Global Congress Sneak Peak!

The many pieces it takes to put together an event that is the magnitude of the AAGL Global Congress, are falling into place! As the Chair of the Scientific Program Committee (SPC), I invite you to join us at the Music City Center in Nashville Tennessee, November 5-8, 2023.

After reviewing the Global Congress Survey submitted by our members, the dedicated SPC has thoughtfully chosen the highest quality trainings in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS), presented by a diverse and gifted global faculty of experts, to elevate the practice of new and experienced surgeons alike. A reflection of our membership, these faculty represent over 30 different countries and are an equal representation of women verses men. 

Registration is now open with early bird pricing available until September 10^th, 2023. Please note that all labs will have limited registration available and will be filled on a first come, first served basis. We encourage you to register early!

In addition, those who register early will have live access to an exclusive Global Congress launch event, a Pre-Congress Postgraduate Course (PG) provided by webinar on Saturday, Sept 9^th. This PG Course, Necessity is the Mother of Invention – How Cost and Environmental Mindfulness May Help Improve the Future of MIGS, features Chairs Prudence Aquino and Jon Einarsson and Faculty Jenny Denkelman, Noel Aruparayil, Sassi Boughizane, and Chantelle Rizan. In all countries the rising cost of medicine and surgery, limited access to care, and climate costs for surgical procedures, have become major concerns. To overcome these problems, economically and ecologically sustainable surgical techniques should be developed while insuring optimal patient care. Imagination is always more productive when the situation is more demanding. Therefore, current developments ongoing in countries with more difficult economical situations will likely be essential to help minimally invasive surgeons provide access to care worldwide, as well as to decrease the carbon footprint of surgery. From this course, participants will have a greater understanding of the problems at hand, discover that many affordable alternatives are being developed around the world, understand how many of these more sustainable approaches could be adopted, and become able to convince industry partners to engage early in these strategies as ethically and ecologically sustainable technology will soon be the major marketing argument. This course will be an excellent precursor to stimulate your thoughts and prepare you for the Global Congress.

The theme of this year’s event, Sustainability in Surgery: Paving the Way Together, is integrated throughout the program to provide attendees awareness and tools for reducing costs and the impact of the operating room on our planet while increasing access to care. The 2023 Scientific Program features 23 Didactic Postgraduate (PG) Courses, 3 PG Labs, 6 Surgical Tutorials, 3 Panels and 3 Debates, with multiple AAGL MED Talks and Pre-recorded Surgeries scattered throughout 7 General Sessions. Oral and Video sessions, along with Virtual Poster selections, are now being chosen through the meticulous grading process of the 611 abstracts that were submitted. Of these abstracts, approximately 200 will be chosen for presentation in a session and 200 will become Virtual Posters featured in the Exhibit Hall.

Plan to arrive a day early to hit the ground running on opening day. Please note that the dates of the Global Congress have changed to November 5-8, 2023. This change allows for a greater number of accommodations at the AAGL reduced hotel rate.

The Global Congress kicks off on Sunday, November 5, with the FMIGS Bootcamp, PG Courses and the Opening General Session. That evening, make a point to recognize the next generation of MIG surgeons at the FMIGS Graduation. Monday, Congress Day 2, features both AAGL and Industry Sponsored Labs, additional PG Courses, a General Session, and the Welcome Reception in the Exhibit Hall followed by the Koh Suturing Competition. Tuesday you will be treated to insights from the greatest minds in our field through Surgical Tutorials, Pre-recorded Surgeries, AAGL Med Talks, Oral and Video Sessions, Panels and Debates. That evening, plan to join the Foundation of the AAGL at their Awards Banquet and Ceremony: Celebrating the Arts and Science of MIGS, where they will acknowledge the 2023 award winners for the best research in MIGS. 

Unlike previous years where the final day of Congress was a partial day, Wednesday, has a packed schedule of the highest quality programming ending in the early evening. The Closing General Session will feature Pre-recorded Surgeries, an AAGL MED Talk, recognition of our Honorary Chair, Dr. Tommaso Falcone, and the Presidential Address by Dr. Andrew Sokol. Unwind with your colleagues and celebrate the wrap of the Global Congress Wednesday night at the Closing Celebration Party which will be held at the Wildhorse Saloon; Nashville’s iconic destination where we will take over the 2^nd and 3^rd floors and enjoy, food, drinks, live music, and line dancing.

There is much to learn at this year’s Global Congress. I look forward to seeing all of you in Nashville!

Michel Canis, MD
with editorial support from AAGL staff