The ACOOG Consult
2026 Summer
Stay current with member news, CME credit, and updates for osteopathic OB/GYNs and the teams who support women's health.
Inside This Issue
A CME article, messages from ACOOG leadership, and a welcome to our newest members.
Summer CME Article
Breast Health in Obstetrics and Gynecology: A Practical Guide to Screening, Imaging, and the Symptomatic Breast
CME CREDITS AVAILABLE
0.50 Category 1-B AOA | 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
Full CME activity is available on the activity page of the ACOOG Online Learning Center.
▶ Press to Begin ActivityFaculty
Eric Warren, DO
Dr. Godbee is a board-certified gynecologic oncologist. She earned her bachelor's degree from Howard University and her medical degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine – Georgia Campus. She completed her OB/GYN residency at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital and her gynecologic oncology fellowship at WellSpan York Hospital.
Dr. Godbee is passionate about oncology and women's health. She was recognized as a Top Doctor by Phoenix Magazine in 2019 and currently practices in Georgia, specializing in cancers of the female genital tract and minimally invasive surgery.
Learning Objectives
Identify key epidemiologic trends, risk factors, presenting symptoms, and diagnostic steps for endometrial cancer, with attention to racial disparities and the importance of timely evaluation of abnormal uterine bleeding.
Apply current management principles for endometrial cancer, including surgical standards, fertility-sparing options, molecular classification, and the role of immunotherapy and targeted systemic treatments in advanced or recurrent disease.
President's Message
Jennifer L. Papp, DO, FACOOG (Dist.)
President, ACOOG 2026–2027
As we move into the summer season, I continue to feel deeply honored and grateful for the privilege of serving as President of the American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists. I want to begin by recognizing the tremendous success of ACOOG's 93rd Annual Conference in Orlando. My sincere congratulations and appreciation go to our exceptional Program Chairs, Dennis DeSimone, DO, and Mary Joy Hyde, DO, whose leadership and dedication shaped an outstanding educational program and a meaningful experience for our members.
Following our time together in Orlando, I have spent time reflecting on the strength of our organization, the commitment of our members, and the responsibility we share in shaping the future of osteopathic women's healthcare.
During my Presidential Address, I shared a simple but meaningful truth: I can see farther because I stand on the shoulders of those who came before me. That idea continues to guide my vision for this year. None of us arrive here alone. We inherit values, responsibility, and momentum from those who built and sustained this organization before us.
"Leadership is not ownership, it is stewardship."
Honoring Our History, Strengthening Our Future
Since ACOOG's founding in 1934, our organization has served as a professional home rooted in holistic care, educational excellence, mentorship, service, and osteopathic identity. From the leadership of our first president, Dr. Margaret Jones, to the many leaders who guided ACOOG through growth, change, and the transition to the Single Accreditation System, our history reflects resilience, courage, and purpose.
Today, ACOOG continues to grow across every career stage and practice setting. Our members serve in academic medicine, private practice, hospital systems, military medicine, and rural communities across the country. What defines us is not where we practice—it is how we serve.
Wherever women need care, ACOOG physicians are there.
Our membership represents a powerful continuum of students, residents, practicing physicians, fellows, and life members. Every stage matters, and every member belongs. As we reviewed our membership data this year, one message became clear: our future depends on strengthening connections earlier and more intentionally. Engagement is not simply about recruitment—it is about mentorship, belonging, and leadership development.
Strengthening the Pathway: Students, Residents, and Early Career Physicians
Several initiatives reflect our commitment to early engagement:
Visiting Professor Program
We are reimagining this program to meet the evolving landscape of osteopathic medical education. With 46 osteopathic medical schools and more than 70 teaching locations, ACOOG must continue to meet students where they are through increased virtual engagement, expanded local involvement, and on-demand educational resources.
Prelude to Residency
This initiative supports osteopathic medical students as they transition into residency, focusing on clinical preparation, identity formation, resilience, collaboration, feedback, and mentorship. Preparation matters. Mentorship matters. Early engagement matters.
ACOOG Mentorship Program
We are enhancing mentor–mentee pairing, clarifying pathways for involvement, and expanding leadership opportunities for members at all career stages. Mentorship strengthens not only individual careers but our entire profession.
Deepening Member Engagement and Connection
Another priority this year is strengthening member engagement through accessibility, transparency, and connection. Through initiatives such as:
Conference breakfast focus groups
Java with Jen virtual conversations
Expanded communication through President@acoog.org
…we aim to create more opportunities for members to share ideas, ask questions, and help shape the future direction of ACOOG. Our first breakfast focus group will take place during the 2026 Advances in Women's Health Conference in Fort Worth, Texas, October 1–4.
Education as Our Foundation
Education remains central to our mission. We continue strengthening ACOOG CME as a hub for high-quality, flexible, clinically relevant learning through four pillars:
In-Person Learning
Virtual Education
Women's Health Minutes Podcast
MOC & OCC Opportunities
Including MicroQI initiatives that make quality improvement more accessible for busy physicians.
I also encourage members to join us for the ACOOG Virtual Summer Symposium on June 13, Beyond the Clinic, which explores six career pathways for OB/GYN physicians beyond the traditional exam room.
Service as Our North Star
In my address, I shared a deeply personal experience following an injury during the 2024 Columbus Marathon—an experience that allowed me to see medicine from the patient side of the bed in a profound way. I was reminded that healing does not live in productivity; it lives in presence.
"The caregivers who made the greatest impact were those who sat down, listened, acknowledged vulnerability, and created connection."
That experience reinforced the theme that will guide my presidency: Service as Our North Star.
TO OUR MEMBERS
Service through mentorship, support, and professional development.
TO OUR PATIENTS
Service through compassionate, evidence-based, human-centered care.
TO OUR COMMUNITIES
Service through advocacy, outreach, and our commitment to health equity.
Advancing Health Equity
Health equity is not a trend or talking point—it is a moral and clinical responsibility. If we believe in treating the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—then we must also acknowledge the social and systemic factors that shape health outcomes. The physicians we train today will face urgent challenges, including maternal morbidity, maternal mortality, and persistent healthcare disparities. Meaningful progress will require leadership, intentionality, and collaboration.
Celebrating Our Osteopathic Identity
This year, we are launching the ACOOG Osteopathic Moment initiative—an opportunity to recognize and share the moments where presence, compassion, and osteopathic principles shape patient care. These stories remind us why we chose this profession and reinforce the values that define ACOOG. Members, students, and residents are invited to share their Osteopathic Moments at President@acoog.org.
Service also extends beyond the bedside. At our 2026 Advances in Women's Health Conference, we are partnering with our ACOOG National Student Society on a community service project that will bring together physicians, residents, and students to support the local community.
Gratitude for Our Members and Leaders
I want to express my sincere gratitude to the many individuals who make ACOOG strong. It was a privilege to recognize our new Fellows, Distinguished Fellows, Honorary Fellows, and recipients of the Distinguished Service, Mentor of the Year, and Outstanding Resident Awards during President's Day and throughout the conference. These individuals reflect the leadership, service, mentorship, and dedication that define our organization.
I also want to acknowledge the extraordinary work of our committee members and the ACOOG and MEFACOOG Boards of Trustees. The continued success of ACOOG is only possible because of the volunteer leadership, commitment, and countless hours our members dedicate behind the scenes.
Looking Ahead
As we move through the summer months, I encourage each of you to stay engaged, support one another, mentor someone behind you, and continue leading with compassion and purpose. Organizations grow stronger when members feel connected not only to the mission but to each other.
Our future is bright because of the people within ACOOG. As Harold Buckner reminded us, "Mighty oaks from little acorns grow." The seeds we plant today—in mentorship, education, advocacy, and service—will shape the future of osteopathic women's healthcare for generations.
"If you want to go fast, go alone.
If you want to go far, go together."
Thank you for the honor and privilege of serving as your President.
With gratitude,
Jennifer L. Papp, DO, FACOOG (Dist.)
President, ACOOG 2026–2027
Message from the Executive Vice President
Michael J. Geria, DO, MS, FACOOG(Dist)
Chief Executive Officer
Dear Colleagues,
Twenty Twenty-Five is waning and once again, I am filled with gratitude and pride for what we have achieved together. The American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOOG) continues to thrive, thanks to your unwavering continued support.
I want to extend a thank you to the co-chairs of our 2025 Advances in Women's Health conference, Drs. Shania Seibles, DO, JD, FACOOG, and Mary Joy Hyde, DO, FACOOG. Your leadership and vision were instrumental in creating a program that was not only unique but also immensely informative.
CME is constantly changing and the ACOOG is keeping pace with these trends. ACOOG provides many opportunities for members to receive CME credits in person and online. Your membership includes multiple CME activities which are available at no additional cost.
I am proud to say that in July, the ACOOG received an AOA Presidential Citation from then AOA President Teresa Hubka, DO, FACOOG(Dist) CS. This award was for the collaboration between the ACOOG and the AOBOG to provide coordinated education.
In closing, I thank each of you for your continued commitment to ACOOG and to advancing women's health. I hope to see many of you at the 93rd Annual Conference, April 9-13, 2026, in Orlando FL.
Warm regards,
Michael J. Geria, DO, MS, FACOOG(Dist)
Chief Executive Officer
Welcome New Members
Welcome new members! The Board of Trustees approved the following new members at the 2025 Advances in Women's Health Conference, Black Desert Resort, Ivins, UT.
New Regular / Senior Members
Senior Members are shown in bold
Debra Arsenault, DO
Danyel Baker, DO
Grace Bommarito, DO
Sylvia Cruz, DO
Sarah Edgerton, DO
Megan Fleese, DO
Jennifer Gaertner-Otto, DO
Keren D Hancock, DO
Shruti Iyer, DO
Ryan Johnson, DO
Bradley Kasper, DO
Kelly Kirk, DO
Keren-Happuch Kohath, DO
Leah Kurth, DO
Troy Lehman, R. DO
Josh Leichty, DO
Hannah Lewis, DO
Kelly W Llewelyn, DO
Marissa Lown, DO
Rebekah McClain, DO
Vickie M. Mello, DO
Michelle Mellon, DO
Lauren Miller, DO
Amanda Mirmanesh, DO
Lena Nguyen, DO
Heather O'Neal, DO
Sara Papple, DO
Jason Patzwald, DO
Zak Reneau, DO
Haley Shumway, DO
Bianca Smith, DO
Kelsey Smith, DO
Maia Sullivan, DO
Julie Wiley, DO
Melissa Wyche, DO
New Life Members
Neil Bluebond, DO
Ellen Fawcett, DO
Michael Sobel, DO
Affiliate Members
Mergan Gilbert, NP
Lindsey Ingram, NP
Nicole Pahl, NP
Datche Walker, NP
Thank You to Our Sponsors
