Dr. Reitan Ribeiro honoured with international award for his exceptional contributions to Gynecologic Oncology Surgery

The McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Dr. Reitan Ribeiro, Gynecologic Oncologist and Surgical Oncologist at the Cedars Cancer Centre and Assistant Professor in the Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Oncology at McGill University. Dr. Ribeiro has been awarded the 2025 Outstanding Achievement in Gynecologic Oncology Surgery Award by the International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS), reflecting his global impact on surgical innovation, clinical research, and education in the field of gynecologic oncology.

Dr. Ribeiro has revolutionized fertility preservation for women undergoing pelvic radiation therapy through the development of the uterine transposition technique. This procedure, internationally acclaimed, temporarily repositions the uterus and ovaries outside the radiation field to safeguard reproductive potential without compromising oncologic outcomes. This technique has been embraced across the globe and continues to change lives.

 

Dr. Reitan Ribeiro

 

“Through his unwavering commitment to surgical innovation, clinical research, and surgical education, Dr. Ribeiro has set new benchmarks and paradigms that will continue to shape gynecologic oncology for generations to come,” the IGCS wrote in its official announcement. “His work has left a lasting impact on both patient care and the development of future surgeons, making him a truly deserving candidate for this prestigious international award.”

“I’m deeply honored to receive this award. This recognition reflects not only my personal journey but also the collective dedication of the teams I’ve had the privilege to work with. I’m proud to contribute to a field in the service of women’s health,” says Dr. Ribeiro.  

A few career highlights

A native of Brazil, Dr. Ribeiro earned his medical degree at the Federal University of Porto Alegre, completed residencies in General Surgery and Surgical Oncology, and specialized in Gynecologic Oncology at Erasto Gaertner Hospital, where he later served as Research Director.  

He has played a key role in international clinical trials such as LACC, ALICE, KEYNOTE-001, and SGNTV-003. His commitment to surgical training has marked the next generation of gynecologic oncologists both in Canada and internationally. Dr. Ribeiro is a leader in clinical practice and a driving force in research and academic mentorship. 

Messages of congratulations

“We are very proud that Dr. Reitan Ribeiro has been chosen for the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Gynecologic Oncology Surgery by the International Gynecologic Cancer Society. This award reflects the considerable contributions he has made in our field at an international level and highlights the reasons why we are so honoured that he has decided to continue his career with our division at McGill.

Congratulations Reitan on a well-deserved achievement!”

Ziggy Zeng, MD 
Gynecologist Oncologist, MUHC  
Assistant professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University  

“On behalf of the women of Quebec, we are deeply grateful to have such an outstanding gynecological oncologist and surgical oncologist like Dr. Ribeiro at the McGill University Health Centre. He is the only individual in Canada with dual training in these fields, which is an incredible asset for treating women with advanced gynecological cancers. 

This achievement wouldn't have been possible without the unwavering support and visionary leadership of several key individuals and organizations. We owe Dr. Ribeiro's recruitment to the College of Medicine of Quebec, the Ministry of Health and Social Services (Ministère de la Santé et des Services Sociaux), the Fédération des Médecins Spécialistes du Québec (FMSQ), and so many inspiring people who came together to make this possible.  

We also owe a great debt of gratitude to the following people and institutions whose collective efforts were crucial:  

McGill University Health Centre (MUHC): 
Dr. Jean Deschênes, Directeur médical adjoint, Directeur adjoint, Services Professionnels, Affaires Médicales et Recherche, MUHC  

McGill University: 
Dr. Lesley Fellows, Vice Principal (Health Affairs), Dean of the Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, McGill University 
Dr. Guy Rouleau, Director, The Neuro (Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital), Chair, Dept of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Chief, Dept of Neurosciences, MUHC  

RAMQ: 
Dr. Bruno Piedboeuf, Director des affaires universitaires, Direction Générale des services hospitaliers de la médecine spécialisée et universitaire, Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux du Québec  

CMQ: 
Dr. Marie-Josée Bédard, Comité Admission de l'Exercice (CAE), Collège des Médecins du Québec  
Dr. Julie Lajeunesse, Médecins-conseil, Directions des études médicales, CMQ 
Laurence Duermael, Agente, Permis restrictifs et ARM, CMQ  

FMSQ:  
Dr. Vincent Oliva, President, FMSQ  
Karine Paulin, Directrice adjointe, Direction des Affaires professionnelles, FMSQ  

Finally, we must also thank the Carole Epstein Foundation, the MUHC Foundation, and the Cedars Cancer Foundation for their continued dedication to advancing cancer care in our community.  

Together, these exceptional individuals and organizations have made a significant difference in the lives of women battling gynecological cancer in Quebec.”  

Lucy Gilbert MD, MSc, FRCOG 
Professor and Chair, Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology 
Robert Kinch Chair in Women’s Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University  
Director of Gynecologic Cancer Services, MUHC 
Director, Women's Health Research Unit, RI-MUHC  

 

Dr. Reitan Ribeiro
Dr. Lucy Gilbert and Dr. Reitan Ribeiro