Countdown to Congress!
The countdown clock on the Global Congress website is ticking away, letting us know that in just three short weeks, we will come together to make an IMPACT on the future of MIGS at the 53rd AAGL Global Congress in New Orleans.
All you need to know to plan your experience is on the Global Congress Website, including our new Before You Go page. Here you can see hours and locations of frequently utilized spaces such as the Registration Desk, Exhibit Hall, Mother’s Lounge, and Speaker Ready Room. In addition, the Global Congress website has the Scientific Program available to plan your courses in advance.
Product Theaters will be held during Breakfast and Lunch in the Exhibit Hall. With limited seating available, be sure to add one of these to your registration. If you have already registered for the Global Congress and would like to add a Product Theater, you can sign in to your registration using the information provided in your registration confirmation email. Monday morning Baxter Healthcare Corporation will hold a Product Theater on Stage 1 that will Explore the Critical Role that Meticulous Hemostasis Plays in Minimizing Postoperative Adhesions. On Stage 2, Pacira BioSciences will present on Overcoming Postsurgical Pain Management Challenges and on Stage 3, AAGL/ASRM will hold a session on Endometriosis and Adenomyosis in the Eyes of the Reproductive Surgeon. That afternoon at 1:00pm, Applied Medical Resources will present on Product Theater Stage 1 on Managing Complex Adnexal Pathologies, Hostile Abdomens, and 500g+ Uteri with vNOTES. On Stage 2, Legally Mine will discuss Safeguarding Wealth Through Lawsuit Prevention and Tax Strategies and on Stage 3, Gynesonics will present on the Sonata System: Advancements in RFA Technology and Clinical Research, Expanding Patient Selection. Tuesday, Product Theaters continue through breakfast and lunch starting at 8:30 am with presentations by SurgeryU, Geeta Lal (Surgical Ergonomics) and Integra LifeSciences. SurgeryU Editor-in-Chief, Jeffrey Woo, will present on Mastering Surgical Video Presentations. On Stage 2, Geeta Lal will follow-up her General Session Special Lecture with a Product Theater presentation demonstrating how ergonomics coaching works and how it could benefit your health and practice. On Stage 3, Integra LifeSciences will present a brief, 20-minute, Product Theater on Harnessing the Power of Placental Tissue, Innovative Surgical Wound Applications. Last, Tuesday afternoon, Provepharm will present their Product Theater on the FDA Approved Indigo Carmine Injection as a Visualization Aid in Cystoscopic Assessment of Ureteral Patency.
While attendance is reaching record highs, it won’t be the same without YOU! Online Registration will remain open until the first day of Congress and we hope that you will join us! Tickets can also be purchased on-site at the Registration Desk for an additional $100 fee.
Our Opening General Session will be held on Sunday afternoon, November 17th. Along with an engaging MedTalk, Honorary Chair Address and the Presidential Address, we will also recognize one of AAGL’s most impactful members with the designation of our highest honor, Honorary Member. 
This distinction is given to members of our association who have had a profound and lifelong impact on the development of the AAGL and on minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. The AAGL Board unanimously chose Dr. Franklin Loffer for this long-deserved recognition, as he embodies every ideal of this rank.
Dr. Loffer has been an active member of the AAGL since 1972 and has served in many roles in the AAGL including Vice President after our founder, Dr. Jordan Phillips retired, AAGL Board President in 1986 and Medical Director from 2000-2018. He has also served on every AAGL Board along with providing his expertise in countless committees, advisory roles, and teaching opportunities. As such, his perspectives, expertise and influence have shaped every aspect of our association. In 2018, the Foundation of the AAGL established the Franklin D. Loffer Exceptional Resident Award to recognize Dr. Loffer’s leadership and carry on his legacy.
Dr. Loffer, now retired, served patients through a private practice in Phoenix, Arizona from 1968-2009 and was active in minimally invasive surgery since 1970. In addition, he was Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Arizona. He authored 48 peer reviewed papers and 17 chapters, primarily in the area of gynecologic endoscopy and hysteroscopy, served on the Editorial Board of two journals and has been an Ad Hoc Reviewer for 13 medical journals. He frequently lectured in the United States and throughout the world and has demonstrated endoscopic surgical procedures in 14 foreign countries. With this long career of service, the number of patients he has helped and lives he has touched is beyond count. Dr. Loffer will receive this recognition during General Session I.
Shortly following the Global Congress, all attendees will receive a survey to provide feedback about your experience. This highly valued information is used to develop future programs. On-Demand session recordings will be available December 20th through January 31, 2025.
The planning of this Global Congress has been a labor of love, and it has been my great honor to serve our association in this way. I look forward to seeing you all soon in New Orleans!
