2009 SRS Distinguished Surgeon Award presented to Charles Koh

ATLANTA, 20 OCTOBER 2009

Charles Koh was presented with the 2009 Distinguished Surgeon Award by the Society of Reproductive Surgeons (SRS), during the 65th Annual Meeting of the ASRM in Atlanta in recognition of his many contributions to the field of reproductive surgery.

Dr Charles Koh receives the award presented by SRS president Keith Isaacson

Dr Koh graduated from the University of Singapore and trained in the University of London where he obtained his specialty degree in obstetrics and gynaecology.

He came to Milwaukee in 1977 as an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynaecology for the Medical College of Wisconsin and is currently the co-director of the Milwaukee Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery and Reproductive Specialty Center.

Dr Keith Isaacson, President of the SRS, paid tribute to Dr Koh: “I am proud to present Dr Koh with the Distinguished Surgeon Award for 2009. In addition to the practice of infertility and in vitro fertilization, Dr Koh is a pioneer in advanced laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis and has lectured extensively on this internationally.

He also pioneered a special technique and equipment for laparoscopic hysterectomy called the ‘Koh System for Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy’ and invented instruments for laparoscopic microsurgery. Dr Koh and his associate, Dr Grace Janik, were the first doctors in the world to perform laparoscopic microsurgical tubal anastomosis in 1992.

Dr Koh is most recently noted for his pioneering the first data proven curriculum for teaching laparoscopic suturing and knot tying entitled ‘Suturing in the Verticle Zone’. Using this technique he has instructed over 500 physicians. At the end of his one day course, approximately 90% of participants can accurately throw a suture and tie it intracorporeally in less than one minute.”

Dr Koh recently completed a term as president of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons (SLS) and currently serves as a National Advisor for the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL).

Many congratulations on a well-deserved recognition!