Faculty members win national awards for achievement in minimally invasive gynaecology
Carmen McCaffrey and Ally Murji are recognized by the Canadian Society for the Advancement of Gynecologic Excellence for their work
Carmen McCaffrey, an assistant professor in the ob-gyn department and on staff at St. Michael’s Hospital, has won the Early Achievement in Minimally Invasive Gynaecology award from the Canadian Society for the Advancement of Gynecologic Excellence (CanSAGE). She received her award in September in Saskatoon at CanSAGE’s annual conference.
Ally Murji, a professor in the department and division head of minimally invasive gynaecology surgery (MIGS), says that McCaffrey is forging an impressive path in this exciting field.
“Dr. McCaffrey has brought an innovative and empathetic mind to the treatment of endometriosis, the focus of her research and clinical work. Her embrace of technological solutions and determination to treat the whole patient, with a focus on mental health, is fully deserving of this award. Congrats, Carmen!”
Murji, the chief and medical director at the Trillium Health Partner’s Women’s and Children’s Program, was also present at the CanSAGE conference, where he picked up his own award for Excellence in Gynecologic Care. He was recognized for originating internationally adopted techniques for complex benign gynaecologic surgery, his research track record, as well as being a passionate mentor of the next generation of surgeons.
The rapidly advancing field of MIGS uses an unobtrusive approach to treating gynaecological conditions. Procedures are performed using specialized instruments through tiny incisions, which results in lower complications and faster recoveries for patients when compared to open surgery.
Writer Matthew Tierney caught up with McCaffrey, who is also the Post-Graduate Wellness Coordinator for the department, to ask about her research and her plans for the future — including the launch of her endometriosis app.
What research or initiatives have you pursued in the treatment of endometriosis?
Endometriosis a condition that can present in a range from benign to severe. It is a multisystemic disease that can potentially cause debilitating chronic pelvic pain, can impair fertility, and significantly affect quality of life.
I started an endometriosis program at St. Michael’s Hospital that draws on a multidisciplinary team to perform minimally invasive endometriosis excision for patients with a stage IV diagnosis, which is the most severe.
I was fortunate to be able to fund this initiative by winning a medical research competition called Angel’s Den with designs for a medical app currently in the development phase. MyEndo App is a platform that will provide patients comprehensive, evidence-based care for endometriosis and pelvic pain, including pelvic floor physiotherapy, mindfulness therapy, nutrition counselling, exercise and yoga programs and more — all in the comfort of their home, eliminating cost and location barriers.
In addition I also created a novel mindfulness course for patients with endometriosis, and continue to research creating simulation models for trainees to practice endometriosis excision.
What does winning this award mean to you?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of the talented group of minimally invasive gyne surgeons at St. Michael’s Hospital. And I’m so proud of what we have achieved as a team.
It was very special to receive this award from Dr. Sari Kives, the incoming CanSage president, and Dr. Jamie Kroft, the outgoing CanSage president. They are two of my greatest mentors. Dr. Kives has been a mentor to me since I was a junior resident and helped shaped my career. Dr. Kroft was instrumental in my fellowship training. Her love of endometriosis surgery and meticulous skill inspired me to focus my career around surgical endometriosis.
Also Dr. Elizabeth Miazga was on hand, who was a previous fellow in the department and co-creator of the My Endo app. We went through the Angel’s Den competition together and she has been my mentee and good friend for over ten years.
What would you like to accomplish in the near or far future?
After years of meetings and jumping through many hoops, we are nearing the final stages of creating the new and improved version of the MyEndo app. We are hoping to launch this in early 2026. Stay tuned!
