History
Milestones of SELFAGO:
Past, Present, Future
The advancement of SELFAGO starts with a deep understanding of its history.
Prof. Dr. K. Semm †
Getting Started
The origins of our society
Our society traces its origins back to 1976, when Prof. Dr. K. Semm (1927–2003) of Germany and Prof. Dr. R. Contamin of France established the German-French Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics in Munich.
Mission & Activities
Society Goals and Activities
The aim of this society was to further develop the many facets of our field—including gynecology, obstetrics, reproductive medicine, and urogynecology—and to foster a strong bond between the professional societies in Germany and France. In the years that followed, national and international scientific meetings of the German-French Society were regularly held as part of national and international congresses. Thanks to the significant support that could still be provided by the pharmaceutical industry at the time, it was also possible to organize independent congresses under the direction of the German-French Society. The older members of the society still vividly remember these events—held repeatedly in Paris, Lyon, Berlin, and Munich—not only for their professional value but also for the close cultural and, above all, personal connections that were established.
Commemorative Medal 1986
Significant Milestones
1986: 10th Anniversary and the Commemorative Medal
On the occasion of the Society’s 10th anniversary in 1986, Prof. Semm commissioned the creation of a commemorative medal, which in the following years was awarded to distinguished members and supporters of the Society. In the years that followed, the Society continued to participate regularly in scientific events within our field. During this period, Prof. Dr. L. Mettler from Kiel assumed leadership of the Society and, with great dedication, guided it into the next decade.
2000: Expansion into the European Society (SELFAGO)
In 2000, during a successful and memorable congress in Nice, the presidency of the Society was taken over by Prof. Dr. R. Druckmann for France and Prof. Dr. A. Schindler (1936–2024) for Germany. Under their leadership, the Society decided to extend its activities to the German-French-speaking regions across Europe. This marked the transformation of the German-French Society into the European Society of German-French Language for Gynecology and Obstetrics (SELFAGO, 2000). Alongside regular participation in national congresses in cities such as Stuttgart, Berlin, and Munich, the Society also became increasingly active at international meetings in Basel, Vienna, Barcelona, Monaco, Florence, and Dublin—thanks to the strong commitment of its presidents. Many monographs and original papers from this period were based on data presented at these events and were published in recognized scientific journals.
Challenges & Achievements
The Dedication of the Treasurers
Due to political regulations concerning the acquisition of third-party funding for congress events, it became increasingly difficult in subsequent years to secure financing for these meetings. It is therefore a great merit of the Society’s long-standing treasurer, Dr. K. Bühler (1950–2023), that through his skill, patience, and dedicated effort, he was able to maintain the Society’s financial stability at a solid level.
Dr. K. Bühler †
Current Developments
2016: New Presidency and Future Visions
In 2016, the presidency on the German side was assumed by Prof. Dr. W. Kuhn (formerly of the University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Bonn, now at the University Medical Campus of Lower Bavaria in Deggendorf). In the following years, the Society successfully involved Prof. Dr. Ch. Singer from the University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Vienna as Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board.
A Look into the Future
50th anniversary (1976-2026)
The Society’s goals include supporting young professionals in gynecology and obstetrics, taking part in national and international congresses, organizing intensive seminars, and expanding its activities beyond the German-French-speaking regions of Europe. These aims are outlined under “Goals” and “News.” As the 50th anniversary approaches in 2026, the Executive Board considers it both an honor and a responsibility to continue pursuing these objectives with dedication.
2025: Appointment of Prof. Dr. R. Druckmann as Honorary President of the Society
At the Annual General Meeting in December 2025, Professor R. Druckmann was elected Honorary President of SELFAGO in recognition of his decades of service to the society. At the same time, Professor Ch. Singer was unanimously appointed Vice President of the society; the composition of the rest of the board remains unchanged.
2026: 50th Anniversary of SELFAGO
On this occasion, SELFAGO awarded him the “Pour le Mérite” medal together with the presentation of the “Certificat d’honneur.” With this distinction, the Society recognized his decades of dedicated service, in particular his efforts to promote cooperation among the European German- and French-speaking professional societies in the field of gynecology and obstetrics.
Contact Us
Do you have any questions? We are grateful for all your inquiries and will be happy to answer them – whether about membership, our society, or other concerns.