October-December 2016 Vol. 30 No. 4 COLLABORATING IN COLOMBIA 13 th AAGL International Congress on Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery PAGE 5 IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... Highlights from the 45 th AAGL Global Congress PAGE 6 THE FELLOWSHIP IN MIGS The FMIGS Class of 2016 A Fond Look Back & A Glimpse into the Future PAGE 14 2017 SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM COMMITTEE Sawsan As-Sanie Leads the New Team PAGE 20 NETWORKING CAN BE FUN It’s Not All Business at the Global Congress PAGE 15
Transcript
October-December 2016
Vol. 30 No. 4
COLLABORATING IN COLOMBIA13th AAGL International Congress on Minimally Invasive Gynecologic SurgeryPAGE 5
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT...
Highlights from the 45th AAGL Global CongressPAGE 6
THE FELLOWSHIP IN MIGSThe FMIGS Class of 2016A Fond Look Back & A Glimpse into the FuturePAGE 14
2017 SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM COMMITTEESawsan As-Sanie Leads the New TeamPAGE 20
NETWORKING CAN BE FUNIt’s Not All Business at the Global CongressPAGE 15
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NewsScope [Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data, Main entry under NewsScope, Vol. 30, No. 4; (ISSN 1094–4672] is published quarterly by the AAGL for ten dollars, paid from members’ dues. Periodicals Postage Paid at Cypress, Cali-fornia. Copyright 2016 AAGL. Publisher AAGL Elevating Gynecologic Surgery 6757 Katella Avenue Cypress, California 90630-5105 USA Tel 714.503.6200, 800.554.2245 Fax 714.503.6201, 714.503.6202 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.aagl.org The views and opinions expressed by the authors in this publication do not necessarily refl ect those of NewsScope, its editors, and/or the AAGL.
October — December 2016Focus on AAGL: Dr. Lo� er honors the AAGL A� liated Societies 4COGA Meets at 45th AAGL Global Congress 413th AAGL International Congress on MIGS: See what Dr. Villegas-Echeverri has in store for you in Colombia. 5From the Scientifi c Program Chair: In case you missed it - the 45th Annual Global Congress in review. 6-10President’s Message: Welcome your new Board members. 13The Fellowship in MIGS: What an amazing year! Dr. Milad outlines the achievements of the FMIGS Board. 14It’s not all business at the Global Congress: Socializing, networking and lots of dancing! 15AAGL Award Winners 16-17SurgeryU: The new editor-in-Chief, Dr. Suketu Mansuria, introduces his vision. 18New Product Listings: See some of the new technologies presented in the Exhibit Hall 19Member News: 20-22 The New Scientifi c Program Committee: Planning next year’s meeting has already begun. 20 The Foundation of the AAGL Needs You: We have 2 Board seats open - apply today! 21 With Fond Memories: Ornella Sizzi M.D. (1958 – 2016) 21 Education Calendar 22
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4 October — December 2016 | www.aagl.org
AAGL VisionThe AAGL vision is to serve women by advancing the safest and most e� cacious diagnostic and therapeutic techniques that provide less invasive treatments for gynecologic conditions through integration of clinical practice, research, innovation, and dialogue.
Editorial Sta�
Managing EditorsLinda MichelsFranklin D. Lo� er, M.D., FACOG
Editorial Staff Linda J. Bell “Lynn”Dené GlamuzinaElena Schweppe
Senior Marketing ManagerJocelyne Fletcher
Graphic DesignJoe Neric
Board of Directors
PresidentJon Ivar Einarsson, M.D., Ph.D., MPHSecretary-TreasurerGary N. Frishman, M.D.Immediate Past PresidentArnold P. Advincula, M.D.
DirectorsMichel Canis, M.D., Ph.D.Isabel C. Green, M.D.Michael Hibner, M.D., Ph.D.Kathy Huang, M.D.Jing-he Lang, M.D.Ted T.M. Lee, M.D., FACOGPamela T. Soliman, M.D., MPHJuan Diego Villegas-Echeverri, M.D., FACOG
Medical DirectorFranklin D. Lo� er, M.D., FACOG
Executive DirectorLinda Michels
Focus on AAGL
Since its beginnings 45 years ago, the AAGL has encouraged the development of national societies devoted to minimally invasive surgery. As national societies formed and became AAGL A� liated Societies (AS) their leaders were invited to be guests at each of our annual meetings. We have also partnered with them to hold AAGL International meetings. And for their members we have provided, at a reduced cost, AAGL membership benefi ts such as the Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, Surgery U and the EndoExchange (formerly called Listserv).
We are committed, as our new logo says, to Elevating Gynecologic Surgery for patients worldwide. We are pleased that so many of our A� liated Society surgical leaders have joined us in accomplishing this goal. The Chinese Obstetrical
AAGL Affi liated SocietiesOur Partners Throughout the World
and Gynecologic Association (COGA) program held at the recent Orlando meeting is an example of this partnership.
Laparoscopy and hysteroscopy were introduced in China by the AAGL in 19801. From a modest start by meeting with a group of 15 AAGL members, China has become one of our major A� liated Society partners. That pioneering group included: Philip Brooks, Robert Cali, Stephen Corson, Victor Gomel, Jerome Ho� man, Jaroslav Hulka, Richard Kleppinger, Carl Levinson, John Levinson, Franklin Lo� er, John Marlow, Jordan Phillips, Jacques Rioux, Maxwell Roland, Alvin Siegler, and William Winchester. Together with our other 46 A� liated Societies we can jointly improve the care of women worldwide.
Franklin D. Loff er, M.D., FACOG, is the Medical Director of the AAGL and resides in Phoenix, Arizona.
1. China and the AAGL - What a Diff erence 33 Years Make. NewsScope September 2013
COGA MEETS AT 45TH AAGL GLOBAL CONGRESS
COGA is the Chinese equivalent to the United States’ ACOG. � ey organized and met for a 2.5 hour program entitled Surgical Techniques in China at the Orlando annual meeting. It was chaired by Professors Jinghe Lang, Zhenyu, Zhang, and Xiaoming Guan. � ere were 9 speakers who reviewed the many aspects of the current high level of minimally invasive gyne-cologic surgery practiced in China. English was the offi cial language for the meeting which allowed other
congress attendees to join our Chinese surgeons at this session.
In addition to participating in the COGA work-shop, a delegation of 100 Chinese colleagues attended PG courses, general sessions and made their own presentations of abstracts and videos that had been accepted for presentation.
It is gratifying to see that this is truly a collabora-tive partnership.
Faculty for COGA included: Drs. Long Chen, Limin Feng, Keqin Hua, Jinhua Leng , Zhiqinq Liang, Shuzhong Yao, Xinmei Zhang, Lan Zhu, Xue Xiang
Photo courtesy of Prof Xue Xiang
13th AAGL International Congress on MIGS
Dear friends:
The 13th AAGL International Congress on Minimally Invasive Gynecological Surgery and the 6th Colombian Congress of Gynecological Endoscopy is coming to the marvelous city of Cartagena, Colombia, February 22-25, 2017. Several months of hard work and e� ort have resulted in a high quality, world-class scientifi c program where the world’s top surgeons within the specialty will participate.
The meeting will open on Wednesday, February 22nd with postgraduate courses, both theoretical and practical, in which participants will be able to acquire skills and competences that can be incorporated into their profes-sional practice for their personal growth and for the benefi t of their patients.
The formal days of the congress will run from February 23rd through 25th and will include live surgeries and several plenary sessions where international leaders will share their knowledge and experience. In addition, we will have special sessions covering various areas with time for discussion, debate, and interaction. There will be specifi c discussions about gynecological oncology, endocrinology and human reproduction, urogynecology, endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, fi broids, abnormal bleeding, generalities, and complications among others. How to deal with di� cult cases will also be covered in separate sessions. We’ve also added a new format called How I Do It in which national and international experts will show, in edited videos, their own techniques and the most important tips for various endoscopic procedures.
There will also be time to attend the multiple sessions of videos, posters and oral communications, which will allow
Come Collaborate in ColombiaJuan Diego Villegas-Echeverri
endoscopy in both North and Latin America, Europe and Asia. I think you’ll fi nd that we have compiled an exciting group of speakers not normally seen in an international congress.
Don’t miss this unique educational opportunity while enjoying the beautiful city of Cartagena de Indias and reuniting and networking with friends and colleagues. We are waiting for you with open arms.
Welcome!
Juan Diego Villegas-Echeverri, MD, FACOGScientifi c Program Chair
us to see how di� erent national and international groups are working.
We are proud that our scientifi c program includes some of the most highly regarded physicians in gynecological
www.aagl.org | October — December 2016 5
AAGL VisionThe AAGL vision is to serve women by advancing the safest and most e� cacious diagnostic and therapeutic techniques that provide less invasive treatments for gynecologic conditions through integration of clinical practice, research, innovation, and dialogue.
Editorial Sta�
Managing EditorsLinda MichelsFranklin D. Lo� er, M.D., FACOG
Editorial Staff Linda J. Bell “Lynn”Dené GlamuzinaElena Schweppe
Senior Marketing ManagerJocelyne Fletcher
Graphic DesignJoe Neric
Board of Directors
PresidentJon Ivar Einarsson, M.D., Ph.D., MPHSecretary-TreasurerGary N. Frishman, M.D.Immediate Past PresidentArnold P. Advincula, M.D.
DirectorsMichel Canis, M.D., Ph.D.Isabel C. Green, M.D.Michael Hibner, M.D., Ph.D.Kathy Huang, M.D.Jing-he Lang, M.D.Ted T.M. Lee, M.D., FACOGPamela T. Soliman, M.D., MPHJuan Diego Villegas-Echeverri, M.D., FACOG
Medical DirectorFranklin D. Lo� er, M.D., FACOG
Executive DirectorLinda Michels
Focus on AAGL
Since its beginnings 45 years ago, the AAGL has encouraged the development of national societies devoted to minimally invasive surgery. As national societies formed and became AAGL A� liated Societies (AS) their leaders were invited to be guests at each of our annual meetings. We have also partnered with them to hold AAGL International meetings. And for their members we have provided, at a reduced cost, AAGL membership benefi ts such as the Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, Surgery U and the EndoExchange (formerly called Listserv).
We are committed, as our new logo says, to Elevating Gynecologic Surgery for patients worldwide. We are pleased that so many of our A� liated Society surgical leaders have joined us in accomplishing this goal. The Chinese Obstetrical
AAGL Affi liated SocietiesOur Partners Throughout the World
and Gynecologic Association (COGA) program held at the recent Orlando meeting is an example of this partnership.
Laparoscopy and hysteroscopy were introduced in China by the AAGL in 19801. From a modest start by meeting with a group of 15 AAGL members, China has become one of our major A� liated Society partners. That pioneering group included: Philip Brooks, Robert Cali, Stephen Corson, Victor Gomel, Jerome Ho� man, Jaroslav Hulka, Richard Kleppinger, Carl Levinson, John Levinson, Franklin Lo� er, John Marlow, Jordan Phillips, Jacques Rioux, Maxwell Roland, Alvin Siegler, and William Winchester. Together with our other 46 A� liated Societies we can jointly improve the care of women worldwide.
Franklin D. Loff er, M.D., FACOG, is the Medical Director of the AAGL and resides in Phoenix, Arizona.
1. China and the AAGL - What a Diff erence 33 Years Make. NewsScope September 2013
COGA MEETS AT 45TH AAGL GLOBAL CONGRESS
COGA is the Chinese equivalent to the United States’ ACOG. � ey organized and met for a 2.5 hour program entitled Surgical Techniques in China at the Orlando annual meeting. It was chaired by Professors Jinghe Lang, Zhenyu, Zhang, and Xiaoming Guan. � ere were 9 speakers who reviewed the many aspects of the current high level of minimally invasive gyne-cologic surgery practiced in China. English was the offi cial language for the meeting which allowed other
congress attendees to join our Chinese surgeons at this session.
In addition to participating in the COGA work-shop, a delegation of 100 Chinese colleagues attended PG courses, general sessions and made their own presentations of abstracts and videos that had been accepted for presentation.
It is gratifying to see that this is truly a collabora-tive partnership.
Faculty for COGA included: Drs. Long Chen, Limin Feng, Keqin Hua, Jinhua Leng , Zhiqinq Liang, Shuzhong Yao, Xinmei Zhang, Lan Zhu, Xue Xiang
Photo courtesy of Prof Xue Xiang
6 October — December 2016 | www.aagl.org
From the Scientifi c Program Chair
I can still feel the adrenaline pumping even a month after the Global Congress ended. What an exhilarating and stimu-lating meeting! By the numbers, we had the second highest attendance ever at 1,845 registrants with representation from almost every continent, over 870 abstract and video submissions, 25 Postgraduate Courses spread over 3 days, 85 exhibiting companies, and a record 12 industry-spon-sored breakfasts and evening symposia. All the months of
planning, imagining, discussing, and losing sleep were truly worth it when I had the pleasure of witnessing so many peers from all over the world truly engaged in the excep-tional presentations at the Surgical Tutorial, Plenary and Panel Sessions. Thoughtful time was built into each session for question-and-answer which I hope the audiences found to be worthwhile.
I’m truly thankful to the PG course chairs, co-chairs, session moderators, co-moderators, discussants, and faculty for supporting the agenda and fl awlessly executing their roles. You are consummate professionals and I’m proud to be in your midst.
Last but defi nitely not least, nothing happens at this
AAGL Shines at its 45th Anniversary Global CongressA Spotlight on Innovation and Mentorship
meeting without the dedicated and exemplary work by the AAGL sta� . Your commitment to the organization and the membership is deeply moti-vating and sincerely appreci-ated. You put on an amazing show and I’m incredibly grateful for your guidance, support and expertise.
To the 2017 SPC, I wish you the best of luck in planning next year’s meeting. I look forward to another great year!
Kevin SteppKevin Stepp MD @drkevinsteppWhat an honor and pleasure to work with @AAGL putting together a successful #AAGL2016
“How wonderful that there was incredible interest in pelvic pain with physicians traveling from around the world to learn at this year’s AAGL meeting.”—Michael Hibner
And the winner is…vaginal surgery reigned supreme with Star John Gebhart and Partner Brandon Lingenfelter earning perfect 10s from the judges and edging out the competition with the audience votes.
Star Shailesh Puntambekar passes the torches of lapa-roscopic surgery to Partner Cristóbal Rodríguez Valero, earning unanimous 8s from the judges for their enter-taining performance.
With her soothing tone and words of encouragement, Star Catherine Matthews guided her Partner Shelley Binkley to triple 9s from the judges.
THE ULTIMATE EXHIBITION OF MENTORSHIP
Operating with the Stars turned out to be the unique, invigorating and entertaining educational experience that we hoped it would be…and then some! We were honored and excited to have applicants from around the world submit to participate with our Stars and prove that they could operate under pressure and still learn from the best. Our chosen fi nalists were: Cristóbal Rodríguez Valero of Monterrey Institute of Tech-nology and Higher Education in Monterrey, Mexico, performing laparoscopic surgery with star Shailesh Puntambekar from Pune, India; Brandon Lingenfelter of Princeton Community Hospital in Princeton, WV, doing vaginal surgery with star John Gebhart from Rochester, MN; and Shelley Binkley of Beaumont Health in Dear-born, MI, driving robotic surgery with star Catherine Matthews from Winston-Salem, NC.
� e Operating with the Stars session was conceived and developed to illustrate the intricacies of the inter-action between mentor and mentee. We not only got to see the master-surgeon operate, but we also saw what a diff erence minor adjustments in techniques can make to improve the effi ciency of the procedure. Watching from the audience, observers could see precisely the importance millimeters can make to establish and visualize the correct surgical planes.
We also got to demonstrate some very important aspects of what an eff ective mentor and teacher brings to the surgical table. It was refreshing to see our experts operate so eff ectively with such a diverse group of our membership from all levels - currently in training (Rodríguez Valero), a recent graduate (Lingenfelter), and a physician in an established practice of many years (Binkley). Of course all of the couples did a great job and considering that they met only that morning immediately before going on stage, they did a fantastic job representing the diff erent types of minimally inva-sive surgery AAGL strives to promote.
A great time was had by our packed audience as they got to submit their vote via text, with their score added to the judges’ scores to determine the winner. Our esteemed judges, Anthony Luciano, Andrew Sokol and Anusch Yazdani, off ered expert commentary, further adding to the immersive mentorship experi-ence. Congratulations to all our participants – you all looked like Stars on the big stage!
(above) Our dream team faculty poses after a sell-out PG course on robotic surgery for complex cases.
(below) Mentorship on the big stage! Our esteemed panel of judges watch the surgical “performances” during Operating with the Stars.
Elisa Jorgensen, MD @ejorgensenmdWho will reign supreme? #TVH #TLH #robotic, 20 min each. No better way to learn than seeing experts in action! #AAGL #AAGL2016 #MIGS
www.aagl.org | October — December 2016 7
8 October — December 2016 | www.aagl.org
From the Scientifi c Program Chair
INNOVATIONS ABOUND IN THE EXHIBIT HALLA near record 85 exhibitors fi lled the 90,000 square foot exhibit hall with their beautiful exhibit booths, state-of-the art surgical devices and technologies, and never-ending energy and enthusiasm about minimally invasive gynecologic surgery at this year’s Global Congress. Several exhibitors launched new products that could have signifi cant impact on our specialty and our patients, some hosted exceptional presentations given by thought leaders in our fi eld, and many off ered opportunities to test drive their devices and technolo-gies on site. It was never a dull moment in the exhibit hall with plenty of time to visit exhibit booths, enjoy refreshments and lunch, mingle with colleagues and make new business connections.
� e vision and hard work shown by our exhibitors and industry partners to turn a giant empty ballroom into this stimulating exhibition space truly shows their commitment to the advancement of women’s healthcare, and we couldn’t put on such a robust and ambitious Congress without their generous support. We are extremely pleased that we were joined by a record number of 11 new exhibitors this year! We hope that they will continue to join us for years to come.
We will continue to do everything we can to make the exhibit experience enriching and valuable to both our exhibitors and attendees and look forward to seeing everyone again at next year’s Congress.
The didactic course faculty gives the most current trends, data and research.
Another sold-out hands-on course teaches invaluable skills and techniques.
“Innovative, inclusive and inspiring; that is how I sum up this year’s AAGL meeting!”—Arnold Advincula
Before...
...and After
HIGH QUALITY POSTGRADUATE EDUCATION
� is year’s PG course schedule was designed with the concept of reinforcing a united front of all Ob/Gyn subspecialties under the umbrella of minimally inva-sive gynecologic surgery. While there was dedicated content for each of our related subspecialties (oncology, urogynecology, and infertility), all members were welcome to register for any course. Hands-on courses off ered proctored practice on models and simulators, both high and low fi delity, a porcine lab geared toward “expanding the surgical toolbox” of access techniques, and of course human cadavers to whom we are eternally grateful for their generous contribution to the advancement of education and research.
For the second straight year, we were pleased to present our long-standing laparo-scopic suturing course exclusively in Spanish – another testament to the diversity of our membership.
Of signifi cant note is the approval of recognition by ABOG for Maintenance of Certifi cation (MOC) Part IV credit for four (4) of our PG courses when both the didactic and hands-on session were taken together. � is marks a milestone in the journey of MIGS to become a recognized subspecialty.
www.aagl.org | October — December 2016 9
THE OPPORTUNITY AND OBLIGATION TO INNOVATE
“� e value of innovative solutions is to get them to your patients.” � is was just one of many inspiring impressions le� by our Jordan M. Phillips Keynote Speaker, astronaut-physician Dr. Scott Parazynski, during his address presented at the opening ceremony. Attendees were treated to a dazzling display of images from some of his 7 spacewalks, including edge-of-your-seat footage of him performing “surgery” on a damaged solar panel, as well as scenes from his Mt. Everest expeditions, and his scientifi c exploration of the active
Licancabur volcano, all while maintaining the focused message of inno-vation and mentorship. � e title of his presen-tation, Innovation in the Extreme, set the stage for a comparative likening of the diffi culty of training for and performing mini-
mally invasive surgery to the challenges of working in space. May we all be inspired to go beyond our perceived limits!
Do those smiles mean they got it right? Erica Stockwell presents her challenging case for Andrew Brill, Nita Desai, Grace Janik, Charles Koh and Lori Warren.
Session Chair Jessica Shepherd enjoys seeing the Profes-sors try to figure out the diagnosis. Will they get it right?
Abchen Laubscher @AnchenLaubscher#AAGL2016 Everyone working in healthcare has the opportunity and obligation to innovate @AstroDocScott
Jessica Shepherd @JShepherd_MD@AAGL As a physician I have an obligation to #innovate! Be present and push the envelope. #AAGL2016 #ilooklikeasurgeon #healthtechnology
GENERAL SESSIONS GRACE THE MAIN STAGE
� e “main stage” at AAGL has become a prominent and sought-a� er place to be and this year was no diff erent. Our General Sessions not only deliver educational content, but a lot of fun and entertainment is had by both presenters and the audience as well. Our fi rst General Session was truly a treat with Marcello Ceccaroni’s masterful live interactive cadaveric anatomy dissection demonstration. General Session 2 celebrated our award-winning abstracts and videos with spirited presentations and lively discussions. � e ever-popular Stump the Professors was our General Session 3 feature, live in prime time. Although not for a lack of investigative analysis, our panel of expert professors were genuinely stumped by 3 out of the 4 case presentations – kudos to session chair Jessica Shepherd for fi nding such stumping cases. Operating with the Stars in General Session 4 defi nitely lived up to the hype (see page 7 for more). � at session could’ve easily aired on TV and earned great ratings! Ending the week with the visually stunning live telesurgeries in General Session 5 le� all attendees excited to get back into the OR. Many thanks to the AAGL audio-visual crew, led by Roman Bojorquez, SurgeryU Director, for their amazing work making that stage such a marvel to behold.
10 October — December 2016 | www.aagl.org
From the Scientifi c Program Chair
Live telesurgeries in stunning high definition from around the world are an exceptional finale to an incredible week.Newly-elected Board members enjoy the “edutainment” of the General Sessions.
Kenneth Ma @drkennethma“Watching Ceccaroni operate is like
watching Federer play tennis”#AAGL2016 #endometriosis @AAGL
IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU – OUR MEMBERS
A new logo and guiding message of Elevating Gynecologic Surgery was unveiled at the meeting to signify and represent our global membership. AAGL is a member-ship society and our members are what drives the mission of improving patient care in gynecologic medicine. � e goal at every Global Congress is to off er the most current and relevant data and educational content to help all our attendees achieve their personal and professional missions. We encourage you all, if you have not already done so, to submit your evaluations and comments. You can be assured that we will be using your feedback to evaluate the entire congress so that the 2017 Scientifi c Program Committee can make next year’s Congress even better!
On behalf of the Scientifi c Program Committee, the entire faculty, the Board of Directors and the AAGL staff , I thank you for attending and hope to see you all at our 46th Global Congress.
Elisa Jorgensen, MD @ejorgensendmd These interactive kiosks with all the cutting-edge #AAGL2016 #scientifi c posters & surgical videos are so cool! Could spend hours here! #AAGL
AAGL GLOBAL ENDOMETRIOSIS SUMMITIN COLLABORATION WITH THE NORDIC SOCIETY OF ENDOMETRIOSIS
The AAGL is pleased to continue with the Global Summit initiative by presenting the fi rst Global Endometriosis Summit, in collaboration with The Nordic Society of Endometriosis, July 20-22, 2017 in breathtaking Reykjavík, Iceland. This comprehensive two-day summit will feature global insights and perspectives on the clinical man-agement of endometriosis from renowned experts from around the world. Topics will include clinical challenges, lectures on new surgical and medical approaches, live and pre-recorded surgeries, as well as lively debates that are sure to educate and stimulate.
Summers in Iceland feature the astounding phenome-non of the midnight sun, one of nature’s most magnifi cent shows on Earth. With almost 24 hours of daylight, Reyk-javík truly becomes the city that never sleeps! We hope you’ll join us for this exceptional educational experience! Registration opens soon. For more information, visit www.aagl.org
Jon I. Einarsson, Scientifi c Program ChairMarcello Ceccaroni, Co-Chair
Reynir Tomas Geirsson, NSE Chair
JULY 20-22, 2017 | HARPA CONFERENCE CENTER | REYKJAVIK, ICELAND
From the Scientifi c Program Chair
Live telesurgeries in stunning high definition from around the world are an exceptional finale to an incredible week.Newly-elected Board members enjoy the “edutainment” of the General Sessions.
Kenneth Ma @drkennethma“Watching Ceccaroni operate is like
watching Federer play tennis”#AAGL2016 #endometriosis @AAGL
IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU – OUR MEMBERS
A new logo and guiding message of Elevating Gynecologic Surgery was unveiled at the meeting to signify and represent our global membership. AAGL is a member-ship society and our members are what drives the mission of improving patient care in gynecologic medicine. � e goal at every Global Congress is to off er the most current and relevant data and educational content to help all our attendees achieve their personal and professional missions. We encourage you all, if you have not already done so, to submit your evaluations and comments. You can be assured that we will be using your feedback to evaluate the entire congress so that the 2017 Scientifi c Program Committee can make next year’s Congress even better!
On behalf of the Scientifi c Program Committee, the entire faculty, the Board of Directors and the AAGL staff , I thank you for attending and hope to see you all at our 46th Global Congress.
Elisa Jorgensen, MD @ejorgensendmd These interactive kiosks with all the cutting-edge #AAGL2016 #scientifi c posters & surgical videos are so cool! Could spend hours here! #AAGL
Ultra lightweight. And strongperfectly meshed together
• Ultra lightweight mesh elimated the mesh-related complications in the first post-operative year without sacrificing efficacy1
• 94% clinical cure rate and 97% patient satisfaction rate at one year1
• Near-zero erosion rate1,2
1. Salamon, C.G. (2012) Prospective study of an ultra-lightweight polypropylene Y mesh for robotic sacrocolpopexy. International Urogynecology Journal. 2. Guerette, N. L.; Ultra-lightweight Polypropylene Y-Graft for Robotic-Assisted Sacrocolpopexy: Retrospective Anatomic and Functional Outcomes; AUGS Poster, 2012.
Indications: Restorelle Transabdominal products are indicated for use as a bridging material for sacrocolposuspension / sacrocolpopexy (lapa-rotomy, laparoscopic, or robotic approach) where surgical treatment for vaginal vault prolapse is warranted. Contraindications: Restorelle Transabdominal products should not be used in the following conditions: pregnancy or desire for future pregnancy, potential for future growth, pre-existing local or systemic infection, any pathology which would compromise implant or implant placement, taking anticoagulant therapy, sensitivity or allergy to polypropylene.. Warnings/Precautions: Restorelle should only be used by surgeons familiar with the surgical procedures and techniques involving non-absorbable meshes and who have adequate education and experience in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse. Users should be familiar with surgical procedures utilizing non-absorbable meshes and should have experience in the management of potential complications from placement of synthetic grafts before employing Restorelle. The patient should be counseled that alternative non-mesh prolapse surgeries may be appropriate, and the reason for choosing a mesh procedure should be explained. Obtain patient consent prior to surgery and ensure that the patient has an understanding of the postoperative risks and potential complications of mesh surgery. Adverse Events: Potential adverse events include mesh erosion (e.g., vaginal, urethral, bladder), mesh extrusion, mesh exposure, infection, pain (acute or chronic), perforation/injury (bladder, bowel, urethra, vagina, vessel, and/or nerve), and additional known risks as listed in the IFU. . Serious ad-verse tissue responses or infection may require removal of mesh. See IFU for detailed information regarding the implant procedure, Warnings/Precautions, Adverse Events, prior to using this product. For further information, call Coloplast Corp at 1-800-258-3476 and/or consult the company website at www.us.coloplast.com. CAUTION: Federal (USA) law restricts this device to sale by, or on the order of a physician trained in performing synthetic mesh procedures for surgical repair of pelvic organ prolapse.
ColoplastMD.com
www.aagl.org | October — December 2016 13
� MAY 19-20, 2017� UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY
19th Annual Advanced Workshop on Gynecologic Laparoscopic Anatomy & Minimally Invasive Surgery Including Pelvic Floor Reconstruction
SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM CHAIRResad P. Pasic, M.D., Ph.D.
LAB DIRECTORShan M. Biscette, M.D., FACOG
Registration opens February 1, 2017www.aagl.org
President’s Message
It’s always bittersweet when Board members who have dedicated so much time and energy to AAGL’s mission complete their time on the Board, but that’s balanced by the excitement and anticipation of what our newly-elected Board members will bring to the table. I’d like to take this opportunity to again thank Michel Canis, Isabel Green, Michael Hibner and Pamela Soliman for their amazing contributions, and an extra thank you to Arnold Advincula for his extended leadership role and advice for me as I began my presidency. Welcome your new Board members!
Jon Ivar Einarsson, M.D., Ph.D., MPH, is President of the AAGL, Director, Division of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Associate Professor, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
Paving the RoadPresenting Your New Board Members
Jon Ivar Einarsson
Jin Hee (Jeannie) KimGeneral Membership
William BurkeNorth America/Canada
Marie-Fidela ParaisoSecretary-Treasurer
Richard Rosenfi eldGeneral Membership
Marcello CeccaroniEurope/Middle East/Africa
14 October — December 2016 | www.aagl.org
The Fellowship in MIGS
The overall goal of FMIGS is to graduate independent specialists and consultants in the surgical management and techniques of advanced benign minimally invasive gynecology, surpassing competence expected at the end of a categorical residency. The FMIGS Board has worked hard this year to ensure that the specialty remains at the leading edge, both academically and clinically.
In 2016, we developed milestones associated with MIGS training. You may ask, what are milestones and why do we need them? The ACGME defi nes milestones as “competency-based developmental outcomes (e.g., knowledge, skills, attitudes, and performance) that can be demonstrated progressively by fellows from the beginning of their education through graduation to the unsupervised practice of their specialties.” By tailoring milestones to MIGS fellowship training, program directors can better assess their learners and adjust their training to achieve competency. To promote procedural feedback, the Board has developed and launched an adaptation of a mobile app known as “MyTipReport,” currently being piloted by a handful of programs as a method of providing formative comments immediately after a surgical procedure. This allows for real-time, on-site feedback between teachers and learners. It captures and provides progress and generates reports that identify trouble areas for learners and encour-ages participation from teachers. The video curriculum has recently launched on the AAGL website under the
The Year in ReviewMilestones, Matching, and More
resources for fellow research, and updating the site visit criteria and reporting system.
We are thrilled to welcome the FMIGS fellowship class of 2019 composed of a dynamic group of individuals from all around North America. Matching in FMIGS is highly compet-itive. The number of resident applicants (n=65) signifi cantly outpaced the number of positions available (n=37). Similar to 2015, FMIGS was considered one of the most competitive fellowships participating in the NRMP based on the ratio of the number of applicants to positions and exceeding all other October-matched obstetric and gynecologic fellow-ship positions.
Not surprisingly, it requires tremendous coordination and hundreds of volunteer hours to maintain and promote the fellowship activities. The current Board is thankful to the 2016 committee members, advisory panels, and fellowship directors that worked so hard to make so many improve-ments. The Fellowship Board is also very appreciative of the hard work by Program Manager, Arcy Dominguez and Program Coordinator, Claudia Sahagun and the support of the AAGL.
I feel privileged to have served the Fellowship.
Magdy Milad, MD, MS is the Albert B. Gerbie Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chief of Gynecology and Gynecologic Surgery at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois and President of the Board for the Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery.
Magdy Milad
FMIGS graduates enjoy a formal graduation ceremony complete with official diplomas.
FMIGS Keynote Speaker, Gaby Moawad, presented a moving speech describing his path from Beirut, Lebanon, to a MIGS Fellowship.
Magdy Milad presides over the graduation ceremony.
FMIGS Class of 2016
Fellowship page, and is a great avenue to fi nd surgical pearls for procedures performed by experienced MIGS surgeons. This list of videos, much like the FMIGS reading list, is considered a ‘living document’ and will be updated as new videos become available. A newly formed FMIGS-inter-national committee is developing program requirements for international fellowships outside North America.
The remaining other committees have created a robust infrastructure to accommodate fellowship activities and support our educational mission. This includes refi ning the case log requirements and reporting system, approving policies and procedures for all committees, developing due process and grievance procedures, updating the program requirements and bylaws, developing a quarterly fellow newsletter, updating the reading list, providing funds and
Cara R. King, DO, MS @drcarakingThank you Dr. Milad for your unrelenting devotion to fellow education! You are an inspiration to us all. #AAGL2016 @AAGLJMIG
Friends, Fun, and a Fabulous Good Time!Kelly Wright @MigsRunner@AAGL is when you get to hang out with your favorite people every year #AAGL2016 Until next time!
Elisa Jorgensen, MD @ejorgensenmd#Gynecologists clean up nice & know how to party! Great food & band! The dance fl oor is on fi re @ the #AAGL2016 Gala #AAGL
The Global Congress isn’t just about science and education…there’s also great fun to be had at the various social functions throughout the week, culminating with the big party at the Gala. Join us for more fun, networking and socializing next year!
A quick group selfie before hitting the dance floor at the FMIGS Graduation
It’s quite a production backstage
Our Social Media Team
That Chuck Miller sure can cut a rug!
www.aagl.org | October — December 2016 15
Friends, Fun, and a Fabulous Good Time!Kelly Wright @MigsRunner@AAGL is when you get to hang out with your favorite people every year #AAGL2016 Until next time!
Elisa Jorgensen, MD @ejorgensenmd#Gynecologists clean up nice & know how to party! Great food & band! The dance fl oor is on fi re @ the #AAGL2016 Gala #AAGL
The Global Congress isn’t just about science and education…there’s also great fun to be had at the various social functions throughout the week, culminating with the big party at the Gala. Join us for more fun, networking and socializing next year!
A quick group selfie before hitting the dance floor at the FMIGS Graduation
It’s quite a production backstage
Our Social Media Team
That Chuck Miller sure can cut a rug!
16 October — December 2016 | www.aagl.org
AAGL Award Winners
Golden Hysteroscope Award Best Paper on HysteroscopySupport for this award has been provided by Olympus America Inc.
Analysis of the Di� erential Genetic Expression between Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Endometrial Polyps
Julio C. Rosa-e-Silva, M.D., PhD, Julia K. Troncon, M.D., Juliana Meola, PhD, Francisco J. Candido-dos Reis, M.D., PhD, Omero B. Poli-Neto, M.D., PhD, Antonio A. Nogueira, M.D., PhD, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto School of Medicine, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
(l-r Kevin Stepp, Julia Troncon, Darryl Rock)
Golden Laparoscope AwardBest Surgical VideoSupport for this award has been provided by Olympus America Inc.
Laparoscopic Management of Cesarean Scar Ectopic Pregnancy
Christina I. Ramirez, M.D., Mallory A. Stuparich, M.D., Ted T.M. Lee, M.D., Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
(l-r Stepp, Christina Ramirez, M. Jonathon Solnik, Manisha Shah-Bugaj)
Jerome J. Ho� man AwardBest Abstract by a Resident or FellowSupported by an educational grant from the Foundation of the AAGL Jerome J. Hoff man Endowment
The Sterility of Selected Operative Sites During Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
Marie E. Shockley, M.D., Benjamin D. Beran, M.D., Katrin S. Arnolds, M.D., Heather L. Nutting, M(ASCP)CM, Michael L. Sprague, M.D., Stephen E. Zimberg, M.D., Cleveland Clinic, Florida, Weston, Florida
This award was established to honor the memory of Dr. Jerome J. Ho� man. Dr. Ho� man was an early AAGL Board member, philanthropist and educator, who believed strongly in supporting residents and fellows. Dr. Ho� man was enthusiastically supportive of the Foundation of the AAGL and was its fi rst Executive Director.
(l-r Stepp, Marie Shockley, Gerald Harkins)
IRCAD Award for FellowsExcellence in EducationSupported by an educational grant from KARL STORZ Endoscopy-America, Inc.
Profi ciency-Based Robotics Training Curriculum for Suturing Tasks: Transferability of Skills to a Live Porcine Model
Maria V. Vargas, M.D., Gaby Moawad, M.D., Kathryn Denny Lindsey Powers-Happ, PhD, Samantha Marguilies, Elias Abi Khalil, M.D., Cherie Marfori, M.D., George Washington University, Washington, DC
The IRCAD award is presented to recognize the best research in education. Acknowl-edging innovative ideas in teaching, the winner is honored by receiving a fully paid week-long visit to the IRCAD Institute in France.
(l-r Stepp, Maria Vargas, Ali Amiri)
www.aagl.org | October — December 2016 17
Jay M. Cooper AwardBest Paper on Minimally Invasive Gynecology by a FellowSupported by an educational grant from the Foundation of the AAGL Jay M. Cooper Endowment
Laser Angiography with Indocyanine Green (ICG) to Assess Vaginal Cu� Perfu-sion During Total Laparoscopic Hysterec-tomy (TLH): A Pilot Study
Benjamin D. Beran, M.D., Marie E. Shockley, M.D., Katrin S. Arnolds, M.D., Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FloridaPedro F. Escobar, M.D., University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, Stephen E. Zimberg, M.D.Michael L. Sprague, M.D., Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, Florida
Dr. Cooper, the 26th President of the AAGL, was a natural born leader with enormous perceptual and communication skills. Always comfortable with innovation, he was an inventive and strategic thinker whose vision was bold and far reaching. He was one of the most respected advocates and global teachers in hysteroscopic surgery and actively participated in new product development including techical evolution, clinical validation, regulatory approval and delivery to market.
(l-r Stepp, Benjamin Beran, Keith Isaacson)
Robert B. Hunt AwardBest Paper Published in JMIG(September 2015-August 2016)
Molecular Diagnosis for Nodal Metastasis in Endoscopically Managed Cervical Cancer: The Accuracy of the APTIMA Test to Detect High-risk Human Papil-lomavirus Messenger RNA in Sentinel Lymph Nodes
Christhardt Köhler, M.D., Xin Le, M.D., Asklepios Hospital, Hamburg, Germany, Nasuh Utku Dogan, M.D., Asklepios Hospital, Hamburg, Germany, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey, Tatiana Pfi � er, M.D., Asklepios Hospital, Hamburg, Germany, Achim Schneider, M.D., MPH, Fürstenbergkarree, Berlin, Germany, Simone Marnitz, M.D., University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany, Julia Bertolini, M.D., Institute for Pathology, MVZ Hanse Histologicum, Hamburg, Germany, Giovanni Favero, M.D., PhD, Asklepios Hospital, Hamburg, Germany
Dr. Hunt had a strong leadership role in the AAGL. He was the President of the AAGL in 1991-1992, and the Foundation. From its inception, he was the Editor-In-Chief of The Journal of the AAGL, now The Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology. He was instrumental in creating a well-respected academic journal which continues to inform and educate physicians worldwide.
(l-r Chrishardt Kohler, Tommaso Falcone)
John F. Steege, M.D. Mentorship AwardSupported by an educational grant from CooperSurgical
Ted L. Anderson, M.D., PhDVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashville, Tennessee
This year’s recipient, Dr. Anderson, is currently the Vice Chair and Division Director of Gynecology at Vanderbilt. He completed a MIGS fellowship with Dr. Jim Daniels in 1999 at Centennial Hospital in Nashville, and went on to establish a MIGS fellowship at Vanderbilt in 2005. He continued as the Fellowship Director until 2013, and currently remains in a leadership role as the Assistant Program Director. Since its inception, Dr. Anderson has grad-uated 11 MIGS Fellows, over half of which are in academic practice across the country. His leadership has elevated the Vanderbilt Fellowship to one of the top MIGS programs today. Dr. Anderson is consistently patient yet persistent in his methods of educating in the OR and in clinic. He encourages and fosters an environment of thoughtful deci-sion-making, and has the uncanny ability to identify any shred of doubt or uncertainty in his trainees. Through his gentle but directed mentorship, he forces introspective thought and challenges his learners to push for improvement.
Harrith M. Hasson, M.D. Educational ScholarshipSupported by the Foundation of the AAGL Harrith M. Hasson Scholarship Fund
Francois Retief, MBChBUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburg, South Africa
This inaugural award was established by Dr. Hasson’s wife, Sharon Sharrett, and son, Amir Hasson, to support surgical education for a deserving physician from a “devel-oping economy.” This year’s recipient, Dr. Retief, showed his passion for MIGS in his essay. Despite still being an Ob/Gyn Resident, in April 2016, he was instrumental in mobilizing a group of 5 residents to complete the ESGE Level 1 Skills Certifi cation Program, which o� ered this training for the fi rst time ever in South Africa. In addition, over the past 2 years, he has trained himself to become the fi rst Resident at his institution who can perform laparoscopic management of ectopic pregnancies, potentially enabling the 1300 women who present annually with emergent ectopic pregnancies to be treated minimally invasively. His work is truly inspiring and we are proud to help Dr. Retief further his surgical education
(l-r Sharon Sharrett, Amir Hasson, Francois Retief, John Marlow)
18 October — December 2016 | www.aagl.org
SurgeryU
As the new Editor-in-Chief of SurgeryU, I would like to take this opportunity to thank both the Board of AAGL for this amazing opportunity, and Dr. Assia Stepanian, whose shoes I have to fi ll. She was an amazing mentor and I am honored to be given the chance to continue her work. I look forward to what the future holds for SurgeryU and believe it to be the premier site for our specialty.
I can still remember using SurgeryU to augment my education as a MIGS fellow in 2003-2004. I intently watched video after video, attempting to emulate what I saw on the computer screen in my OR. Since then, I have chaired the Video Committee for AAGL and been a member of the Editorial Board of SurgeryU, but never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be given the opportunity to shape its future direction.
Before I give an overview of my vision for SurgeryU, I would like to introduce the new Editorial Board. Each member was hand-selected for his or her expertise and passion: Drs. Nash Moawad, Matt Siedho� , Kenneth Kim, Megan Wasson, Isabel Green, and Jay Hudgens.
The Editorial Board has been hard at work thinking of new ideas to make SurgeryU better than it already is. Here are some activities you can look forward to in the coming year:
• Longer/minimally-edited surgical videos. Often it is di� cult to discern the subtle nuances of a case from watching a highly edited video. Our goal is to build a library of surgical procedures performed by leaders in our fi eld that are full-length and minimally edited. These cases will be accompanied by real-time narration to provide our viewers with the detailed instructions and direction they desire.
• Shorter videos focusing on a specifi c technique or steps of a case. These videos will be high yield, yet viewable in a short period of time; perfect for “at the scrub sink” education.
• A lecture series by leaders in our fi eld focusing on topics relevant to our members (i.e. work-up of pelvic pain, etc.)
• A more user-friendly interface to make the experi-ence more streamlined. We are working on a revised search engine to make fi nding what you need more e� cient. We also will be building libraries to better organize our content.
• A mobile platform/app to make it easier to access
The Future of SurgeryU
SurgeryU from your mobile device.All of these initiatives will take time, but the Editorial
Board feels that they will all enhance the experience for our members and continue to allow SurgeryU to be the premier site for gynecologic minimally invasive surgery. I look forward to what the future holds for SurgeryU, and we will keep you posted as these changes are put into place.
Suketu Mansuria, M.D., is Editor-in-Chief of SurgeryU. He is an Associate Professor and the Assistant Director of Gynecologic Minimally Invasive Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center/Magee Womens Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Suketu Mansuria
Assia Stepanian eloquently and elegantly passes the baton to Suketu Mansuria with President Jon Einarsson.
The new Editor-in-Chief gives a sneak peek into his vision for SurgeryU.
Cara R. King, DO, MS @drcaraking“Do the easy parts fi rst and the hard parts become easy.” -Dr. Mansuria. Go get that complicated laparoscopic hyst!! #AAGL2016
www.aagl.org | October — December 2016 19
New Product Listings
DYSIS® Advanced Cervical Imaging SystemDYSIS is transformational imaging technology clinically proven to help detect cervical lesions that might otherwise be missed. It standardizes and quantifi es the acetowhitening process to create the color-coded DYSISmap that helps improve precision in assessment, biopsy selection and treatment. EMR-compatible images, dynamic spectral imaging play-back, videos and patient reports provide unparalleled documentation to improve your ability to monitor, reassure and educate patients, di� erentiating your practice. Visit www.dysismedical.com to learn more.
PneumoLiner™ by OlympusThe Olympus Contained Tissue Extraction System, is made up of the PneumoLiner™, a fi rst-of-its-kind containment device, and Olympus’ next-generation laparoscopic PK Morcellator, to provide certain appropriate, low-risk patients a laparoscopic surgery option to avoid open hysterectomy and myomectomy.Visit: www.ContainedTissueExtraction.com
Richard WolfDiscover the spirit of excellence with Richard Wolf’s complete line of innovative and mini-mally invasive surgical products. We o� er the solution to your gynecological needs, from hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, and imaging. ERAGON modular mini – A complete solution for minilaparoscopy 3.8 Compact Hysteroscope – Exceptional image quality in a smaller designPrincess – Slender 7 mm bipolar resectoscope for improved e� ciency. Visit www.richardwolfusa.com to learn more and to schedule your evaluation.
20 October — December 2016 | www.aagl.org
Member News
Welcome New MembersSeptember 1, 2016 — November 30, 2016
Aynura Abbasova, M.D.Guillermo Acosta, M.D.Mabel Elikplim Adala, R.N.Salma Afroze, M.D.Julio C. Aguirre, M.D.Carla Natalia Agurto, M.D.Hyunyoung Ahn, M.D.Munetoshi Akazawa, M.D.Abdel Razzaq Al Owayed, M.D.Omaima Al Sinan, M.D.Samet Albayrak, M.D.Omrou Alchyib, M.D.Asema M. Alqassab, M.D.Ivan Elias Altamirano, M.D.Fehmi Koray Altunay, M.D.Carolina Alvarenga, M.D.Monira Hashim Alzahrani, M.D.Georgina Amaral, M.D.Jacqueline Elizabeth Amis, M.D.Manjunath Kamath Ammembal, M.D.Arpitha Anantharaju, MS (MCh)Olubukola Apantaku, M.D.Prudence V. Aquino-Aquino, M.D.Esperanza Torres Arones, M.D.Shannon Arntfi eld, M.D.Karine Arseneault, M.D.MacKenzie Bonder Austgen, M.D.Michael Awad, D.O., FACOGElnaz Ayati, M.D.
Anuradha Devabhaktuni, M.D.Rose Diakos, M.D.Andres Diaz, M.D.Mariana Dornela, M.D.Donald Druga, M.D.Patricio Ehrman, M.D.Hisham Adel El Fazary, M.D.Ahmed Mohamed El Sherbiny, M.D.Murat Erdemir, M.D.Ali Rustu Ergur, M.D.Emily Yvonne Eye, M.D.Taraneh G. Farazi, Ph.D.Emmanuel O. Farinloye, M.D.Jackie Feinberg, M.D.Antonio Javier Fernandez Lopez, M.D.Dilan Joseph Fernando, M.D.Elle Lauren Fisch, M.D.David Fusaro, M.D.Leandro Fusaro, M.D.Blanca Galarza, M.D.Kathryn Gallagher, M.D.Mihnea Gangal, M.D.Francis John Gardner, M.D.Edelmiro Garza, M.D.Maria Luisa Gasparri, M.D.Leland Dean Gebhart, III, M.D.Robyn Gertenstein, M.D.Armine Ghazaryan, M.D.Alexandre Gilbert, M.D.
The New Scientifi c Program CommitteeTaking us to the Next LevelAfter such a successful and innovative 45th Global Congress, matching the creativity and enthusiasm that the 2016 committee gave will be no small feat. But our 2017 SPC is certainly up for the challenge! This diverse group brings with them not just expertise in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, but also in di� erent aspects of the business of medicine. The committee is already hard at work planning next year’s program, identifying course chairs that
will bring new perspectives, experiences and techniques to our members in the PG courses, as well as developing the educational entertainment aspects that our meeting has come to be known for. While we thank the 2016 SPC for their dedication and for creating and executing such an inspirational meeting, we look forward to what our 2017 committee imagines and creates for our 46th Annual Global Congress in National Harbor, Maryland (Washington, DC). 2017 Scientific Program Chair:
Sawsan As-Sanie, M.D.
www.aagl.org | October — December 2016 21
Member News
Welcome New MembersSeptember 1, 2016 — November 30, 2016
Aynura Abbasova, M.D.Guillermo Acosta, M.D.Mabel Elikplim Adala, R.N.Salma Afroze, M.D.Julio C. Aguirre, M.D.Carla Natalia Agurto, M.D.Hyunyoung Ahn, M.D.Munetoshi Akazawa, M.D.Abdel Razzaq Al Owayed, M.D.Omaima Al Sinan, M.D.Samet Albayrak, M.D.Omrou Alchyib, M.D.Asema M. Alqassab, M.D.Ivan Elias Altamirano, M.D.Fehmi Koray Altunay, M.D.Carolina Alvarenga, M.D.Monira Hashim Alzahrani, M.D.Georgina Amaral, M.D.Jacqueline Elizabeth Amis, M.D.Manjunath Kamath Ammembal, M.D.Arpitha Anantharaju, MS (MCh)Olubukola Apantaku, M.D.Prudence V. Aquino-Aquino, M.D.Esperanza Torres Arones, M.D.Shannon Arntfi eld, M.D.Karine Arseneault, M.D.MacKenzie Bonder Austgen, M.D.Michael Awad, D.O., FACOGElnaz Ayati, M.D.
Anuradha Devabhaktuni, M.D.Rose Diakos, M.D.Andres Diaz, M.D.Mariana Dornela, M.D.Donald Druga, M.D.Patricio Ehrman, M.D.Hisham Adel El Fazary, M.D.Ahmed Mohamed El Sherbiny, M.D.Murat Erdemir, M.D.Ali Rustu Ergur, M.D.Emily Yvonne Eye, M.D.Taraneh G. Farazi, Ph.D.Emmanuel O. Farinloye, M.D.Jackie Feinberg, M.D.Antonio Javier Fernandez Lopez, M.D.Dilan Joseph Fernando, M.D.Elle Lauren Fisch, M.D.David Fusaro, M.D.Leandro Fusaro, M.D.Blanca Galarza, M.D.Kathryn Gallagher, M.D.Mihnea Gangal, M.D.Francis John Gardner, M.D.Edelmiro Garza, M.D.Maria Luisa Gasparri, M.D.Leland Dean Gebhart, III, M.D.Robyn Gertenstein, M.D.Armine Ghazaryan, M.D.Alexandre Gilbert, M.D.
The New Scientifi c Program CommitteeTaking us to the Next LevelAfter such a successful and innovative 45th Global Congress, matching the creativity and enthusiasm that the 2016 committee gave will be no small feat. But our 2017 SPC is certainly up for the challenge! This diverse group brings with them not just expertise in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, but also in di� erent aspects of the business of medicine. The committee is already hard at work planning next year’s program, identifying course chairs that
will bring new perspectives, experiences and techniques to our members in the PG courses, as well as developing the educational entertainment aspects that our meeting has come to be known for. While we thank the 2016 SPC for their dedication and for creating and executing such an inspirational meeting, we look forward to what our 2017 committee imagines and creates for our 46th Annual Global Congress in National Harbor, Maryland (Washington, DC). 2017 Scientific Program Chair:
Sawsan As-Sanie, M.D.Welcome New MembersSeptember 1, 2016 — November 30, 2016
Akira Gillingham, M.D.Lindsay GinsburgWhitney Goldsberry, M.D.Karli Provost Goldstein, D.O.Steven R. Goldstein, M.D.Yingping Gong, M.D.Jose Alejandro Gonzalez, M.D.Katherine V. Grette, M.D.Kendall Claire Gri� th, M.D.Matthew Grossi, M.D.Marie Katherine Grove, M.D.Jorge Alexander Guerrero, M.D.Aritra Tapash Guha, MBBSChandransu Guha, M.D.Nejla Gultekin, M.D.Neha Gupta, M.D.Norma Gurrola, M.D.Jorge E. Gutarra, M.D.Juan A. Gutierrez, M.D.Julie Gutierrez, M.D.Andreas Hackethal, M.D., Ph.D.Vicky Hadid, M.D.Esther S. Han, M.D.Peter Harewood, M.D.Amanda Marie Hawkins, M.D.Emily Heasley, M.D.Yeksin Helvacioglu Karatas, M.D.Sheila Dawn Henderson, D.O.Lauren Hensley, M.D.Sara Hernandez, M.D.Gustavo A. Herrera, M.D.Carly Hornis, M.D.Qing Lan Hu, M.D.
Hua Yi Huang, M.D.David S. Hulbert, M.D.Imtiaz Hussain, M.D.Tejas InamdarJay Iyer, M.D.Jolomi Iyoha, M.D.Emma Louise Jamison, M.D.Jonadab Jasso, M.D.Fengbin Jin, M.D.Berglind Juliusdottir, M.D.Derek Jurus, D.O.Kasey Rei Kajiwara, M.D.Ahmet Kale, M.D.Lydia Kao, M.D.Tsuyoshi Kasai, M.D.Kristine Hazel Katimbang, M.D.Ami Keatts, M.D.Fayez Khatib, M.D.Kenneth H. Kim, M.D.Soorin Kim, M.D.Kevin KlocekHelen Kok, M.D., Ph.D.Martha Kole, M.D.Carol Korzen, M.D.Faruk M. Kose, M.D.Maria Raquel Kronen, M.D.Monica Kumar, M.D.Piyawat Laowahutanont, M.D.Babet Latour Lamers, M.D.France Leduc, M.D.Juhun Lee, M.D.Seung Jeong Lee, M.D.Mateo Gonzalo Leon, M.D.
Elodia M. Melendres Gonzalez, M.D.Chelsea Jones Mikell, M.D.Vicky Minns, M.D.Kathleen Carey Minor, M.D.Selim Misirlioglu, M.D.Ekramy Mohamed, M.D.Ricardo Antonio Molero Bravo, M.D.Iris Moore, D.O.Rubye Moore, M.D.Maria Morales, M.D.Audrey Moruzzi, M.D.Rongxiao Mu, M.D.Mervat Muad, M.D.Jessica Mullins, M.D.Nozomi Murakami, M.D.Andra-Teodora Negroiu, M.D.Chinh Huu Nguyen, M.D.Veronica Nicolalde, M.D.Munaganuru Niharika, MBBS, MS, OBGJumin Niu, M.D.Claude C. Noa Ndoua, M.D.Nabila Noor, M.D.Rawan Obeidat, M.D.Henry I. Ogidi, M.D.Kemi Ogunjimi, M.D.Vivian Ojeda, M.D., MPHNuno Caetano Oliveira, M.D.Alexander Michael Ortolano, M.D.Nejat Ozgul, M.D.Marian Pak, D.O.Vijay Palvia, M.D.Qinshi Pan, M.D.Noh-Hyun Park, M.D.
Ornella Sizzi M.D. (1958 – 2016)
Ornella Sizzi lost her battle with breast cancer on September 18, 2016. She was a leader in the International Society of Gynecologic Laparoscopists where she was the Medical Director and Editor of the newsletter. She was an early member of
the AAGL. Dr. Sizzi was recognized for her laparoscopic surgical skill not only in Italy but throughout the world.
Her warm personality made all who she had contact with feel comfortable. She was a frequent invited lecturer at international meetings. Her colleagues and friends all over the world will miss her greatly.
With Fond Memories
The Foundation is looking to increase its activities in 2017 and beyond, and we are happy to announce that we have two (2) Board seats available.
Not only is The Foundation of the AAGL involved in funding and giving prestigious awards at the annual Global Congress, it also provides research grants, establishes scholarships, and supports endowed awards.
A Board seat is a two-year term and will require the following:
• Participation in regularly scheduled Board conference calls.
• Attendance at one (1) in-person meeting per year (typically during the annual Global Congress).
If you are passionate about the mission of The Foun-dation of the AAGL, have had experience raising funds for
The Foundation of the AAGL Needs YouAre you a Born Philanthropist?
other charitable causes, and would like to donate your time, we encourage you to apply. Please send a letter of interest and your CV to Seth Spirrison, Board and Committee Liaison, [email protected].
22 October — December 2016 | www.aagl.org
Member NewsEducation CalendarThe following educational meetings are sponsored, endorsed or acknowledged by the AAGL.13th AAGL International Congress on MIG in partnership with the Federation Colombiana de Obstetricia y Ginecologia (FECOLSOG)February 22-25, 2017Cartagena de Indias, ColombiaScientifi c Program Chair:
Juan Diego Villegas-EcheverriCo-Chairs:
Rafael Padrón Burgos Jimmy CastañedaJosé Duván López
AAGL Co-Chairs:Pedro Escobar Jaime Albornoz
19th Annual Advanced Workshop on Gynecologic Laparoscopic Anatomy & Minimally Invasive Surgery Including Pelvic Floor ReconstructionMay 19-20, 2017University of LouisvilleLouisville, KentuckyScientifi c Program Chair: Resad P. PasicLab Director: Shan M. Biscette
Global Endometriosis SummitJuly 20-22, 2017Reykjavik, IcelandScientifi c Program Chair: Jon I. Einarsson Co-Chair: Marcello CeccaroniNSE Chair: Reynir Tomas Geirsson
FMIGS Fellows and Resident Surgical Boot CampAugust 4-6, 2017Scientifi c Program Chair: Matthew Siedho� New York, New York
46th AAGL Annual Global Congress on MIGSNovember 12-16, 2017Gaylord National Resort and Convention CenterNational Harbor (Washington, DC), Maryland
47th AAGL Annual Global Congress on MIGSNovember 11-15, 2018MGM Grand Hotel Las Vegas, Nevada
Robert Paul Penney, M.D., FACOGJuliana Olavo Pereira, M.D.Miguel Pereira, Jr., M.D.Diane Petersen, M.D.Kurt Robert Peterson, D.O.Ti� any Pham, M.D.Mark Christopher Pillitteri, D.O.Lauren Pinkard, M.D.Gabriel Pinto, M.D.Kari M. Plewniak, M.D., BSBente Baekholm Poulsen, M.D.Rachel Prosper, M.D.Andrea Puppo, M.D.Angela Quispe Almandoz, M.D.Sameena Rahman, M.D., FACOGDiego Raimondo, M.D.Cassandra Nicole Ramar, D.O.Leonardo Ramirez, M.D.Nicola Ramshaw, M.D.Chelsey Carol Rasmussen, M.D.Tessa Reisinger, M.D.Jose M. Renteria, M.D.Andres Reyes, M.D.Tatiana Ribeiro, M.D.Elliott Richards, M.D.Kathryn L. Riley, R.N.Marco A. Rivera, M.D.Carmen Julia Rodriguez, M.D.Enrique Rodriguez, M.D.Luis Enrique Rodriguez, M.D.Alejandro Rodriguez Martin, M.D.Anne Rohde, M.D.Lucio E. Romero, M.D.Joseph Roofeh, M.D.Kimberly Rosen, M.D.
Mateus M.S. Rosin, M.D.Yilmaz Sahin, M.D.Melanie Sanchez, Ph.D.Natalia Sanchez, M.D.Jorge Santiago, M.D.Kathryn Sarnoski, M.D.Jeanette Fabiola Schlitt Nino, M.D.Suzanne Schoenrock, ARNP-RNFARon Schonman, M.D.Joanne Sentence, M.D.Sebastian Serrallonga, M.D.Casandra Service, M.D.Sherif A. Shazly, M.B.B.Ch.Thomas Shehab, M.D.Feifeng Shi, M.D.Nilanchali Singh, M.D.Paul D. Slocum, M.D.Alyssa N. Small, M.D.Cornel Smith, M.D.Cindy Smrt, RDMS, RTBola Sogade, M.D.Mary Ann H. Son, M.D.Alex Soriano, M.D.J’Leise Sosa, M.D., M.P.H.Alexandre Pedrosa Stadnick, M.D.Alli Straubhar, M.D.Bowdoin Su, M.D.Dmitry Nic Subbotin, M.D.Rachana Suchdev, M.D.Dana Sullivan, R.N.Eileen Sy, M.D.Thuc Ngu Dinh Ta, M.D.Morva Tahmasbi Rad, M.D.Ji Young Tak, M.D.Maria Rita Talamo, M.D.
Rina Tamir Yaniv, M.D.Minfang Tao, M.D.Felix Tejada, M.D.Amna Khalifa Tellisi, M.D.Yincheng Teng, M.D.Glynn Mark Thompson, M.D.Sharmilee Thota, M.D.Christina H. Tierney, M.D.Aimee Tieu, M.D.Diana Paola Tinoco, M.D.Ramiro Leopoldo Tinoco, M.D.Jeanette Ann Toney, M.D.Cecilia Torres Ochoa, M.D.Steven Michael Trillet, M.D.Cindy Tsai, M.D.Michelle L. Tucker, M.D.Lamarr Tyler, D.O.Amanda Paige Ulrich, M.D.Pablo Esteban Valencia Llerena, M.D.Fernando Passador Valerio, M.D.Elvia Vallejo, M.D.Michael D. Vardy, M.D., FACOGBlanquita G. VasquezJulia G. Vasquez Lopez, M.D.Shrutika Vasudeva, M.D.Daisy Vazquez-Dubeau, M.D., FACOGRodrigo Vela, M.D.Zoila Velastegui, M.D.Lisa Lynn Vendeland, D.O.Demetrio Antonio Vera, M.D.Clinton A. Veselis, M.D.Sarah Vyskocil, D.O.Abdulkadir Wagley, M.D.Amrish WalkeLiqun Wang, M.D.
Welcome New MembersSeptember 1, 2016 — November 30, 2016
46TH AAGL GLOBAL CONGRESS ON MIGS
Sawsan As-Sanie, Scientifi c Program Chair
November 12 – 16, 2017Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center
National Harbor, Maryland (Washington, DC)
Call for abstracts opens March 1st, deadline April 30th
45TH GLOBAL CONGRESSON MINIMALLY INVASIVE GYNECOLOGY
THE ROSEN HOTEL AT SHINGLE CREEK | NOVEMBER 14-18, 2016 | ORLANDO, FLORIDA
Did you miss a session at the 2016 AAGL Global Congress or just want to see one again?
THEN WE’VE GOT GOOD NEWS...SurgeryU is now your one-stop replay reference for all things Congress 2016
Look for these special programs in early 2017 at www.aagl.org
The following Congress content will be available to view on demand:Special Postgraduate courses, Plenary Sessions, Special Events (Opening Ceremonies,
Keynote Speeches), Live Telesurgeries, Videos from the Video Sessions
Member NewsEducation CalendarThe following educational meetings are sponsored, endorsed or acknowledged by the AAGL.13th AAGL International Congress on MIG in partnership with the Federation Colombiana de Obstetricia y Ginecologia (FECOLSOG)February 22-25, 2017Cartagena de Indias, ColombiaScientifi c Program Chair:
Juan Diego Villegas-EcheverriCo-Chairs:
Rafael Padrón Burgos Jimmy CastañedaJosé Duván López
AAGL Co-Chairs:Pedro Escobar Jaime Albornoz
19th Annual Advanced Workshop on Gynecologic Laparoscopic Anatomy & Minimally Invasive Surgery Including Pelvic Floor ReconstructionMay 19-20, 2017University of LouisvilleLouisville, KentuckyScientifi c Program Chair: Resad P. PasicLab Director: Shan M. Biscette
Global Endometriosis SummitJuly 20-22, 2017Reykjavik, IcelandScientifi c Program Chair: Jon I. Einarsson Co-Chair: Marcello CeccaroniNSE Chair: Reynir Tomas Geirsson
FMIGS Fellows and Resident Surgical Boot CampAugust 4-6, 2017Scientifi c Program Chair: Matthew Siedho� New York, New York
46th AAGL Annual Global Congress on MIGSNovember 12-16, 2017Gaylord National Resort and Convention CenterNational Harbor (Washington, DC), Maryland
47th AAGL Annual Global Congress on MIGSNovember 11-15, 2018MGM Grand Hotel Las Vegas, Nevada
Robert Paul Penney, M.D., FACOGJuliana Olavo Pereira, M.D.Miguel Pereira, Jr., M.D.Diane Petersen, M.D.Kurt Robert Peterson, D.O.Ti� any Pham, M.D.Mark Christopher Pillitteri, D.O.Lauren Pinkard, M.D.Gabriel Pinto, M.D.Kari M. Plewniak, M.D., BSBente Baekholm Poulsen, M.D.Rachel Prosper, M.D.Andrea Puppo, M.D.Angela Quispe Almandoz, M.D.Sameena Rahman, M.D., FACOGDiego Raimondo, M.D.Cassandra Nicole Ramar, D.O.Leonardo Ramirez, M.D.Nicola Ramshaw, M.D.Chelsey Carol Rasmussen, M.D.Tessa Reisinger, M.D.Jose M. Renteria, M.D.Andres Reyes, M.D.Tatiana Ribeiro, M.D.Elliott Richards, M.D.Kathryn L. Riley, R.N.Marco A. Rivera, M.D.Carmen Julia Rodriguez, M.D.Enrique Rodriguez, M.D.Luis Enrique Rodriguez, M.D.Alejandro Rodriguez Martin, M.D.Anne Rohde, M.D.Lucio E. Romero, M.D.Joseph Roofeh, M.D.Kimberly Rosen, M.D.
Mateus M.S. Rosin, M.D.Yilmaz Sahin, M.D.Melanie Sanchez, Ph.D.Natalia Sanchez, M.D.Jorge Santiago, M.D.Kathryn Sarnoski, M.D.Jeanette Fabiola Schlitt Nino, M.D.Suzanne Schoenrock, ARNP-RNFARon Schonman, M.D.Joanne Sentence, M.D.Sebastian Serrallonga, M.D.Casandra Service, M.D.Sherif A. Shazly, M.B.B.Ch.Thomas Shehab, M.D.Feifeng Shi, M.D.Nilanchali Singh, M.D.Paul D. Slocum, M.D.Alyssa N. Small, M.D.Cornel Smith, M.D.Cindy Smrt, RDMS, RTBola Sogade, M.D.Mary Ann H. Son, M.D.Alex Soriano, M.D.J’Leise Sosa, M.D., M.P.H.Alexandre Pedrosa Stadnick, M.D.Alli Straubhar, M.D.Bowdoin Su, M.D.Dmitry Nic Subbotin, M.D.Rachana Suchdev, M.D.Dana Sullivan, R.N.Eileen Sy, M.D.Thuc Ngu Dinh Ta, M.D.Morva Tahmasbi Rad, M.D.Ji Young Tak, M.D.Maria Rita Talamo, M.D.
Rina Tamir Yaniv, M.D.Minfang Tao, M.D.Felix Tejada, M.D.Amna Khalifa Tellisi, M.D.Yincheng Teng, M.D.Glynn Mark Thompson, M.D.Sharmilee Thota, M.D.Christina H. Tierney, M.D.Aimee Tieu, M.D.Diana Paola Tinoco, M.D.Ramiro Leopoldo Tinoco, M.D.Jeanette Ann Toney, M.D.Cecilia Torres Ochoa, M.D.Steven Michael Trillet, M.D.Cindy Tsai, M.D.Michelle L. Tucker, M.D.Lamarr Tyler, D.O.Amanda Paige Ulrich, M.D.Pablo Esteban Valencia Llerena, M.D.Fernando Passador Valerio, M.D.Elvia Vallejo, M.D.Michael D. Vardy, M.D., FACOGBlanquita G. VasquezJulia G. Vasquez Lopez, M.D.Shrutika Vasudeva, M.D.Daisy Vazquez-Dubeau, M.D., FACOGRodrigo Vela, M.D.Zoila Velastegui, M.D.Lisa Lynn Vendeland, D.O.Demetrio Antonio Vera, M.D.Clinton A. Veselis, M.D.Sarah Vyskocil, D.O.Abdulkadir Wagley, M.D.Amrish WalkeLiqun Wang, M.D.
