My first World Congress was appropriately “down under” New Zealand Feb 2006 with Dr. Ronald Jones, where I presented and became a Fellow of the ISSVD. It was exciting and terrifying to meet ALL the most important vulvovaginal experts – who subsequently became my mentors, colleagues, friends, and forever changed my life. As we look to the future, the ISSVD uniquely continues to bridge continents, cultures, and disciplines to bring worldwide experts together to advance knowledge and provide education promoting women’s health.​

The ISSVD is the premier and exclusive world-wide organization supporting the study and advancement of knowledge involving Vulvovaginal disease! ​

Focus has included research in understanding of the pathophysiology of vulvovaginal disease, but the Society has excelled in setting global standards for the treatment thereof.​

The worldwide recognition of the importance and leadership of ISSVD is indisputable while at the same time created a network of interpersonal partnerships for collaboration and support.​​

The ISSVD has been one of the most meaningful professionalcommunities in my life. It brought me together with dedicatedcolleagues from around the world who share a deepcommitment to understanding and treating vulvovaginaldisease. The Society’s work directly improves lives by addressingconditions that are too often overlooked or misunderstood. Thefriendships, mentorship, and shared purpose I found through theISSVD have shaped not only my work, but my sense of missionas a physician. Continued investment in the ISSVD meanscontinued progress in education, research, and compassionatecare for patients around the world.​

I recall at my Presidential Address in Edinburgh, I spoke on the theme of S.E.X, as follows:​

​S = Science – in any sub-specialty it is critical that we determine management based on evidence. This might be molecular biology, or immunohistochemistry, or carefully conducted randomised trials or long-term patient observation. The word “Study” in our title is there for a purpose.​
E = Education, where we focus at three levels, firstly that those practising vulval medicine understand that we are talking the same talk and that dermatologists, gynaecologists and pathologists use consistent and robust terminology, secondly that we educate medical students, junior  and primary care doctors about our specialty and the benefits of referring those patients who need our experience, and thirdly we educate women about vulval disease and encourage them to ask for help when symptomatic.​
X = Expansion. We are aware that the International Society was started by a group of enthusiastic super-specialists but not internationally representative. We as a Society need to spread the word to provide care for women in every country.​

"Serving as President of the International Society was one of the most enriching experiences of my professional life!.​
It offered a unique platform to connect with brilliant minds across continents, foster global collaboration, and champion the advancement of our shared mission. ISSVD is more than an organization—it's a vibrant community where ideas transcend borders, and lifelong friendships are forged. It reminded me daily of the power of unity in diversity, and the incredible impact we can achieve when we work together across cultures and disciplines.​
My deepest thanks to the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease for acknowledging and incorporating Latin America's voice in its strategic decisions."​
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Being a member of the ISSVD for many years (including president) offered me the unique opportunity of establishing global collaboration among the best experts in vulvovaginal disease. Thanks to the ISSVD I  considerably enriched my knowledge in a friendly environment full of inspiring and stimulating individuals. Through the ISSVD, I was happy to contribute to the transmission of vulvovaginal knowledge across continents helping educate and empower both professionals and patients worldwide.