Global Congress Sneak Peek!

New Orleans is well-known for its unique music, cuisine, and Mardi Gras celebration but this November it will take on another world-famous role as host city of the AAGL Global Congress! As the Chair of the Scientific Program Committee (SPC), I cordially invite you to join us at the Ernst N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisianna, November 16-19, 2024.

Registration is now open with early bird pricing available for a limited time only! Upon registration, AAGL will provide a list of local hotels with discounted room rates just for Global Congress attendees! The airport closest to the convention center is the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). Make your plans to join us!

Earlier this year, the SPC received many intriguing courses submitted for consideration by our members and began the meticulous process of putting together a high-quality, thought-provoking program presented by a diverse global faculty of experts, which will elevate the practice of new and experienced surgeons alike.

Our theme this year is IMPACT: Advancing Women’s Healthcare Together. While we build our skillsets through best clinical practices, our program will also explore innovations that continue to push the boundaries of discovery and advancement in our field. The 2024 Scientific Program offers continuing medical education (CME) credits through 20 Didactic Postgraduate (PG) Courses, 2 PG Labs, 6 Surgical Tutorials, 10 Panels and 2 Debates, with AAGL MED Talks and Special Lectures spread throughout 5 General Sessions. Oral and Video sessions, along with Virtual Poster selections, are now being chosen through the grading process of the 732 abstracts submitted (121 more submitted than in 2023). 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. The FMIGS Bootcamp, held Friday, November 15^th, kicks off our event followed by the FMIGS Graduation Ceremony and Reception that evening from 7:00pm–9:00pm. This year we have 56 fellows scheduled to graduate. Congratulations to each of you, you are the future of MIGS!

PG courses begin Saturday morning at 9:15am and continue throughout the day Sunday. Some of our membership’s greatest minds will share their expertise on a wide variety of topics such as hysterectomy, endometriosis, fibroids management, hysteroscopy, image guided techniques, operating on pregnant patients, gynecologic cancers, anatomy, Mullerian anomalies, pelvic pain, robotics, vaginal surgery, reproductive medicine, isthmoceles and more! A suturing simulation lab featuring the EMIGS laparobowl is scheduled for Saturday followed by the AAGL/ISSA Anatomy Simulation Lab on Sunday. These labs fill on a first come, first serve basis, so be sure to register early!

Sunday, early evening is the Opening General Session featuring addresses from our 2024 Honorary Chair, Linda D. Bradley, MD and AAGL President, Michel Canis, MD, PhD. Then the party begins at the Welcome Reception in the Exhibit Hall on Sunday from 5:30pm-7:00pm. 

Monday and Tuesday, you will be treated to insights from the greatest minds in our field through Surgical Tutorials, Debates and Panels on subjects such as complex hysterectomies, resectoscopy, endometriosis and endometriomas, medicolegal challenges, ultrasound and MIGS, surgical coaching, ectopic pregnancy, fertility sparing treatments, adnexal mases, greening the OR and more! General Sessions tie these topics together with thought-provoking AAGL Med Talks and lectures on innovation, AI in Surgery, female sexuality, surgical ergonomics, the personal impact of complications, and coping with medical errors. 

After stimulating days of learning, we have planned fun social events to network and unwind. Tuesday evening we recognize excellence in MIGS at the Foundation of the AAGL Awards Ceremony and Gala held at the Fillmore from 7:00pm-12:00am. Then Wednesday evening don your favorite masquerade mask and celebrate the wrap of the Global Congress at the President’s Masquerade Party, 8:00pm–12:00am at the historic Antoine’s Restaurant. Tickets for each of these must attend events will be available for purchase along with Global Congress registration.

This very general overview is just a taste of what is to come. Over the next few months, I will share details about the incredible program that we have planned. Interwoven throughout this Congress is a nurturing spirit, a message of support and longevity for MIG surgeons to elevate you, guide you, and inspire you in your practice. I look forward to seeing you all in New Orleans!

Laissez les bon temps rouler!