Meet the winners of the FIGO/Chien-Tien Hsu Fellowship in Gynaecologic Oncology 2023

Earlier this year, FIGO and the Chien-Tien Hsu Research Foundation partnered together to enable two young health professionals who are beginning their career in gynaecologic oncology to attend the FIGO World Congress 2023 and visit a gynaecologic oncology centre in Paris to gain clinical and research experience. 

Following a rigorous selection process, the selection panel unanimously agreed to award the Fellowship to Dr Afrin Shaffi and Associate Professor Marie Christine Valerie Mendoza, in recognition for their hard work and dedication in relation to the field of Gynaecology and Obstetrics. 

Dr Shaffi currently serves as a gynecologic oncologist at Mswambweni County Referral Hospital in Kenya. She is working on several research projects on cervical and endometrial cancer and is the country lead for the international Every Woman Study in Kenya in collaboration with World Ovarian Cancer Coalition and International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS). Dr. Shaffi has also headed several outreach clinics and provided free services in underserved areas of Kenya and international sites like Malawi. She maintains a special interest in the improvement and advocacy of gynecologic cancer care through research and addressing disparities in health care, with aims to make cancer care accessible to all. 

"As a young gynecologic oncologist just starting my career in a low-middle-income county with limited resources, this fellowship presents an exceptional chance to gain firsthand exposure to the breadth of gynecologic oncology within an optimal environment. The opportunity will deepen my understanding of research methodologies under the tutelage of experts, the fellowship will also facilitate enduring connections with colleagues poised to become invaluable mentors and pave the way for meaningful collaborations and partnerships."

- Dr Afrin Shaffi

Marie Christine Valerie Mendoza is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of the Philippines - Philippine General Hospital and a Medical Specialist at the Batangas Medical Center. Her passion for Gynecologic Oncology and Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery has led her to serve as a teacher and mentor to her peers at the university hospital and provincial hospital. She has published works on gynecologic oncology, surgical treatment of ovarian cancer, and minimally invasive surgery in gynecologic cancer. 

"Everything I learn from the Fellowship, I hope to bring to my country especially in our area in the province of Batangas to bridge the gap in basic gynecologic care and cancer care. I aim to apply what is relevant to my country for the improvement of our patients and to initiate changes in the practice of gynecologic cancer care so that our countrymen may benefit from management that is at par with worldwide standards."

- Marie Christine Valerie Mendoza

FIGO is committed to support and empower obstetrician's and gyneacologists at the beginning of their career journey through initiatives such as the FIGO/Chien-Tien Hsu Fellowship and look forward to welcoming this year’s winners to the FIGO World Congress 2023 taking place in Paris, France, on 9–12 October 2023.