidence rate was 17.8%. In comparison to WAW, AAW had a higher prevalence of poor prognostic variables, more co-morbidities, lower income levels, less insurance coverage, and were more frequently under treated with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. To date no actionable molecular/genetic markers have been identified. We were unable to locate any published recommendations or active programs of implementation strategies/policies designed to effectively mitigate the documented racial disparity. CONCLUSION: Racial disparities in disease incidence and mortality in endometrial cancer rates between WAW and AAW have widened during a 26-year period of robust research, suggesting that current research alone is not enough to eliminate this disparity. Based on this rapid systematic review we have identified and analyzed the impact of causation variables on this disparity. Additionally, we have made strong and pertinent recommendations for the benefit of mitigating this escalating racial disparity.

Predictors of cervical dysplasia after the loop electrosurgical excision procedure in an inner-city population.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with persistence or clearance of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) following loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) in high-risk patients. STUDY DESIGN: In a retrospective database review, we identified 343 patients who had 2 LEEP procedures or LEEP followed by hysterectomy for CIN at Grady Memorial Hospital. We compared margin status, endocervical curettage (ECC) at LEEP and follow-up cytology for patients characterized as having persistent or nonpersistent dysplasia. RESULTS: Seventy-nine percent (71/90) of patients with positive LEEP margins had persistent disease vs. 50% (45/90) with negative margins (odds ratio [OR]=3.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9-7.2, P<.0001). Ninety-one percent (29/32) with positive margins and positive ECC had persistent disease vs. 47% (26/55) with negative margins and negative ECC (OR=10.8, 95% CI 2.9-39.6, P<.0001). Sixty-eight percent (149/218) with at least 1 positive Pap smear following LEEP had persistent disease vs. 37% (11/30) with all negative follow-up Pap smears (OR = 3.7, 95% CI 1.7-8.3, P = .0007). CONCLUSION: Although the risk of persistent CIN increased with positive LEEP margins, ECC and cytology, these variables, when negative, offered no ensurance of a future disease-free state in this high-risk population.

Effect of sleep deprivation on medical resident and student cognitive function: A prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether cognitive function test results decrease after a typical night of on-call duty, on the basis of the amount of sleep that is obtained. STUDY DESIGN: Two standard cognitive functions tests (the Grooved Pegboard and California Verbal Learning Test II) were administered to the 30 participants who were members of the obstetrics and gynecology house staff and to medical students at Emory University School of Medicine. Each test was administered twice, before and after on-call duty. The data were analyzed with a paired two-tailed Student t test. RESULTS: For the California Verbal Learning Test II, trial 5 showed a decrease in score of 0.8 (P =.05) after on-call duty. Trials 1 through 5 showed a decrease in score of 3.5 (P =.01). CONCLUSION: This finding suggests that cognitive function test scores do decrease after on-call duty. Scrutiny of this issue by the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education is justified, and the issue should continue to be evaluated. Our finding suggests that a change in our current educational structure is warranted.