Biography – Prof. Em. Bruno Johan van Herendael
Prof. Em. Bruno Johan van Herendael was born in Antwerp, Belgium, Europe, on October 14, 1946. He studied medicine at the Catholic University of Leuven (KUL), graduating magna cum laude in 1971. During his studies, he specialized in gynecology and obstetrics, completing internships at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at St. Raphael Academic Hospital under Prof. M. Renaer. That same year, he began working in the outpatient ultrasound clinic.
In 1974, he furthered his training as Senior Registrar at Cecil Rhodes University in Cape Town, South Africa, working at Groote Schuur Hospital with Prof. D.A. Davey, and served as a Fellow at the Obstetric Research Unit. There, he conducted research in gyneco-endocrinology and was affiliated with several specialized departments.
Upon his return to Belgium, Prof. van Herendael held academic positions at KU Leuven and the Laboratory for Gynecological Physiopathology, where he specialized in light and electron microscopy—both transmission and scanning—of human membranes.
He was officially certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology by the Belgian Minister of Health on July 3, 1976.
From 1977, he developed a distinguished career within the Antwerp public hospital system, particularly the Jan Palfijn General Hospital. He was appointed:
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Head of the Centre for Human Reproduction (1988)
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Head of the Division of Gynecologic Endoscopic Surgery (1991)
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Founder and Director of the Endoscopic Training Centre Antwerp (ETCA) (since 1992)
In 1993, he became Professor of Gynecologic Endoscopy at the University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.
From January 1, 2004, he served as Coordinator of Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology at Ziekenhuis Netwerk Antwerpen (ZNA), Stuivenberg, and from November 1, 2013, as Consultant in Gynecology at the same hospital. Since September 5, 2023, he has been a Teacher in Endoscopy at Ziekenhuis aan de Stroom (ZAS), Cadix, Antwerp.
Professional Involvement and Leadership Roles
Prof. van Herendael is a founding member of multiple key organizations and has served in numerous leadership positions:
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Secretary General, European Society of Hysteroscopy (1985–1993)
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International Advisory Board Member, American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (since 1986)
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European Secretary/Treasurer, International Society for Gynecologic Endoscopy (ISGE) (1988–1993)
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Faculty Member, Diplôme Universitaire d’Hystéroscopie, University of Paris XI, Kremlin Bicêtre Hospital (since 1992)
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Director, Endoscopic Training Centre Antwerp (since 1992)
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Administrative Director, ISGE (2004–2007)
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President, ISGE (2016–2018)
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Medical Director, ISGE (2018–2025)
He was a member of the editorial boards of journals including the Journal of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (1993–2015) and served as an Ad Hoc reviewer for several leading publications.
Publications and Scientific Contribution
Prof. van Herendael has:
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Published over 100 papers in peer-reviewed journals on endoscopic surgery
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Edited nine books and two atlases on gynecologic endoscopy, covering both hysteroscopy and laparoscopy
Legacy
Prof. van Herendael is internationally acclaimed as a pioneer and leading authority in gynecological endoscopy. His significant contributions in clinical practice, research, education, and international collaboration have had a lasting and global impact on women’s health and minimally invasive gynecological surgery.
