Plus Ultra: The Future of Gynecologic Surgery Awaits in Vancouver—And You ABSOLUTELY Need to Be There!
If you had one shot, one opportunity to witness the most transformative moment in surgical history—would you capture it, or just let it slip?
It’s the question facing every one of us as we stand at the threshold of AAGL’s 54th Global Congress in Vancouver this November 8-11, 2025—and I’m telling you right now with every fiber of my being: you absolutely, positively, unequivocally CANNOT afford to miss this. Unless you enjoy crushing FOMO and explaining to your colleagues next year why you missed THE event of the decade. In which case, godspeed.
For 52 years, AAGL has been the society that doesn’t just talk about innovation—we ARE innovation. We’re the cool kids. We’re the surgeons who got in the boat when everyone else stayed safely on shore complaining about seasickness and asking “but what about the monsters?” While others debated endlessly in committees, we operated. While others warned and wagged fingers, we transformed the field. And now? NOW we’re sailing beyond our own Pillars of Hercules straight into the era of artificial intelligence—the central theme of this year’s Congress. This is the moment we’ve been building toward for half a century, and it’s going to be SO. EXTRAORDINARY.
A Keynote Speaker Who Will Blow Your Mind (And Make Your CV Weep)
I’m especially—no, scratch that—I’m RIDICULOUSLY excited about our Keynote Speaker, Dr. Ryan McAdams, whose work at the intersection of artificial intelligence and medicine is both visionary and grounded—and whose résumé makes the rest of us look like we’ve been in a medically-induced coma for the past decade. Seriously, just when you think you’ve had a productive year because you finally organized your desk, you read about Dr. McAdams and realize you need to reconsider your entire life.
Dr. McAdams is a neonatologist and Professor at the University of Wisconsin, where he serves as Division Chief of Neonatology. He spent ten years in the US Air Force (so yes, he can probably fly a plane AND intubate a preemie while doing barrel rolls—can you? I thought not), and has brought his expertise to communities around the globe—from Peru to Mongolia, Cambodia to Uganda—driven by the conviction that “every baby everywhere deserves the best care to allow them to survive and thrive.” I mean, come on. That’s basically superhero origin story material right there.
His research on using AI and machine learning to enhance neonatal safety and outcomes perfectly embodies what this Congress is all about: harnessing cutting-edge technology to save lives and make medicine better. And if his passport doesn’t give you serious travel envy (mine literally turned green with jealousy), his insights on AI in medicine definitely will. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this—it’s not every day you get to hear from someone who’s literally saving babies with ALGORITHMS. The rest of us are still trying to remember our email passwords.
Artificial Intelligence: This Is What You’ve Been Waiting For (And Also What Your Patients Need)
This year’s Congress is LASER-FOCUSED on artificial intelligence and its revolutionary impact on gynecologic surgery. We’re not just dipping our toes in the water—we’re cannonballing into the deep end with absolute abandon! From AI diagnosis of endometriosis to real-world surgical intelligence systems analyzing our procedures in real-time (like having a really smart, non-judgmental colleague looking over your shoulder), we’re exploring the complete roadmap to automated surgery and beyond.
Picture this glorious spectacle: Heated debates between MRI and ultrasound champions (Dr. Scott Young from Mayo Clinic vs. Dr. Alessandra Di Giovanni from Italy—grab your popcorn, possibly your betting money, and prepare for FIREWORKS). Sessions on sexual dysfunction that your patients desperately, DESPERATELY need you to understand (yes, THAT talk—the one Dr. Cheryl Iglesia is giving about what you actually need to know, not the mortifying one our parents stammered through when we were teenagers). Groundbreaking talks on pelvic floor physical therapy with my brilliant former Fellow Dr. Diana Atashroo interviewing the amazing Dr. Karen Brandon. Innovation panels led by absolute legends like Dr. Javier Magrina, my extraordinary mentor and this year’s honorary chair, discussing how we innovated BEFORE AI (you know, in the olden days, like five years ago).
This isn’t science fiction, people. This is happening NOW. TODAY. IN YOUR LIFETIME. And AAGL is leading the charge like the innovative rebels we’ve always been!
An Exhibit Hall You Have to Experience (a.k.a. The Most Incredible Surgeon Playground Ever Conceived)
The Vancouver Convention Centre will showcase the future of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery with AI at its absolute core, and let me tell you—it’s going to be SPECTACULAR. Our Exhibit Hall brings together the industry’s most innovative companies, displaying AI-powered surgical intelligence systems that will make your jaw drop, cutting-edge surgical robotics with machine learning capabilities that seem like magic, and breakthrough technologies that are already transforming how we operate.
From systems that predict complications before they happen (FINALLY—can I get an amen?!) to augmented reality showing anatomy beneath what you can see (goodbye forever to the world’s worst game of “Where’s Waldo: Ureter Edition”), you’ll witness—and touch, and play with, and experience firsthand—the tools defining the next decade of MIGS. I’m not exaggerating when I say this alone is worth the trip! Plus, and I cannot stress this enough, there are SNACKS. Amazing snacks. Never, ever underestimate the transformative power of well-curated exhibit hall snacks and the networking that happens over them.
Be Part of AAGL History (The Really Exciting Chapter That Future Surgeons Will Study)
In our 54-year history, this moment—this audacious leap into the world of AI—may be our boldest, most thrilling voyage yet. We are the society of innovators, the dreamers who make it real, and artificial intelligence is our new frontier. And here’s the BEAUTIFUL part that makes me genuinely giddy: you don’t have to choose between missing out or breaking the bank on travel! Can’t make it to Vancouver in person? Join us VIRTUALLY! You’ll get the exact same cutting-edge content, the same visionary speakers, the same front-row seat to the future of gynecologic surgery—all from wherever you are. Seriously! (Pajama pants not only optional but actively encouraged and completely judgment-free.)
This Is YOUR Personal Invitation. This Is YOUR Once-in-a-Career Moment!
Whether you’re walking the stunning halls of the Vancouver Convention Centre surrounded by breathtaking mountain and ocean views (seriously, pause right now and Google the Vancouver Convention Centre—I’ll wait—SEE?! GORGEOUS!), or you’re tuning in from your office halfway around the world with questionable coffee and excellent life choices—BE THERE. Register TODAY. Right now. Stop reading and register. (Okay fine, finish reading THEN register immediately.)
In person or virtual, you NEED to be part of this Congress. The future isn’t human versus machine—it’s human WITH machine working together in perfect harmony! Artificial intelligence and human wisdom. Computational power and compassionate care. Algorithms and empathy. Data and devotion. (And hopefully, someday soon, robots that can do our documentation while we actually talk to patients. A surgeon can dream!)
Don’t let this opportunity slip through your fingers like that Eminem lyric warned you about. Register RIGHT NOW at congress.aagl.org. Because we’re AAGL, the society of Plus Ultra—More Beyond! We’ve been fearlessly sailing past boundaries and ignoring the naysayers for 52 glorious years, and we’re not stopping now. Not for anything. Not for anyone. Well, maybe for those exhibit hall snacks. Those snacks are REALLY good.
The Before You Go page on the Congress website and the Congress App have all the key details you need. See you in November—in stunning Vancouver or on your screen wherever you are in the world. Let’s build the impossible together! LET’S GO!!!
