AI, Innovation, and the Future of MIGS: Get Ready for Vancouver!
The countdown to our Vancouver Congress this November has officially begun! If you missed my good friend Dr. Sergio Haimovich’s pre-Congress webinar “From Zero to First Wins Using AI in Everyday MIGS Practice,” you missed a masterclass from one of the brightest minds bridging artificial intelligence and gynecologic surgery across continents. But don’t worry—Vancouver promises even more groundbreaking content.
When Physics Meets Medicine (and Father Meets Son)
In what will be an emotional moment for me, we’ll kick off with “What is AI and Why?” presented by Jack Hibner. Yes, that’s my son. Before you cry nepotism, know that Jack is crushing it as a double major in physics and math at Arizona State University Honors College. His unique background makes him ideally qualified to demystify AI for our surgical community, bridging the gap between complex technology and clinical practice.
Following Jack’s foundation-setting talk, Dr. Ishai Levin will bring us back to the OR with “Real-World Surgical Intelligence,” showing how AI and computer vision are already transforming how we operate, train, and document our procedures. No more sci-fi speculation—this is happening now.
The Great Endometriosis Imaging Showdown
Former president Dr. Mauricio Abrao will tackle one of our field’s most frustrating challenges: diagnosing endometriosis without surgery. His talk on “AI Diagnosis of Endometriosis” sets the stage for what I believe will be one of the most contentious debates we’ve ever had at AAGL.
Picture this: Mayo Clinic radiologist Dr. Scott Young, MRI champion, going head-to-head with ultrasound virtuoso Dr. Alessandra Di Giovanni. Which imaging modality reigns supreme for endometriosis diagnosis? Grab your popcorn—this debate might get heated!
Innovation Past, Present, and Future
Dr. Gaby Moawad will paint our surgical future with “The Roadmap to Automated Surgery.” While we’re not quite at the point of robots performing surgery solo (thankfully, we still have jobs!), Gaby will show us the incredible innovations already enhancing precision and safety in minimally invasive procedures.
But to know where we’re going, we must understand where we came from. That’s why I asked Dr. Javier Magrina—legendary surgeon, my amazing mentor, and this year’s Honorary Chair—to lead a panel of our society’s biggest innovators. These are the surgeons who innovated with their hands and minds before AI entered the chat—their stories are both humbling and inspiring.
Let’s Talk About… Everything Else
Tuesday brings two talks that address what really matters to our patients’ quality of life. Dr. Cheryl Iglesia presents what many have been waiting for—the “sex talk.” Not the birds-and-bees version our parents stammered through, but an evidence-based discussion on treating sexual dysfunction.
The Congress closes with a conversation I’m particularly interested in: “Physical Therapy in Managing Pelvic Pain.” Two close friends will lead this session—Dr. Diana Atashroo, my former Fellow, and Dr. Karen Brandon, brilliant physical therapist from Loma Linda and current President of the International Pelvic Pain Society. Diana will interview Karen about the critical role of pelvic floor physical therapy. It’s time we all recognized that most pelvic pain originates in the pelvic floor—and our PT colleagues often hold the key to relief.
Why Vancouver Can’t Come Soon Enough
This isn’t just another conference schedule—it’s a carefully crafted journey through where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re headed in gynecologic surgery. From AI algorithms to human touch, from heated debates to collaborative solutions, Vancouver promises to challenge, inspire, and maybe even surprise us.
I’m incredibly proud of this program we’ve assembled. The speakers have been preparing diligently, and I personally thank each one who agreed to participate. Whether you’re an AI enthusiast ready to embrace our automated future, a skeptic wondering if robots will steal your job, or somewhere in between, this Congress has something for you.
Mark your calendars, book your flights, and prepare your questions. Vancouver is shaping up to be the Congress where tradition meets innovation, where heated debates lead to breakthrough insights, and where the future of MIGS becomes a little clearer.
See you in November—it’s going to be extraordinary!
