An Invitation to Vancouver
Non Plus Ultra, a Latin phrase meaning “there is nothing further beyond,” holds significant historical importance. In ancient times, it was believed to mark the end of the known world at the Pillars of Hercules, the Strait of Gibraltar. Sailors were cautious about venturing past this point due to the unknown dangers that lay beyond. Similarly, in the realm of medicine, surgeons were often hesitant to explore new and uncharted territories.
However, in 1971, a revolutionary society called the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL) was founded by visionary leader, Dr. Jordan M. Philips. AAGL was not just a society dedicated to minimally invasive gynecologic surgery; it was a society driven by an unwavering pursuit of excellence and a relentless exploration of boundaries beyond conventional limits.
In 2025, we stand on the brink of a revolutionary era, an era of Plus Ultra, where we dare to venture beyond our comfort zones and push the boundaries of gynecologic surgery into uncharted territories. This era is fueled by the remarkable advancements in computing power and technology, which have enabled the integration of artificial intelligence into medicine and surgery. Our 2025 Vancouver meeting, a nod to the spirit of 1971, is dedicated to the transformative potential of artificial intelligence and surgical innovation.
Our theme this year, Precision, Progress, and the Power of AI: Shaping the Future of Women’s Health, has inspired an unprecedented surge in interest, with twice as many proposals for Postgraduate Courses, Debates, Panels, and Surgical Tutorials submitted than in years past. This overwhelming enthusiasm has prompted us to increase the number of consecutive sessions to accommodate the growing number of presenters. In addition, the Abstract Submission portal is now open until May 5, 2025. Submissions received prior to April 15th are free of charge. I encourage you to submit! While innovation and artificial intelligence will undoubtedly dominate the Vancouver landscape, we will also showcase a diverse range of presentations covering best practices in gynecologic surgery.
On PG Day One (SIG Day), each SIG will be entrusted with organizing their own session followed up with an interactive Townhall, delving into topics of utmost importance for your participation. On PG Day Two, we move onto our Member Submitted and SPC Courses, representing the latest advancements from around the world. During days three and four, we are thrilled to announce five inspiring General Sessions and MedTalks, a host of Panels, Debates, and Oral and Video Sessions, each featuring engaging speakers and experts in their respective fields. We will also be showcasing the latest from our poster submissions in our Exhibit Hall, along with the latest equipment and talks from our industry partners.
Our meeting will be held in the vibrant and multicultural city of Vancouver, BC, Canada, consistently ranked among the world’s top ten most livable cities. I am confident that attendees will have an unforgettable experience, captivated by the breathtaking beauty of the Pacific Ocean, the majestic Cascade Mountains, the world-renowned art museums, the lush parks, and the Michelin-starred restaurants that Vancouver offers. After the conference, my wife, children, and I will hit the slopes of Whistler, one of the world’s highest-rated ski resorts. I extend the invitation to all of you to join us on this exhilarating adventure.
As the rap song lyrics proclaim, “Innovation, dedication is our DNA,” let’s convene in Vancouver this year to demonstrate our unwavering dedication to our patients. By promoting innovation in gynecologic care worldwide, we can truly make a difference and lead the way in surgical progress. Steve Jobs once wisely said, “Innovation is what distinguishes leaders from followers,” and it is our responsibility as AAGL to continue pushing the boundaries and remain the premier leader in gynecologic surgery and women’s healthcare.
