Presidential reflections: how we got here, where we might go

Area of Science:

• Gynecology
• Medical Ultrasound
• Menopause Research

Background:

• Pieter van Keep was a founder and the third president of the International Menopause Society (IMS).
• The Pieter van Keep Memorial Lecture is delivered by each retiring IMS president.
• This article presents an edited version of the 2022 lecture given by President Steven R. Goldstein.

Purpose of the Study:

• To chronicle President Steven R. Goldstein's career path leading to the IMS presidency.
• To highlight key contributions to gynecologic and menopausal ultrasound.
• To describe the activities of the IMS during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Main Methods:

• The lecture details the speaker's personal and professional journey.
• Key scientific contributions are presented, including early descriptions of ultrasound findings.
• The operational activities of the IMS during the COVID pandemic are described.

Main Results:

• Goldstein's early work included descriptions of simple ovarian cysts and postmenopausal bleeding evaluations using transvaginal ultrasound.
• A significant contribution was the description of uterine ultrasound appearances in women on tamoxifen therapy, leading to menopause research.
• The lecture also covers the International Menopause Society's activities and leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions:

• Steven R. Goldstein's career exemplifies a path from diagnostic ultrasound to leadership in menopause societies.
• The lecture underscores the importance of foundational research in advancing the understanding and treatment of menopausal conditions.
• The International Menopause Society demonstrated resilience and continued operations during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.