History of NASPAG: NASPAG Founding, 1986

Jan

NASPAG Founding - 1986

1982 - The first North American Chapter of the Federation Internationale de Gynecologic Infantile et Juvenile (FIGIJ) was created under the leadership of Drs. Alvin Goldfarb and Paul McDonough

1986 - North American physicians organized the first meeting for the Federation Internationale de Gynecologic Infantile et Juvenile (FIGIJ) in the USA, the VIII World Congress on Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, which was held in Washington DC. At previous international meetings of FIGIJ in the early 80s, the Europeans encouraged Drs. Goldfarb and McDonough to hold the international meeting in the USA. Drs. Sanfillipo from Louisville, Dr. Reindollar from Augusta, Dr. Muram from Memphis, and Dr. Gidwani from Cleveland were recruited to help organize this international meeting in Washington, DC. It was a very successful meeting introducing the specialty of PAG to practicing physicians in the USA.

During this meeting, the North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, NASPAG, was born. NASPAG was incorporated in 1986. The mission centered on clinical practice, education, training, and outreach to other organizations. First set of bylaws, 1986 and Minutes from the first Board Meeting, 1986.

From the beginning, NASPAG was conceived as a multidisciplinary society.

All NASPAG members, as well as all other dues paying PAG organizations globally plus individuals from countries without a PAG organization, became members of FIGIJ.

“All physicians -pediatricians, gynecologists, pediatric endocrinologists, adolescent medicine specialists, and other specialists could be members of NASPAG. As we look back this has given rise to interaction and education amongst our members to give excellent care to our patients” (Comment by Dr. Gita Gidwani)

Dr. Jean Emans, Adolescent Medicine, was among the founders and co-wrote the first widely circulated textbook in PAG. Many past presidents are adolescent medicine trained.

NASPAG has specific scientific and educational goals for health professionals, including:

Serve and be recognized as the lead providers in PAG education, research and clinical care.

Conduct and encourage multidisciplinary and interprofessional programs of medical education and research in the field of PAG.

Advocate for the reproductive well-being of children and adolescents and the provision of unrestricted, unbiased and evidence-based practice of PAG.

Memo from Dr. Goldfarb (pictured right) - Concept of Founding Members

Original Letter Announcing NASPAG from Dr. Goldfarb

Letter regarding financial concerns from Dr. Goldfarb, 1988

Request for membership from Dr. Emans

NASPAG started with 88 members, encompassing many specialties. Membership is now greater than 500. Original membership list from 1987.

Headquarters - initially located in Philadelphia. In 2005 the headquarters was relocated to Birmingham Alabama (with American Fertility Society now ASRM) with Senta Goldman as the administrative coordinator. Later, headquarters was moved to Washington DC (with ACOG). Since 2011, NASPAG has been headquartered with Talley in Mt. Royal NJ.