Vancouver Reflections
Dear AAGL Family,
Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s Global Congress in Vancouver on Artificial Intelligence and Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery.
My deepest gratitude goes to the Scientific Planning Committee for their tremendous hard work that was essential in making our Congress a success. I also want to recognize the unsung heroes of the Congress and all activities of our foundation: the amazing AAGL office staff. Without them, this organization would not be here and best gynecologic surgical society in the world.
The faculty put in endless hours preparing and teaching the courses, and all the participants took time from their busy schedules to attend. A special thank you to all the participants from around the world and our affiliated societies—ESGE, COGA, AGES, and others—whose presence and collaboration made this truly a global congress. It is all of you that make this a great success.
We are entering the era of artificial intelligence in medicine and surgery. This Congress was designed to help us understand and embrace this transformation. I hope we successfully relayed the message that AI is not something to fear, but rather a powerful tool here to help us improve patient outcomes and minimize complications. It can enhance our decision-making, refine our techniques, and expand our capabilities in ways we’re only beginning to imagine. This is not about human versus machine, but human with machine—a partnership that amplifies our strengths. Though I must admit, the machines still can’t match our bedside manner or tell a decent joke. We will never be replaced by machines because of our empathy and understanding of our patients, their needs, and their worries. The human element—our ability to connect, to comfort, and to truly see our patients as individuals—remains irreplaceable and essential to excellent care. The edge of the known world is not where we end, but where we begin.
Our Honorary Chair, the magnificent Dr. Javier Magrina, showed us the way years before we could see it ourselves. His vision for innovation was like nobody else’s, clearly reflected in his years of creating progress in medicine and surgery, and in his amazing introduction to the panel of original innovators he organized in Vancouver. Thank you to all the panelists for their insights and contributions to the conversation.
We heard many great talks throughout our sessions. Dr. Ted Anderson delivered the Franklin D. Lofter Presidential Address, “Reclaiming Relevance,” an inspiring talk that set the tone for the entire Congress. I was particularly moved and honored that my son, Jack Hibner, gave a presentation titled ” AI, Magic, or Math”—he did an absolutely amazing job explaining what artificial intelligence is and clearly demonstrating that it is not magic, but beautiful mathematics. I couldn’t be prouder of him. We organized this conference in the spirit of Plus Ultra—more beyond. The edge of the known world is not where we end, but where we begin.
Our keynote speaker, Dr. Ryan McAdams, delivered an inspiring and visionary talk that beautifully captured our theme. His insights challenged us to think differently about the future of surgery and our role in shaping it. And yes, jokingly, a neonatologist came to lecture us surgeons about what the future of surgery will look like—and he absolutely nailed it!
To everyone who contributed—from our international partners to every member of our team—thank you for making this Congress unforgettable. Together, we’ve pushed the boundaries of what’s possible and reaffirmed our commitment to innovation and excellence in gynecologic surgery.
Vancouver was an amazing and inviting location for our gathering. The Presidential Ball with its “Great Gatsby” theme was probably one of the best in the history of our society, creating an unforgettable evening that brought our community together in spectacular fashion.
With gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead—Plus Ultra,
Michael Hibner, MD, PhD
Incoming AAGL President, 2026
