Gynecologic oncologists are the best qualified to treat ovarian cancer. A gynecologic oncologist is an obstetrician gynecologist who is further trained in oncology and advanced abdominal pelvic surgery to specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of women with gynecologic cancers. Research has shown that women survive longer when their initial surgeries are performed by a gynecologic oncologist. The initial surgery and staging of ovarian cancer is critical to determining the appropriate course of treatment, and ultimately survival outcomes.