OCT - DEC 2015

Vol. 29 No. 4

MIGS in Mumbai12TH AAGL INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS ON MINIMALLY INVASIVE GYNECOLOGYPAGE 3

44TH GLOBAL CONGRESS

PAGE 4

END OF YEAR PRESIDENTIAL

SUMMARYPAGE 7

SIG: ONCOLOGY

THE UNDER- UTILIZATION

OF MIS IN ENDOMETRIAL CANCER CARE

PAGE 17

FOCUS ON AAGL

There is an expression that says “It takes a village to raise a child”, but the same can be said about producing a successful meeting. The 2015 44th annual AAGL meeting was our most successful meeting yet and there are many facets that came together to make

that so.It started with the incredible support of the

gynecological surgical community who submitted over 900 abstracts and videos. Each and every submission was graded using predetermined criteria by 5 members from a pool of 324 volun-teers. The subsequent placements into the Plenary, Oral Communications and Video sessions were based on subject material and grade received.

The Scientific Program Committee started early in the year developing the General Sessions and Postgraduate Courses with the goal to provide highly educational, innovative, topical and rele-vant sessions. This is a very arduous task as there are strict rules and documentation to follow in order to maintain our ACCME accreditation. I am pleased to inform you that the AAGL has received the highest level of ACCME recognition which has been given to only 15% of all CME providers.

One of the most notable features of the meeting was the advanced level of the audio/visual production not found in most meetings. From the jaw-dropping 60-foot screen in the

General Session to streaming live telesurgeries in high definition, it was a true technical achieve-ment. More detail on the AAGL SurgeryU Team’s efforts can be found in the “Behind the Scenes “article (see page 9).

And finally, the village became complete with the AAGL staff. In addition to their primary roles providing daily support for AAGL’s ongoing function, they assume additional responsibilities related to the annual meeting. No detail gets ignored! Before the program is even printed, the room size requirements for each session must be determined. The hands-on labs are all unique and require detailed coordination with the program chair, the industry equipment supplier, and the hotel. The food and beverage requirements are constantly changing. A huge checklist of items gets packed and shipped (15 pallets this year!). And the list goes on and on.

But possibly one of their most important roles is that they are our ambassadors to all who attend the meeting. Their gracious, friendly and helpful attitude, throughout the year and at the regis-tration desk, helps set the tone of the meeting. We had over 2300 attendees walk through our Congress doors from over 64 international countries, thus professionalism and courtesy was vitally important. I hope you experienced their warmth and welcome in Las Vegas.

Franklin D. Loffer, M.D., FACOG, is the Medical Director of the AAGL and resides in Phoenix, Arizona.

CONTENTS

AAGL VISION

The AAGL vision is to serve women by advancing the safest and most efficacious diagnostic and therapeutic techniques that provide less invasive treatments for gynecologic conditions through integration of clinical practice, research, innovation, and dialogue.

EDITORIAL STAFF

MANAGING EDITORSLinda MichelsFranklin D. Loffer, M.D., FACOG

EDITORIAL STAFFLinda J. Bell “Lynn”Barbara HodgsonElena SchweppeDené Glamuzina

GRAPHIC DESIGNJoe Neric

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENTArnold P. Advincula, M.D.

VICE PRESIDENT/SECRETARY-TREASURERJon I. Einarsson, M.D., Ph.D., MPH

TRUSTEESMichel Canis, M.D.Bernard Chern, M.D.Pedro F. Escobar, M.D.Carlos Fernandez-Ossadey, M.D.Isabel C. Green, M.D.Michael Hibner, M.D., Ph.D.James K. Robinson, III, M.D., M.S.Pamela T. Soliman, M.D., MPH

MEDICAL DIRECTORFranklin D. Loffer, M.D., FACOG

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORLinda Michels

DR. LOFFER

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

NewsScope [Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data, Main entry under NewsScope, Vol. 29, No. 4; (ISSN 1094–4672] is published quarterly by the AAGL for ten dollars, paid from members’ dues. Periodicals Postage Paid at Cypress, California. Copyright 2015 AAGL.Publisher AAGL Advancing Minimally Invasive Gynecology Worldwide 6757 Katella Avenue Cypress, California 90630-5105 USA Tel 714.503.6200, 800.554.2245 Fax 714.503.6201, 714.503.6202 E-mail: newsscope@aagl.org Website: www.aagl.orgThe views and opinions expressed by the authors in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of NewsScope, its editors, and/or the AAGL.

FOCUS ON AAGL: It Takes a Village 212TH AAGL INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS ON MIGS: Make Plans Now for the 12th Annual International Meeting in Mumbai! 3FROM THE SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM CHAIR: 44th AAGL Global Congress: Increased Recognition as Leaders in Gynecologic Surgery 4PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: End of Year Presidential Summary 7 SURGERYU: Behind the Scenes With the Live Cadaveric Demo and Live Telesurgeries at AAGL 2015 9AAGL CONGRATULATES AWARD WINNERS AT THE 44TH AAGL GLOBAL CONGRESS 11FELLOWSHIP IN MINIMALLY INVASIVE GYNECOLOGIC SURGERY: Transforming MIGS through FMIGS 15SIG: ONCOLOGY: The Underutilization of Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) in Endometrial Cancer Care 17NEW PRODUCTS 19INTERNATIONAL NEWS: AAGL – COGA: An Update on a Growing Global Collaboration 19WELCOME NEW MEMBERS 20

2 NewsScope October - December 2015 | www.aagl.org

12TH AAGL INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS ON MIGS

MAKE PLANS NOW FOR THE 12TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL MEETING – IN MUMBAI!

The AAGL and the Indian Association of Gynecologic Endoscopists (IAGE) are proud to invite you to “Witness the Unbelievable” at the 12th AAGL International Congress on Minimally Invasive Gyne-cologic Surgery to be held for the first time in Asia, specifi-

cally, Mumbai, India, from June 2-5, 2016.The Scientific Program Committee, led by

Prakash Trivedi, MD, has planned an exciting program reflecting the international standards and day-to-day needs of our colleagues in their practice in the era of modern gynecology. An incredible panel of invited faculty experts from throughout India and the world (USA, Europe, Australia and Russia) will be demonstrating their skills in the field of laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, robotic, vaginal, and urogynecological surgery. A crowning jewel to this year’s program is the 2 days of live surgeries conducted in 13 operative

theaters throughout Mumbai. This represents the largest live telesurgery undertaking at an AAGL International Congress yet.

A Master’s class has been meticulously designed around 8 important topics to offer take-home learnings and practical solutions required for your own practice. Woven throughout the program are various hands-on workshops, scientific sessions, panel discussions, and great debates on hot button topics. There will also be a full day’s focus on sonography, color doppler and imaging in gynecology as well as a full day of live infertility and ART procedures by national experts for the benefit of those interested in the growing science of these exciting fields.

Unique additions to this event are the pre-and post-Congress hands-on training courses covering hysteroscopic surgery and laparoscopic suturing (pre-Congress on 6/1) and laparoscopic suturing, laparoscopic hysterectomy, myomec-tomy, hysteroscopy, vaginal and urogynecological surgeries during the post-Congress (6/6-6/7).

To unwind after each day’s academic feast, there will be delightful musical evenings, cock-tails and great Indian food. Conference delegates can also take advantage of site seeing tours to explore the incredible and magical land of India.

We look forward to welcoming visitors from all over the world! To learn more, please visit www.aaglmumbai2016.com.

Prakash H. Trivedi, M.D., DGO, DNB, FCPS Total Health Care Private Limited Mumbai, India

PRAKASH TRIVEDISCIENTIFIC PROGRAM CHAIRRAJENDRA SANKPALPRESIDENT IAGE & PROGRAM CO-CHAIRJON I. EINARSSONGENERAL CHAIRDR. TRIVEDI

www.aagl.org October - December 2015 NewsScope 3

FROM THE SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM CHAIR

Attendees were treated to a 90,000 foot exhibit hall with state-of-the-art surgical equipment from our industry partners.

Dr. Mobolaji Oluwaseun Ajao presents his idea to members of the panel: Scott Larson (Olympus); Robert Auerbach (CooperSurgical); Edward Evantash (Hologic); and Mirelle Akiian (Smith & Nephew).

The recent AAGL Global Congress at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas was a resounding success as exemplified by multiple record-breaking events. Registration was at an all-time high of 2,302! (the first time we’ve passed the 2000 mark), there were

64 countries represented, and lastly, the total number of abstracts submitted was 902. These achievements are definitely something that we all can be proud of.

There was palpable excitement in the air and the meeting ran smoothly throughout thanks

to the outstanding staff and faculty. Some of the highlights included the expertly done live cadaveric dissection with Drs. Ceccaroni, Puntambekar and Pasic and the presentation of award-winning videos and papers during the Plenary Sessions. Dr. Possover’s Keynote address on Neuropelveology was amazing. It is incredible what he and his team have accomplished and there surely will be a lot of exciting developments in this field in the years to come. The Shark Tank event was also very well received and attended. Three finalists pitched their unique concept to a group of industry “sharks” who countered with constructive feedback and challenging questions. The event was very entertaining and both the

DR. EINARSSON

44TH AAGL GLOBAL CONGRESS: INCREASED RECOGNITION AS LEADERS IN GYNECOLOGIC SURGERY

4 NewsScope October - December 2015 | www.aagl.org

Dr. Fariba Mohtashami demonstrates suturing technique to an attendee.

Dr. Aarathi Cholkeri-Singh (l) works with attendees to teach the finer points of hysteroscopy.

Dr. Marc Possover, the Jordan M. Phillips Keynoter, presents his groundbreaking work on Neuropelveology.

More than 850 attendees enjoyed the Presidential Gala at Hakkasan.

Dr. Abdulrahman K. Sinno right explains access techniques to attendees at the Advanced Pelvic Anatomy and Hysterectomy postgraduate course.

presenters and the “sharks” did an outstanding job. We hope to repeat this event next year, so if you’ve got an idea for a medical device product, keep developing it and you may be on stage as our next shark tank presenter.

As always, the backbone of the meeting included a plethora of postgraduate courses that were held during the first two days along with a variety of video sessions, surgical tutorials, oral presentations and virtual posters. In fact, there was such a variety of excellent sessions going on at the same time, I am sure many found it hard to choose what to attend. In the end though, this is a good problem to have and speaks to the diver-sity of the scientific program. However, if you did miss a session during the Congress, please check the AAGL website for replays.

Looking ahead, the program for 2016 is in the excellent hands of Dr. Kevin Stepp, who will surely create an even better event in Orlando Florida. Please mark your calendars now; you do not want to miss the next AAGL Global Congress!

I would like to sincerely thank the amazing staff of the AAGL as well as the outstanding faculty whose time and contribution helped to make the meeting so successful. I also want to thank our industry partners who are an important component to our specialty and the Global Congress. I believe the AAGL is at a cross

roads where we are increasingly being recog-nized as the leaders in gynecologic surgery. The record-breaking attendance at this most recent congress certainly corroborates that notion. One of the critical factors of this development is all of the AAGL/SRS Fellowship graduates who have been advocating MIGS around the United States and beyond and who now function as leaders in gynecologic surgery in their community. The age old wisdom “you reap what you sow,” certainly applies here. We now have an abundance of very talented up-and-coming members who will ensure that the future of our society will accomplish great things for women’s healthcare worldwide. Many of these outstanding young members made their debut at the Congress in Las Vegas and they are surely the future leaders of our organization.

To close, I want to thank you all for your support and I wish you all Happy Holidays and a very Happy New Year. I look forward to seeing you all in 2016 and to work together to continue to further the mission of the AAGL.

Jon Ivar Einarsson, M.D., Ph.D., MPH, is AAGL Vice President/Secretary-Treasurer, the 44th Annual Scientific Program Chair, Director, Division of MIGS at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts.

www.aagl.org October - December 2015 NewsScope 5

150874 Ad Placement - News Scope ad - VITOM GYN_V2 OL.indd 1 12/8/15 2:39 PM

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGEWorking with Dr. Einarsson and the Board to plan the coming year.

Dr. John F. Steege (l) receives Inaugural Award for Mentorship.

Dr. Franklin D. Loffer, center, surrounded by his family, receives Leadership Award.

DR. ADVINCULA

As I write this year-end summary, I cannot believe how quickly 2015 has nearly drawn to a close. The expres-sion, “Time flies when you are having fun”, clearly rang true this past year and culminated in what was our most exciting and successful AAGL Global

Congress ever under the leadership of our Scientific Chair, Jon I. Einarsson. This year, your committed Board, together with our membership, solidified existing initiatives such as ratifying new by-laws, committing $60,000 to fund research projects and launching new projects like our global outreach program in Malawi. The year was capped off with another successful joint meeting between the AAGL and the Chinese Obstetricians and Gynecolo-gists Association (COGA) in Beijing.

Despite the many successes of the past year, we still have much to accomplish and the agenda set by your Board for 2016 is jam-packed. The programming is extensive and starts off with the Global Hysterectomy Summit, April 15-16, 2016, San Diego, CA. Hot-button topics will continue to be addressed on both domestic and international levels as we strive to elevate surgical standards and knowledge.

Early in the year, the Board was faced with changes in our executive leadership. After consulting our bylaws and outside counsel, the Board voted to extend the term of office for President to 18 months each for both myself and

Dr. Einarsson. I will conclude my term in June 2016 and then Dr. Einarsson will take the helm, 6 months earlier than usual, and then serve his normal year in 2017. I am grateful that we both can commit to serving 18-month presidential tenures until the full complement of executive leadership is up and running. I am honored to be able to lead this incredible organization. In the remaining 6 months of my presidency, I encourage each and every one of you as members to get involved in AAGL initiatives that you are passionate about and to take up the mantles of

mentorship and leadership. Collectively, I know that we can advance minimally invasive surgery worldwide.

I hope that all of you have a most joyous holiday season and best wishes for 2016.

Arnold P. Advincula, M.D., FACOG, FACS, is President of AAGL, Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Vice-Chair of Women’s Health and Chief of Gynecology, Sloane Women’s Hospital at Columbia University in New York, New York.

END OF YEAR PRESIDENTIAL SUMMARY

2015 Board of Directors: (l to r) Carlos Fernandez-Ossadey, Isabel C. Green, Franklin D. Loffer, James K. Robinson, Jon I. Einarsson, Linda Michels, Michael Hibner, Arnold P. Advincula, Pamela T. Soliman, Michel Canis and Bernard Chern. Pedro F. Escobar (not pictured).

www.aagl.org October - December 2015 NewsScope 7

#Wanted#SocialMediaEditor

JOB DESCRIPTION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Maintain JMIG’s social media presence as well as steadily increase reader engagement. Coordinate with reporters and editors to package and distribute news reports and enterprise projects on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, Instagram, Snapchat and other outlets for maximum performance.

• Engage viewers with social discussions (comment-ing, surveys, email, etc.).

• Monitor comments about JMIG’s content and news events on social media, with the ability to summa-rize and communicate information.

• Respond quickly and accurately to breaking news, reporting live on social platforms when necessary.

• Measure content performance on each social media platform and recommend changes in strategy to increase reader engagement.

• Work with a variety of digital content, including audio, video and photography.

• Exhibit excellent writing and communication skills, understanding of journalistic ethics and procedures.

• Candidate must be an AAGL member

WHAT YOU’LL GET:

• The opportunity to work alongside the JMIG Editorial Board to determine the best articles to highlight and showcase.

• Your name and affiliation on the JMIG masthead.

• An invitation to the AAGL Annual Congress with registration, travel and housing covered.

• To work in a culture with passionate, creative, diverse and dedicated editors.

• Stipend available

SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR WANTEDThe Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology

If you are interested in serving as the Social Media Editor for JMIG, please send a 250-word vision statement and your curriculum vitae to the attention of Linda Michels, Managing Editor (SocialMediaJob@aagl.org) no later than February 15, 2016.

SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR WANTEDThe Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology

SURGERY U

BEHIND THE SCENES WITH THE LIVE CADAVERIC DEMO AND LIVE TELESURGERIES AT AAGL 2015

Physicians who recently attended the 44th AAGL Global Congress at the MGM Grand Convention Center in Las Vegas were treated to five surgical demonstrations that were presented live in the General Sessions. The first of these events was

our 90-minute Live Cadaveric Demonstration on Anatomy that was presented on Monday, November 16th. This important session was presented under the direction of Marcello Cecca-roni from Rome, Italy. As Chair of the session, he highlighted the surgical expertise of Drs. Shailesh Puntambekar, India, and Resad Pasic, USA, and also demonstrated to the audience, the importance of navigating the pelvis. Later in the week, four live tele-surgeries originating from India, Canada, Italy, and the United States were presented to a full audience. Each of these events was also streamed out live on SurgeryU HD to our worldwide audience on the Web, with over 25,000 physicians contacted with the instructions on how to watch online. After the Congress, we placed videos of the events online where you can now re-watch them on demand at aagl.org (look for the link on the home page).Although our in –house team and production partners make these events look seamless, the technical details that need to be managed behind the scenes are anything but simple. Take, for example, the live anatomy demonstration that took place before

our live audience of 1,750 attendees. Surgical equipment from six corporate sponsors had to be flown in from all over North America to re-build an OR on stage. Next, the equipment was connected to our AV team’s non-medical video switching equipment using sophisticated picture scaling hardware that bridges the gap between the medical and non-medical hardware. From that point, the video was split into two; one video signal flowed into our SurgeryU streaming equipment, while the other video signal was prepared for display on our giant 60’x15’ display in the General Session (which, by the way, required four industrial-sized projectors behind the screen to fill the entire space!)

For the live tele-surgeries, the process was even more complex. The video for these events originated in the remote operating room of the featured hospitals and was then compressed for transmission over the Internet. A device called a “codec” (short for “enCODer-DECoder”) is used on both ends of the transmission to efficiently handle the transmission of the video from the remote site to Las Vegas. Our AAGL SurgeryU team then received the high-bandwidth, high-defini-tion video signal at our control room back stage and converted the video into a format that can be presented both on-screen at the General Session and simultaneously webcast out to the world on SurgeryU HD.

In all, it took the efforts of about 40 people to make the amazing presentation of these events possible. We hope you enjoyed all of the surgical

DR. STEPNANIAN

demonstrations and found the content beneficial. I would like to thank and applaud the teams of Dr. Rahman in Kerala, India, Dr. Malzoni in Avellino, Italy, Dr. Warty in Las Vegas, Dr. Leyland in Hamilton, Canada, and Dr. Boggess in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, as well as the on-site AV team at Pixel in Las Vegas and our SurgeryU team from AAGL for their efforts in presenting these highly-educational presentations to a worldwide audience.

Assia A. Stepanian, M.D., is Editor-in-Chief of SurgeryU. She is also in private practice at the Academia of Women’s Health and Endoscopic Surgery in Atlanta, Georgia.

Dr. Marcello Cecccaroni (right) demonstrates a step-by-step strategy for surgical retroperitoneal anatomy of the posterior compartment.

Live Surgeries were presented to a full ballroom.

Dr. Malzoni and his team from Avellino, Italy, demonstrate resection of deep infiltrative endo-metriosis. The audience was captivated by his “bloodless” surgery.

Dr. Rahman from Kerala, India, walks through the intricate steps of a total laparoscopic hysterectomy.

www.aagl.org October - December 2015 NewsScope 9

Attention Fellows! GRANTS

AVAILABLE FOR CLINICAL

RESEARCH SEMINAR

Grant application available at www.aagl.org/clinicalresearchgrant

The Foundation of the AAGL is making 5 grants available to attend a seminar on clinical research. The grants are open to current fellows in the FMIGS program and FMIGS fellows who graduated in 2014 or 2015.

This highly recommended seminar, limited to 28 attendees, will take place in Tucson, Arizona from September 24-30, 2016. The curriculum for this 6-day course provides an intensive introduction to epidemiology, research methods, and data analysis. The seminar is presented by The Foundation for Exxcellence in Women’s Health Care, which is dedicated to improving the quality of women’s health care, through research, awards, grants and education. They are sponsored in part by ABOG (American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology).

If you’re interested, don’t delay! The application deadline is fast-approaching on February 1, 2016.

THE FOUNDATIONEst. 1993

Manchester Grand HyattSan Diego, California

APRIL 15-16, 2016

Save the date

SPONSORED BY THE AAGL

GLOBAL HYSTERECTOMY SUMMITExpanding the Surgical Armamentarium & Optimizing Outcomes in a Value-Based Medical World

AAGL CONGRATULATES AWARD WINNERS AT THE 44TH AAGL GLOBAL CONGRESS

“A Randomized Trial Comparing Vaginal and L aparoscopic Hysterectomy vs Robot-Assisted Hysterectomy”

Celine Lönnerfors, MD, Petur Reynisson, MD, PhD, Jan Persson, MD, PhD

Dr. Hunt had a strong leadership role in the AAGL. He was the President of the AAGL, 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.

Supported by an educational grant from the Foundation of the AAGL Robert B. Hunt Endowment

“Laparoscopic versus Robot-Assisted Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial”

Timothy A. Deimling, MD, MS, Jennifer Eldridge, MD, Kristin Riley, MD, Allen Kunselman, MA, Gerald Harkins, MD

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 technical evolution, clinical validation, regulatory approval and delivery to market.

Supported by an educational grant from the Foundation of the AAGL Jay M. Cooper Endowment

“Complications and Trend of Adhesion Barrier Use during Myomectomy or Hysterectomy”

François Closon, MD, Haim Abenhaim, MD, MPH, Nicholas Czuzoj-Shulman, B.A., Togas Tulandi MD, MHCM

This award was established to honor the memory of Dr. Jerome J. Hoffman. Dr. Hoffman was an early AAGL Board member, philanthropist and educator, who believed strongly in supporting residents and fellows. Dr. Hoffman was enthusias-tically supportive of the Foundation of the AAGL and was its first Executive Director.

Supported by an educational grant from the Foun-dation of the AAGL Jerome J. Hoffman Endowment

“Laparoscopically Assisted Transversus Abdominis Plane Blocks”

Shanti I. Mohling, MD, Robert S. Furr, MD

The IRCAD award is presented to recognize the best research in education acknowledging inno-vative ideas in teaching. The winner is honored by receiving a fully paid week-long visit to the IRCAD Institute in France.

Supported by an educational grant from Karl Storz Endoscopy-America, Inc.

“Extrinsic Ureteral Endometriosis: Tackling the Difficult Ureterolysis”

Amanda M. Ecker, MD, Suketu M. Mansuria, MD, Ted T.M. Lee, MD

The winner of this prestigious award receives a gold-plated laparoscope mounted on an engraved plaque.

Support for this award has been provided by Olympus America Inc.

“Accuracy of Hysteroscopic Metroplasty With the Combination of Pre Surgical Three-Dimensional Ultrasonography and a Novel Graduated Intra-uterine Palpator: A Randomized Controlled Trial”

Attilio Di Spiezio Sardo, MD, PhD, Brunella Zizolf, MD, Stefano Bettocchi, MD, Caterina Exacoustos, MD, Caterina Nocera, MD, Giovanni Nazzaro, MD, Carmine Nappi, MD

The winner of this prestigious award receives a gold-plated hysteroscope mounted on an engraved plaque.

Support for this award has been provided by Olympus America Inc.

GOLDEN HYSTEROSCOPE AWARDBEST PAPER ON HYSTEROSCOPY

GOLDEN LAPAROSCOPE AWARDBEST SURGICAL VIDEO

JEROME J. HOFFMAN AWARDBEST ABSTRACT BY A RESIDENT OR FELLOW

IRCAD AWARD FOR FELLOWSEXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION

JAY M. COOPER AWARDBEST PAPER ON MINIMALLY INVASIVE GYNECOLOGY BY A FELLOW

ROBERT B. HUNT AWARDBEST PAPER PUBLISHED IN JMIG (SEPTEMBER 2014 – AUGUST 2015)

(l-r) Carmine Nappi and Attilio Di Spiezio

(l-r) Robert S. Furr and Shanti I. Mohling

(l-r) Timothy A. Deimling and Gerald J. Harkins

(l-r) Tommaso Falcone, JMIG Editor and Celine Lonnerfors

(l-r) Suketu M. Mansuria and Amanda M. Ecker (l-r) Warren Volker, Chair and Francois Closon

www.aagl.org October - December 2015 NewsScope 11

• Shaping the future of women’s health care through research and evidence in gynecologic surgery

• More than 50 years of investment and commitment

Researchand evidence

• Educating and training surgeons, physician assistants, and nurses through a wide range of professional education o� erings

• Empowering women through education to enable informed discussions with their surgeons

• Other Ethicon product support services including:

—24/7 clinical support —reimbursement hotline

Educationand training

• O� ering a broad portfolio of products from access to closure in most gynecologic procedures

• Innovating based on the evolving needs of surgeons and providers

Innovative products

Together we can help achieve excellence in gynecologic surgery

Find education resources at ethiconinstitute.com

© 2015 Ethicon US, LLC. All rights reserved. 042807-151103

042807-151103_AAGL_Print Ad.indd 1 11/19/15 2:58 PM

CENTER OF EXCELLENCE IN MINIMALLY INVASIVE GYNECOLOGY

Program OverviewThe AAGL Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology (COEMIG) program recog-nizes hospitals and surgeons around the world that provide exceptional minimally invasive gynecologic surgical care. A COEMIG designation helps expand patient awareness of and access to minimally invasive gynecologic procedures performed by surgeons and facilities that are dedicated to continuously improving healthcare quality and patient safety.

Application fee $7,500 for the facility | $650 for each surgeon – includes the first year of partic-ipation and use of the COEMIG Outcomes database.

To register for the COEMIG program, visit www.surgicalreview.org/coemig/register

Nearly 200 hospitals and 550 surgeons in 16 countries – including 40 U.S. states – are currently participating in the COEMIG program.

Surgeon Requirements1. Surgical Experience and Volume2. Physician Program Director3. Surgeon Experience and Qualified

Call Coverage4. Clinical Pathways5. Patient Education6. Continuous Quality Assessment

Facility Requirements1. Institutional Commitment to Excellence

in Minimally Invasive Gynecology2. Facility Experience and Volume3. Physician Program Director4. Consultative Staff5. Qualified Call Coverage6. Equipment and Instruments7. Clinical Pathways8. Designated Surgical Team and

Support Staff9. Patient Education10. Continuous Quality Assessment

65%Decreased

Complications

35%IncreasedReferrals

71%Improved

Patient Safety

24%Increased

Budget

35%Decreased

Costs

47%ImprovedE�ciency

53%Professional

Recognition &Distinction

59%Improved Team

Cooperation

59%Increased

PatientAwareness

53%Increased

PatientSatisfaction

47%Improved

E�cacy

41%Transformative

Process forTeam

53%Higher Patient

Volume

BenefitsCenter of Excellence designees surveyed in 2015 experienced the following benefits derived from designation:

To keep the program free of bias and protect participant confidentiality, the AAGL selected Surgical Review Corporation (SRC), an independent nonprofit healthcare quality organization, to manage the program on the society’s behalf.

Grant application available at www.aagl.org/MIGresearchgrant

In 2016, the Foundation of the AAGL is proud to provide THREE research grants for $10,000 each! To qualify for this specific grant, the research must be related to minimally invasive gyne-cology and the project period must occur between 7/1/2016--6/30/2017.

The Foundation of the AAGL exists to fund the development and applica-tion of emerging technologies to the benefit of gynecologic health care for women.

If you’re interested, don’t delay! The application deadline is 3/1/2016. All AAGL members in good standing are encouraged to apply.

$10,000 Grants available for Research on Minimally Invasive Gynecology.

THE FOUNDATIONEst. 1993

SPONSORED BY THE AAGL

WRGC VI 2016World Robotics Gynecology Congress The 6th World Robotics Gynecology Congress represents an evolution in surgical instruments, techniques, outcomes, and experiences from some of the most experienced robotic surgeons in the world.

THIS YEAR’S CONGRESS WILL FEATURE:• A loaded and totally interactive curriculum incorporating

live demonstrations from a faculty of renowned experts• Two live telesurgery cases• Seven specific plenary sessions will target topics such as

complex surgical scenarios, reproductive surgery, single-site robotics platform, tissue extraction, the cost of robotics, urogynecology and credentialing and privileging.

• A separate session geared towards healthcare executives and hospital administrators as well as allied health professionals will be offered.

Join us next summer in New York City for this comprehensive workshop.

To register go to: www.aagl.org.

August 5-6, 2016Grand Hyatt at

Grand Central Station New York, New York

FELLOWSHIP IN MINIMALLY INVASIVE GYNECOLOGIC SURGERY

Congratulations to the Newest COEMIG

Designees Since September 2015Apply for COEMIG at

www.surgicalreview.org/coemig/

ALASKA REGIONAL HOSPITALANCHORAGE, AK

Donna Chester, MDWynd Counts, MDWendy Cruz, MD

Carolyn Rhene Merkouris, MDMark Edmund Richey, MD

Linda Christine Wrigley, MD

STAMFORD HOSPITALSTAMFORD, CT

Stephen Gallousis, MD

WINNIE PALMER HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN & BABIES

ORLANDO, FLVirgil Anthony Davila, MD

PRESENCE SAINT FRANCIS HOSPITALEVANSTON. IL

Allan Adam Adajar, MDTeresa Tam, MD

OVERLAND PARK REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTEROVERLAND PARK, KSTimothy J. Martin, MDRobert A. Moulton, DO

Kristi Lyn Weaver Rowe, MD

LAHEY MEDICAL CENTERBURLINGTON, MSRaffaele Bruno, MD

Alison Dick, MDAmy McGaraghan, MDElizabeth Munro, MD

Alison Blair Vogell, MDKelly Wright, MD

Valena J. Wright, MD

ROCHESTER GENERAL HOSPITALROCHESTER, NY

Mohamad Mahmoud, MD

UNIONTOWN HOSPITALUNIONTOWN, PA

Christina Catherine Enzmann, MD

AUXILIO MUTUO HOSPITALSAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO

Adrian Colon Laracuente, MDJesus Rodriguez-Arroyo, MD

Miguel Angel Vazquez Guzman, MD

The mission for FMIGS in 2015 was to gain further credibility and validity for Minimally Invasive Gyneco-logic Surgery (MIGS) in the realm of gynecology. In order to achieve this, focus was directed on three main areas – first, the body of knowledge

that defines the field needs to be distinct and well-articulated; second, the educational training programs need to be of the highest quality; and third, the practice underlying MIGS needs to be further grounded on evidence.

Keeping the mission clearly in mind, FMIGS made great strides in achieving the multiple initiatives outlined in the beginning of the year.

In seeking ABMS-recognition for MIGS as a practice requiring “focused-expertise,” mean-ingful conversations and exchanges were made with ABOG and ACOG. The Task Committee has prepared a response to the public comment web page www.surveygizmo.com/s3/2376188/Crite-ria-for-Focused-Expertise launched by the Amer-ican Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) that supports the proposed criteria for Certificate in Focused Expertise.

A comprehensive document of Learning Goals and Objectives was developed and approved by the Board www.aagl.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/EducationalObjectives11.17.15.pdf. Using ACGME-language, this document outlines the educational pillars of medical knowledge and procedural competencies that essentially define the field of MIGS as a distinct area of focus.

The Program Requirements for each fellowship training site was updated www.aagl.org/service/fellowships/program-requirements/ to reflect the high standards required to ensure a vigorous academic and learning environment for our fellows. This document also provides the template for our Site Review and Compliance Committee as they conduct their reviews.

In response to the needs of the fellows, a user-friendly app for case log entry has been created and is currently on beta-trial. A grievance policy was also developed www.aagl.org/service/fellow-ships/grievance-policy/, and approved.

Educational programs were developed such as the 2-day fellows didactics and workshop conducted in collaboration with SREI. In addition, the recent Congress included a course geared towards faculty to enhance teaching and mentorship.

The FMIGS-SGS Subgroup of the FPRN (Fellows Pelvic Research Network) was successfully estab-lished in collaboration with the Society of Gyne-cologic Surgeons (SGS). Study proposals of merit were chosen and fellows will conduct every aspect

of their study involving multiple centers under the guidance of the Research Steering Committee.

To further promote academic writing, a Fellows Section will be established in JMIG that will feature articles written by fellows and a senior faculty/mentor. These articles will address each educational pillar and will collectively become the “handbook” for fellows-in-training and MIGS specialists.

FMIGS Bylaws were successfully amended to reflect the evolution of FMIGS since its incorpora-tion in 2001.

2015 was a busy year for FMIGS. Though our tasks are not yet complete, the list of initiatives that initially appeared insurmountable was accom-plished only with the help of a most committed team and a special thanks going to Arcy Domin-guez and Claudia Sahagun. Together, we set out to transform FMIGS in 2015 with the ultimate intention of transforming MIGS for the future!

Rosanne M. Kho, M.D., Associate Professor, Director, Benign Gyn Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, Ohio, and President, FMIGS Fellowship Board of Directors.

WITH SPECIAL CREDIT TO THE FOLLOWING:

FMIGS BOARD: Rosanne M. Kho, President Magdy P. Milad, Vice-President Javier F. Magrina, Secretary-Treasurer Matthew T. Siedhoff, Jubilee Brown, Danielle E. Luciano, David L. Olive, Cara R. King, Franklin D. Loffer, Linda MichelsFOCUSED-EXPERTISE TASK COMMITTEE: Ted L. Anderson, Rosanne M. Kho, Co-ChairsMark R. Hoffman, Magdy P. Milad, Matthew T. SiedhoffLEARNING GOALS AND PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS TASK COMMITTEE: Sawsan As-Sanie, Gary N. Frishman, Co-Chairs Kimberly A. Kho, Magdy P. Milad, Stacey A. Scheib, Sangeeta Senapati, Bethany D. Skinner, Amanda C. Yunker EDUCATION COMMITTEE: Matthew T. Siedhoff, Chair Rosanne M. Kho, Magdy P. MiladBYLAWS COMMITTEE: Ted L. Anderson, Magdy P. Milad, Co-ChairsRosanne M. Kho, Franklin D. Loffer SITE REVIEW AND COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE: John J. Sciarra, Chair Ted L. Anderson, Stephen L. Corson, William W. Hurd, Rosanne M. Kho, Franklin D. Loffer, Joseph S. Sanfilippo FPRN STEERING COMMITTEE: Rosanne M. Kho, Vice Chair Hye-Chun Hur, Miles Murphy, Stacey A. Scheib, Matthew T. Siedhoff, Mary Ellen Wechter, Jeffrey R. Wilson, Amanda C. Yunker

TRANSFORMING MINIMALLY INVASIVE GYNECOLOGIC SURGERY THROUGH FMIGS

DR. KHO

The ways in which our Key Partners support the mission of the AAGL include:• Committing year round support through our Corporate Sponsorship program. • Funding our fellowship sites. • Giving unrestricted educational grants to enhance our programs. • Supporting our hands-on seminars with workstations. • Providing support for scholarly activities.• Funding unrestricted grants for MISforWomen.com.• Advertising in The Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, the official journal of the AAGL, and ordering reprints of articles to disseminate to physicians.

The support from our Key Partners is in accordance with ACCME guidelines for commercial support.

2014 KEY PARTNERS

SAPPHIRE($110,000 - $150,000)

OPAL($40,000 - $110,000)

AMETHYST($20,000 - $40,000)

DIAMOND($500,000 - $750,000+)

EMERALD($150,000 - $350,000)

RUBY($350,000 - $500,000)

Keeping the Doors to Education Open

A partner is defined as “someone who shares an activity.” The AAGL

acknowledges the corporations who partner with the AAGL to keep open the

doors to educating the next generation of minimally invasive gynecologists. With

their support the AAGL can provide more programs that will educate physicians

and provide better patient care.

AAGLAdvancing Minimally Invasive Gynecology Worldwide

SIG: ONCOLOGY

THE UNDER-UTILIZATION OF MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY (MIS) IN ENDOMETRIAL CANCER CARE

REFERENCES1. Nieboer TE, et al. Surgical approach to

hysterectomy for benign gynaecological disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2009; (3):CD003677.

2. Walker JL, LAP 2, Recurrence and Survival Recurrence and survival after random assign-ment to laparoscopy versus laparotomy for comprehensive surgical staging of uterine cancer: Gynecologic Oncology Group LAP2 Study. J Clin Oncol, 2012 Mar 1;30(7):695-700. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2011.38.8645.

3. Galaal K, et al. Laparoscopy versus laparotomy for the management of early stage endo-metrial cancer. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2012; 9:CD006655.

4. Fader AN, et al. Under-utilization of minimally invasive surgery for women with endometrial cancer: A quality and cost disparity. Obstet Gynecol, in press, Dec 8, 2015.

5. Scalici J, et al, The trend towards mini-mally invasive surgery (MIS) for endome-trial cancer: an ACS-NSQIP evaluation of surgical outcomes. Gynecol Oncol, 2015 Mar;136(3):512-5.

It is undisputed that minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is the gold standard for the surgical treat-ment of many benign and malignant gynecologic conditions, including endometrial cancer, the most common gynecologic malignancy diag-nosed in U.S. women1. A recent joint guideline issued by the Society of Gynecologic Oncology and the American College of Surgeon’s Commis-sion on Cancer recommended that women with newly diagnosed endometrial cancer should be preferentially managed with minimally invasive hysterectomy and staging. This recommended quality measure in cancer care is founded on a plethora of randomized studies and a Cochrane database review demonstrating fewer periopera-tive complications, improved quality of life and similar stage-specific survival as open surgery for

DIANA MANNSCHRECKAMANDA NICKLES FADER

endometrial cancer survivors managed via MIS2,3. Yet despite this compelling evidence, surgical

approach to endometrial cancer largely remains a matter of surgeon preference. Recently, our research group performed an analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database (NIS, the largest U.S. hospital inpatient database) to study domestic MIS utilization in this setting4. More than 32,000 women with non-metastatic endome-trial cancer who underwent hysterectomy between 2007 and 2011 were included. Overall, only 33.6% underwent a MIS hysterectomy, although this increased to 51% by 2011. Low-volume cancer centers demonstrated the lowest MIS utiliza-tion rate (23.6%; P<0.001). After multivariable adjustment, MIS was less likely to be performed in patients with Medicaid vs. private insurance, black and Hispanic vs. white patients, and more likely to be performed in hospitals with high vs. low endometrial cancer volume. Not surprisingly, open hysterectomy was associated with a significantly higher risk of complications, including surgical site infection and venous thromboembolism. Additionally, while the hospital costs of MIS vs. open hysterectomy were similar, surgical cases with complications had higher mean inpatient costs (p<0.001). A similar study of the ACS-NSQIP

database demonstrated that an MIS increase within endometrial cancer care from 16% in 2006 to 48% in 2010 correlated to decreases in compli-cations and hospital stays5. Additionally, each 10% increase in MIS would save $2.8 million and 41 postoperative complications.

While not every woman diagnosed with endometrial cancer will be a candidate for MIS, this considerable under-utilization represents a chance to address the nearly two-fold higher rate of perioperative complications and associated increase in health care costs related to open surgery. Recognizing that the majority of women with endometrial cancer are obese and possess other comorbidities, this is a cohort who will particularly benefit from MIS. Hospital utilization of MIS for the treatment of endometrial cancer varies subtantially in the U.S., representing a disparity in the quality and cost of surgical care delivered nationwide. Notably, preliminary data from an ongoing NIS database study of a similar patient cohort treated from 2012-2013 does not show appreciable gains in MIS utilization. A national effort to increase MIS utilization in women with gynecologic cancer will result in tremendous reductions in morbidity for patients, substantial health care cost savings and should be a top priority in gynecologic cancer care.

Amanda Nickles Fader, MD is an Associate Professor and Director of the Kelly Gynecologic Oncology Service, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD

Diana Mannschreck, BS is a 2nd year medical student at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD

www.aagl.org October - December 2015 NewsScope 17

Please look for these special programs on the AAGL website at www.aagl.org.

Then we’ve got good news…SurgeryU is now your one-stop replay reference for all things Congress 2015!

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

AAGLEXPERT TALKS

EARN CME ONLINEaagl.org/experttalks/

AAGL has launched its new “AAGL Expert Talks” series on AAGL.org. This video series features presentations on minimally invasive gynecologic surgery by noted experts in the field, and will offer viewers the opportunity to earn AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ by watching the videos and then completing a short post-test.

AAGL members with membership accounts in good standing will be able to access the videos and apply for CME by going to AAGL.org and clicking on “AAGL Expert Talks” in the right sidebar. Additional courses are added to the web site on a monthly basis.

WATCH NOW

VAGINAL HYSTERECTOMY WEBNINARVaginal Hysterectomy: Introduction and Overview Dr. Barbara LevyHysterectomy with Retractor Kit and 90 Degree Scope Dr. Rosanne KhoVaginal Hysterectomy with Basic Instrumentation Dr. Barbara LevyRight Salpingectomy with Ovarian Preservation Dr. John GebhartRight Salpingo-Oophorectomy Dr. John GebharttAnatomy: Hemipelvis Dr. John GebhartDeconstructing the Procedure Dr. Rosanne KhoVaginal Hysterectomy: Tips and Techniques Dr. John GebhartManaging Complications Dr. John Gebhart

DR. BARBARA LEVYVice President for Health Policy American College of Obstetricians & GynecologistsWashington, D.C.

DR. ROSANNE KHOAssociate Professor, Director, Benign Gyn Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, Ohio

DR. JOHN GEBHARTProfessor/Fellowship Program Director Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN

MORE TO

SEE AT:

AAGL.ORG/EXPERTTALKS/

aagl.org/experttalks/

THIS MONTH’S FEATURED FACULTY

Did You Miss a Session at the 2015 Global Congress or

Just Want to See One Again?

Includes CME approved content. Available to

members free of charge.

NEW PRODUCTS

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

THE ALEXIS CONTAINED EXTRACTION SYSTEMThe Alexis™ Contained Extraction System enables minimally invasive procedures by creating a contained environment for manual morcella-tion. This new innovation features a specimen containment bag and a guard to protect the bag from sharp instrumentation. The specimen containment bag accommodates a range of specimen sizes with a volume up to 6500mL. The Alexis Contained Extraction System is a complete solution for contained manual morcellation.www.appliedmedical.com

LAPFLEX CO2 LASER HANDPIECEOmniGuide Surgical’s new LapFlex is the only articulating laparoscopic advanced CO2 energy instrument for ablation of endometriosis that enables surgeons to access hard-to-reach anatomical structures and anterior disease. The 60° of articu-lation allows for enhanced precision and control during cutting, ablation and blunt dissection aiding in more complete disease removal. 1-888-666-4484 OmniGuideSurgical.com

RICHARD WOLF MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATIONThe ERAGONmodular mini hand instruments provide customers with a complete solution for mini-laparos-copy. With 18 different jaw patterns and 7 different handles you create a combination that best fits your needs. • Three-part modular structure

that can be completely disas-sembled for reprocessing

• Insulated or stainless steel sheaths

• “Click-it” connection permits simple assembly and disas-sembly

• Reduced surgical trauma800.323.WOLFwww.richardwolfusa.com

MINILAP® PERCUTANEOUS SURGICAL SYSTEM WITH MINIGRIP® HANDLEThe ergonomic, multi-functional MiniGrip® Handle makes it easy for surgeons to grasp and manipulate tissue, while providing both ratch-eted and non-ratcheted capabilities. The slim 2.4 mm shaft allows for percutaneous insertion without the need for a trocar causing less trauma for ideal cosmesis. For the patient, it’s less invasive and heals with a nearly unnoticeable scar and potentially less pain.www.teleflex.com/minilap

2010 marked the year that Dr. Franklin D. Loffer and Dr. CY Liu first travelled throughout China in order to meet with surgeons, key stakeholders and the leadership of the Chinese Obstetricians & Gynecologists Association (COGA). Discussions were held regarding the possibility of identifying and building potential collaborations. Fast forward to December 2015 where I recently returned from the 3rd joint AAGL-COGA meeting in Beijing. Under the leadership of Professors Jing-He Lang and Zhenyu

Zhang, a very successful and innovative meeting was hosted which featured not only lectures on cutting edge topics but also over 40 televised surgeries from several hospitals in Beijing. The gamut of surgical procedures was covered and ranged from conventional laparoscopy for deeply infiltrating endometriosis to robotics for gynecologic cancer management.

What started out as a simple fact-finding mission 5 years ago has now blossomed into a growing collaboration that in 2016 will yield a total of 6 joint AAGL-COGA meetings across various cities throughout China. Fuzhou, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Xian and Beijing will all serve as host cities in 2016. Despite long distances and the differences in language and politics, what truly stands out is the shared passion and commitment to advancing minimally invasive surgery worldwide.

Arnold P. Advincula, M.D., FACOG, FACS, is President of AAGL, Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Vice-Chair of Women’s Health and Chief of Gynecology, Sloane Women’s Hospital at Columbia University in New York, New York.

DR. ADVINCULA

AAGL – COGA: AN UPDATE ON A GROWING GLOBAL COLLABORATION

www.aagl.org October - December NewsScope 19

MEMBER NEWS

Maria Virginia Abalos, M.D.Tamara M. Abdul Raheem, M.D.Josephine Achiampong, M.D.Haritha Ackula, M.D.Oluseyi Adeniji, M.D.Enyonam Agamasu, M.D.Geetanjali S. Agarwal Joshi, M.D.Miriam Aguirre, M.D.Lisa Agustines, M.D.Hashem Adel Ahmed, M.D.Ibrahim Farid Ahmed, M.D.Ai Hua Li, M.D.Zufeiya Aili, M.D.Ailing Xu, M.D.Ai-Ming Wang, M.D.Chen Aiping, M.D.Sanaa Mohsen Al Hassan, M.D.Afaf Alansari, M.D.Anna B.I. Alensuela, M.D.Fatemah Khaled Alhadhoud, M.D.Hanan Al-Janabi, M.D.Reem Abdulla Alkhars, M.D.Chantal C.J. Alleblas, MSc.Kholode K. Almaslamani, M.D.Maria Amelia Almeida, M.D.Olanike Alonge, M.D.Ghazi Alsarraj, M.D.Angela Amato, R.N.Ruifang An, M.D.Marcela A. Andrade, M.D.Yoichi Aoki, M.D.Sarah Appleton, M.D.Rachel M. Archer, M.D.Chetna Arora, M.D.Bakytbubu Arynova, M.D.Shant Ashdjian, M.D.Rowell Stanford Ashford, II, M.D.Jose Aun, Sr., M.D.Alma Rosa Aurioles, M.D.Sharareh Bagherian, D.O.Huimin Bai, M.D.Anish Bali, M.D.Shamita Bansore, M.D.Lewen Bao, M.D.Emma L. Barber, M.D.Reut Bardach, M.D.Hayley C. Barnes, M.D.Adrianna Barrett, M.D.Ana Barrios, M.D.Edward Kelly Bartels, M.D.Santanu Baruah, M.D.Rachel Baskin, M.D.David Basurto Diaz, M.D.John W. Batich, M.D.Luca Bazzurini, M.D.Alice Beardmore-Gray, M.D.Gregory Beauge, M.D.Sadikah Behbehani, M.D.Bei Zhang, M.D.

Donna L. Bell, R.N.Boleslaw A. Bendek, M.D.Ralf Bends, M.D.Robert Berg, M.D.Janet Berry, M.D.Loubna Beydoun, M.D.Lihong Bian, M.D.Yachun Bie, M.D.Rita Ann Biesen-Bradley, M.D.Zhou Binbing, M.D.Wang Hai Bo, M.D.Ruben Dario Bolivar, M.D.Brian K. Bond, M.D., FACOGMercedes Borja Valverde, M.D.Pietro Bortoletto, M.D.Melodie Bourdages, M.D.Karen Brandon, DSc, PT, WCSNatalie Braun, M.D.Joline S. Bronson, M.D.Robert Brooks, M.D.Elizabeth Brunn, M.D.Gigliola Bublitz, M.D.Marissa Caballes, M.D.Patrick Joseph Cahill, D.O.Qiong Cai, M.D.Luis Calderon, M.D.Halime Cali, M.D.Monika Cancellaro, M.D.Luis Cano, M.D.Yungui Cao, M.D.Ricardo Caraballo, M.D.Leia Card, M.D.Ingrid Carrillo, M.D.Mary Anne Carrillo, M.D.Rachel Chanteil Cartechine, M.D.Santiago Castelazo, M.D.Erin Cavanaugh, M.D.Clarena Ceballos, M.D.Roberto Ceciliano, M.D.Lily Cha, M.D.Yvonne Chak, M.D.Felix Chan, M.D.John K. Chan, M.D.James Patrick Chaney, M.D., FACOGAndrew E-Kong Chang, M.D.Ha Kyun Chang, M.D.Biliang Chen, M.D.Chunlin Chen, M.D., Ph.D.Long Chen, M.D.Xiaojun Chen, M.D.Yong Chen, M.D.Chen Cheng, M.D.Luo Chengyan, M.D.Li-Mong Chiang, M.D.Yonghee K. Cho, M.D.Dong Mei Chu, M.D.Li Chunling, M.D.Roberto Clarizia, M.D.Michael Gregory Cohen, M.D.

Marie-Pier Comeau, M.D.Robyn Comeau, M.D.Karin Ann Commeret, M.D.Alexandra Correa, M.D.Katherine Croft, M.D.Roan Crow, M.D.Heather Crummett, M.D.Heng Cui, M.D.Ulisses da Costa Faria, M.D.Yuxin Dai, M.D.David Daniel, M.D.Sangeeta Das, M.D. Ivete de Avila, M.D.Donaldo De Leon, M.D.Lester De Silva, M.D.Katherine de Souza, M.D.Justin Alex DeAngelis, M.D.Murat Dede, M.D.Lorenzo Del Olmo, LSASofia Del Olmo, BSN, RNMarie-Elaine Demers, M.D.Yanjie Deng, M.D.Yao Desheng, M.D.Andrew Deutsch, M.D.Frank D. DeVries, M.D.Kuhan Dharmarajah, M.D.Wen Di, M.D.Robert Di Cecco, M.D., FRCSCPaul Dijkhuizen, M.D.Karin Dimon, M.D.Zhiwei Ding, M.D.Khady Diouf, M.D.Arthur Michael Dizon, M.D.Juliana Barros do Valle, M.D.Andrew Allen Doherty, M.D.Janine A. Domingo Doneza, M.D.Gaston Donetch, M.D.Yinchu Dong, M.D.Li Donglin, M.D.Nadine Doris, M.D.Felicia Doucet Gingras, M.D.N. Edward Dourron, M.D.Jamie M Drake, PA-CShanping Du, M.D.Nadia du Toit, M.D.Duan Zhao, M.D.Jie Duan, M.D.Jhonathan Alexander Duarte, M.D.Andrey Anatolievich Dubinin, M.D.Emily Rose Earles, M.D.Emily Edwards, R.N.Niki Edwards, M.D.Jose Henrique Eing, M.D.Rachel Eliason, M.D.Eman Elkattan, M.D.Mohamed ElMouselmany, M.D.Kubilay Ertan, M.D.Sandra Escobar, M.D.Cholene Espinoza, M.D.

Liangsheng Fan, M.D.Xiaoling Fang, M.D.Bruno Savoia Faria, M.D.Kose Mehmet Faruk, M.D.Lu Hsin Fen, M.D.Xin Feng, M.D.Fengbin Jin, M.D.Fengsen Xu, M.D.Stephen Fiascone, M.D.Homero Flores-Mendoza, M.D.Orlando Florez, M.D.Wendy Fodstad, PA-CPolly Victoria Ford, M.D.Melissa Fox, M.D.Alexia de Avila Frayha, Ph.D.Fengxian Fu, M.D.Tomasz Fuchs, M.D.Fuli Zhu, M.D.Denise Furlong, M.D.Andrew Galffy, M.D.Jesus Eduardo Gallardo, M.D.Kathleen Gallo, R.N.Mario Alfredo Galvis, M.D.Wang Gang, M.D.Huiqiao Gao, M.D.Rafael Garcia Concha, M.D.Kathryn Powell Gard, M.D.Nitu Garg, M.D.Abby Denisse Garnica, M.D.Francisco Garzon Lopez, M.D.Jing Ge, M.D.Ashita Gehlot, M.D.Sean George, M.D.Sarah Vondrak Gernhart, M.D.Amelie Gervais, M.D.llias Giarenis, M.D.Fani Gkrozou, M.D.Catalina Gomez, M.D.Jose Gomez, M.D.Liyun Gong, M.D.Alejandro Martin Gonzalez, M.D.Azucena Blanco Gonzalez, M.D.Carlos E. Gonzalez, M.D.German Gonzalez, M.D.Rocio Gonzalez Villanueva, M.D.Kathryn Hanson Goralski, M.D.Sonal Grover, M.D.Yu Gu, M.D.Ni Guantai, M.D.Nathan L. Guerette, M.D., FACOGPascale Guerin, M.D.Camilla Guitarte, M.D.Rui-Xia Guo, M.D.Guoxing Wang, M.D.Guoyun Wang, M.D.Abhishek Gupta, M.D.Janesh Kumar Gupta, M.D.Jan Haider, M.D.Sun Haiyan, M.D.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERSSeptember 1, 2015 - November 30, 2015

20 NewsScope October - December 2015 | www.aagl.org

Ghaidaa F. Hakeem, M.D.Linxiao Han, M.D.Chen Hang, M.D.Ding Han Hanxiang, M.D.Wei Shu Hao, M.D.Haoping Zhu, M.D.Byron Hapner, D.O.Usha Harikumar, M.D.Douglas C. Harrington, M.D., FACOGKeith Harrison, M.D.Thomas Hasskamp, M.D.Ke He, M.D.Martin Hechanova, M.D.Sergine Heckel, M.D.Oystein Helland, M.D., Ph.D.Angie Henao, M.D.Rodrigo Henao, M.D.Dedy Hendry, FACOGFernando Heredia, M.D.Ana L. Herrera-Betancourt, M.D.Christopher Raymond Hicks, M.D.Shauna Hicks, M.D.Teresa Hilgers, M.D.Margaret Rose Hines, M.D.James Hobby, M.D.Erik Hokenstad, M.D.Lisa Holcomb, M.D.Hong Chen, M.D.Liu Hong, M.D.Ma Hongmei, M.D.Hongyan Li, M.D.Hongyu Li, M.D.Elizabeth Naomi HoptonWagner Horst, M.D.Jianqing Hou, M.D.Luis Rafael Hoyos , M.D.Weiguo Hu, M.D.Hua Yuan, M.D.Xiao Huan, M.D.Tai Hsun HuangXianghua Huang, M.D.Laura Huffman, M.D.Chen Shao Hui, M.D.Dai Huihua, M.D.Huiping Jiang, Jr., M.D.Huiqing Li, M.D.Judith Huirne, M.D.Hu Huiying, M.D.Fatima Hussain, M.D.Sara Iacoponi, M.D.Manal Mohamed Idriss, M.D.Fong Wai Leng, M.D.Emma Inglis, M.D.Sara Irwin, M.D.Fawziah Ishak, MBBS, MRCOGGennadiy Ivanov, M.D.Jocelyn Ivie, M.D.Colin Jackson, M.D.Orlando de la Rosa Jacobo, M.D.A. Jalail Far, M.D.Torri Janecek, M.D.German Jaramillo, M.D.

Pernille Tine Jensen, M.D., Ph.D.Xuemei Jia, M.D.Jian Zhang, M.D.Hua Jiang, M.D.Jiang Yu, M.D.Jie Jiang, M.D.Yuan Jianhuan, M.D., Ph.D.Jianmin Chen, M.D.Zhang Jianqing, M.D.Jiaren Zhang, M.D.Jiaxin Yang, M.D.Jie Yang, M.D.Jin Wang, M.D.Jin Zhou, M.D.Ping Jin, M.D.Jing Zhang, M.D.Jing Zhao, M.D.Jing Zhou, M.D.Yi Jing, M.D.Cheng Jingxin, M.D.Ashley Meekin Johnson, M.D.Jil M. Johnson, D.O.Joanna Johnston, M.D.Louai Jony, M.D.Scott Eric Jordan, M.D.Saurabh Nishikant Joshi, M.D.Olivier Jourdain, M.D.Wang Man Ju, M.D.Cao Xiao Juan, M.D.Gong Pi Jun, M.D.Jun-Xian Zhang, M.D.To Justin, M.D.Amr Kader, M.D.Aban Kadva, M.D.Nisha Kadwadkar, M.D.Isabelle Kaelin Gambirasio, M.D.Arpitha Kalghatgi, M.D.Chun Ping Kang, M.D.Rita Kaplon, M.D.Erdal Kaya, M.D.Yan Ke, III, M.D.Sian Kerslake, M.D.Sadia Khandaker, M.D.Zohra Khanum, M.D.Tarulata Khulpateea, M.D.Mutlu Kilimciler, M.D.Sarah Kim, M.D.Caitlyn Klaska, M.D.Curt H. Klooster, M.D.Samara Knight, M.D.Chienwei Ko, M.D.Kara KoldonBeihua Kong, M.D.Karen Kong, M.D.Elena Konstantinova, M.D.Jessica Kroes, M.D.Paul Kuder, M.D.He Xiu Kui, M.D.Kun Zhang, M.D.Anthony Kupelian, M.D.Mei Wai Kwan, M.D.Esther B. Kyle, M.D.

Caroline Lachance, M.D.Eve Anne Ladwig-Scott, B.S., M.D.Jeanne Laflamme, M.D.Jacqueline Ivett Laguardia, M.D.Yunju Lai, M.D.Fanny Lamb, M.D.Soren Lange, M.D.Eve-Lyne Langlais, M.D.Fernando Laverde, M.D.Mia Elise Layne, M.D.Marvin Enrique Lazo Cabrera , M.D.Luat Le, D.O.Sanghoon Lee, M.D.Stephanie Lee, D.O.Yuan-Bing Lee, M.D.Mathieu Legault, M.D.Lei Li, M.D.Humberto Lelevier, M.D.Jennifer Lew, M.D.Cuifen Li, M.D.Haili Li, M.D.Hu Li, M.D.Huan Li, M.D.Jinfeng Li , M.D.Jinghua Li, M.D.Li Li, M.D.Li Sun, M.D.Yan Li, M.D.Yingxiong Li, M.D.Ziqing Liang, M.D.Xiaohua Liao, M.D.Wang Liehong, M.D.Wang Lijie, M.D.Jinwen Ingrid Lin, M.D.Lin Wang, M.D.XiaoNa Lin, M.D.Yu-Geng Lin, M.D.Shang Hui Ling, M.D.Lingyan Zhang, M.D.Haiyan Liu, M.D.Lin Lin Liu, M.D.Ping Liu, M.D.Yabin Liu, M.D.Yakun Liu, M.D.YanYan Liu, M.D.Yuzhen Liu, M.D.Laura Long, PA-CLixia Long, M.D.Livia Alves Lopes, M.D.Eliana Lopez, M.D.Beatrice Lorber, M.D.Lou Tong, M.D.Meisong Lu, M.D.Xiaohong Lu, M.D.Hua Luan, M.D.Miguel Oscar Ludi, M.D.Lufang Zhang, M.D.Angelina Lukwinski, M.D.Xiaohang Luo, M.D.Xiping Luo, M.D.Xiuping Lv, M.D.Xiuli Ma, M.D.

Yingchun Ma, M.D.Denisse Fernanda Magdaleno, M.D.Thuy Mai, M.D.Robert Allen Mairs, D.O.Carole Maitre, M.D.Huda Majeed, M.D.Kingshuk Majumder, M.D.Maria Cecilia Maldonado, M.D.Neena Malhotra, M.D.Sabrina Maltais, M.D.Eileen Malapaya Manalo, M.D.Christopher Howard Mann, M.D.Daniel Marks, D.O.Emma Markstrom, M.D.Christine Marraccini, M.D.Ashley Nicole Martinez, M.D.Alexandre Magno de Freitas Martins, M.D.Danielle M. Mason, M.D.Nancy McBride, M.D.Scott Douglas McCauley, M.D.Amanda McDonough, M.D.Allison McKinnon, M.D.Erin Elizabeth Medlin, M.D.Debbie G. Meguizo, M.D.Natasha Mehandru, M.D.Fangyin Meng, M.D.Yuanguang Meng, M.D.Raquel Marie Mercado-Sepulveda, M.D.Elisabet Merino Mesa, II, FACOGJinwei Miao, M.D.Katherine Miller, M.D.Ming Liu, M.D.Wang Qi Ming, M.D.Zhao Mingli, M.D.Angel Miranda, M.D.Carlos Eduardo Miranda, M.D.Decca Mohammed, M.D.Yara Mohammed, M.D.Reena Mohan, M.D.Pushparajem Mohanraj, M.D.Grace Marie Mooken, M.D.Surjit Reddy Moolamalla, M.D.Anika Moore, M.D.Kira Marie Moore, D.O.Ana Morales, M.D.Elisa Moreno Palacios, M.D.Nicole Ashley Moretti, M.D.Thomas Moscovitz, M.D.Lea Moukarzel, M.D.Tara Mould, M.D.Robert Anthony Moulton, D.O.Faizah Mukri, M.D.Torben Munk, M.D.Angelica Stephanie Kabigting Munoz, M.D.Olga Alejandra Munoz, M.D.Krishna Murala, M.D.Olarik Musigavong, M.D.Charles Badr Nagy, M.D.Deepa Balachandran Nair, M.D.

www.aagl.org October - December 2015 NewsScope 21

MEMBER NEWS

45th AAGL Global Congress on Minimally Invasive GynecologyKevin J.E. Stepp, Scientific Program Chair

The Rosen Hotel and Convention Center at Shingle Creek Orlando, FloridaVisit www.aagl.org for more information

NOVEMBER 14-18, 2016

Save the date

Nan Liu, M.D.Nan Song, M.D.Lisa Lee Ng, D.O.Tin Yan Tina Ngan, M.D.Nguyet Nguyen, M.D.Yan Ni, M.D.Ma Ning, M.D.Adolfo Nino De Guzman, M.D.Mireille C. Nkoussa NdjieSonia Pai Novotny, M.D.Roberto Nyffeler, M.D.Oliver O’Donovan, M.D.Yuki Ogawara, M.D.Guy Ohad, M.D.Idris A Okewole, M.D.Nonye Okocha, M.D.Oluwatosin Onibokun, M.D.Irma Patricia Orihuela, M.D.Jose L. Ortiz Colon, M.D.German Ospina, M.D.Stephen Kam Otey, M.D., FACOGChensi Ouyang, M.D.Ling Ouyang, M.D.Roberto Ovando, M.D.Kevin Overbeck, M.D.Maria Gabriela Pachori, M.D.Linglan Pan, M.D.Ivilina Pandeva, M.D.Hyuntae Park, M.D.Lindsay Parker, M.D.Melissa Ann Parks, D.O.Reginald Demetrius Peek, M.D.Xuebing Peng, M.D.Claudia Janeth Perez Ramirez, M.D.Helga Pereznunez Zamora, M.D.Jinxia Piao, M.D.Ping Huang, M.D.Ping Wang, M.D.Ping Yan, M.D.Zhou Ping, Jr., M.D.Lu Pinhong, M.D.Christine Pipitone, M.D.Marek Pluta, M.D.Marino Poliseno, D.O.Anne E. Porter, M.D.Katrina L. Porter, M.D.Paola F. Portilla Soto, M.D.Andrea Portillo, M.D.Hilda Porturas, M.D.Lionel Ange Poungui, M.D.Prescott Wade Prillaman, M.D.Genoveva Nicoleta Prisacaru, M.D.Michael A. Proffitt, M.D.Jianwen Pu, M.D.Giulana Puccini, M.D.Qingxia Zhang, M.D.Qiuxiang Xu, M.D.Ahmed Raafat, M.D.Rubin Raju, M.D.Adriana Ramirez, M.D.Ran Cui, M.D.

Almotasimbellah O. Rayes, M.D.Humberto Reyes Cuervo, M.D.Griselda Claribel Reyes Torres, M.D.David Rice, M.D.Charlotte Richards, M.D.Michael Ritondo, M.D.William Rivera-Ortiz, M.D.Lukas Rob, M.D.LeAnne J. Roberts, M.D.Deborah Robertson, M.D.David Rodriguez, M.D.Luis Rodriguez, M.D.Luz Rodriguez, M.D.Martha Lilia Rodriguez, M.D.Miguel Angel Rodriguez Avalos, M.D.Graciela Rolong, M.D.Rong Xia Liu, M.D.Rong Zhang, Ph.D.Patricia Rossi, M.D.Amelie Roy Morency, M.D.Ilia Rubiano, M.D.Victor A. Rubio, M.D.Jose Saadi, M.D.Jorge Safe, Jr., M.D.Banchita Sahu, M.D.Maria Salanga Lomibao, R.N.Mary Sale, M.D.Mariela Salgado, M.D.Catherine Sanchez, PAJose Sanin, M.D.Admario Santos Filho, M.D.lhan Sanverdi, M.D.Armine Sarchisian, M.D., FACOGChandrakala Sathish, M.D.Saladin Sawan, M.D.Elisa Scatena, M.D.Lindsey Brooke Scharfman, M.D.Michael A. Schiavone, II, M.D.Lynnett Schindler, M.D.Raschelle Leanne Schowengerdt, M.D.Gastao Schwarz, Jr., M.D.Monica Sehgal, M.D.Claire Serrato, M.D.Vikrant Sharma, M.D.Abraham Shashoua, M.D.Jacquelyn Shaw, M.D.Patricia Shay, M.D.Alicia Ann Shields, M.D.Jessica Shields, D.O.Rachelle A. Shirley, M.D.Jyoti Sidhu, M.D.Sylvia Lee Siegfried, M.D.Dalia Sikafi, M.D.Tali Silberstein, M.D.Cassandra Blot Simmons, M.D.Ian Simpson, M.D.Jaleen Danae Sims, M.D.Ivan Rizal Sini, FRANZCOGEffie Siomos, M.D.Sofia Smirnova, M.D.Caroline Smith, M.D.

Kara L. Smythe, M.D.Alicia Sollman, NPJessica Son, M.D.Julieta M. Sotelo Ortiz, M.D.Eduardo Soto Garcia, M.D.Suzanne Nicole Stammler, M.D.Dawn Stanek, M.D.Jamie Stanhiser, M.D.Michelle K. Stegenga, D.O.Holly Sternberg, M.D.Robert J Stevenson, M.D.Celeste Emily Straight, M.D.Suhui Wu, M.D.Tove Svarrer, M.D.Ana Talavera, M.D.Crystal Tallman, D.O.Sejal Tamakuwala, D.O.Amit Tandon, M.D.Tao Wang, M.D.Stephanie Christine Tardieu, M.D.Simon Tarsha, M.D.Tahir Tayyeb, M.D.Pravada Milind Telang, M.D.Juan Jose Tellez Castro, M.D.Derek Jon Tenhoopen, M.D.Nicole Sara Tenzel, M.D.Sitthipong Thawinkarn, M.D.Kelsey Renee Thrush, D.O.Ashley Wood Tiegs, M.D.Matthew Laurence Tilstra, M.D.Michael Ting, M.D.Ting Li, M.D.Ting Zhou, M.D.Reni Tjandra, M.D.Karla Liliana Toledo, M.D.Katterine Torres, M.D.Yardlie Toussaint, M.D.Soumil P. Trivedi, M.D.Rola Turki, M.D.Nino Tutberidze, M.D.Luz Uribe, M.D.Rafael Urquijo, M.D.Tara Usakoski, M.D.Gloria Patricia Valencia, M.D.Olga Valieva Bishop, D.O.Teresa C. Vasconcellos de Moura, M.D.Rodney Paiva Vasconcelos, M.D.Manuel Antonio Vasquez, M.D.Priyanka Venkataraman, M.D.Mariana da Cunha VieiraDaniel Vieyra, M.D.Carlos Vivas, M.D.Jocelyn Walbridge, M.D.Alexandra Walker, D.O.Meeca Walker, M.D.Hong Wang, M.D.Jingwei Wang, M.D.Wang Lin, M.D.Wang Yan, M.D.Sarah Weaver, M.D.

Weimin Yang, M.D.Weiping Ma, M.D.Wenxin Liu, M.D.Harris Monroe Wexler, D.O.Katie Weyer, M.D.Tracy Allen Wheelock, M.D.Artur Wiatrowski, M.D.Catherine Marie Wilkes, M.D.Stephanie Wilkins, M.D.Judith Jordan Williams, M.D.Shira Varon Williams, M.D.Marron C. Wong, M.D.Jeffrey Woo, M.D.Jacqueline Leigh Wood, M.D.Valena Wright, M.D.Christine Wu, M.D.Xiao Shi, M.D.Xiao Zhang, M.D.Xiaoxuan Xu, M.D.Xiaoyun Liu, M.D.Xinchao Deng, II, M.D.Xinmei Zhang, M.D.Xiu Ping Wang Wang, M.D.Xuefang Zhang, M.D.Ritu Yadav, DNBMikio Yamasaki, M.D.Yan Chen, M.D.Yan Yang, M.D.Yan Hong Yu, M.D.Yanlong Wang, M.D.Jacqueline Yano, M.D.Yanzhou Wang, M.D.Mufit Cemal Yenen, M.D.Yifeng Wang, M.D.Ali YilmazYin Chen, M.D.Ying Yang, M.D.Ying Zhang, M.D.Ying Zhou, M.D.Yingchun Zhang, Jr., M.D.Laura Young, M.D.Yu Zhang, M.D.Yuan Lin, M.D.Yue Xi Luo, M.D.Yunshan Zhu, M.D.Yuting Zhu, M.D.Heather Marie Zechman, M.D.Aldene Zeno, M.D.Zhan Li, M.D.Ying Zhou, M.D.Zhao Lu, M.D.Zhaoyi Feng, M.D.Zhenyu Yang, M.D.Zhibo Zhang, M.D.Zhiying Su, M.D.Liangqing Yao, M.D.Cici Ruoxi Zhu, M.D.Zihan Zhang, M.D.Monica Tessmann Zomer, M.D.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERSSeptember 1, 2015 - November 30, 2015

22 NewsScope October - December 2015 | www.aagl.org

45th AAGL Global Congress on Minimally Invasive GynecologyKevin J.E. Stepp, Scientific Program Chair

The Rosen Hotel and Convention Center at Shingle Creek Orlando, FloridaVisit www.aagl.org for more information

NOVEMBER 14-18, 2016

Save the date

For more information or an application contact: Arcy Dominguez, Fellowship in MIGS Manager

6757 Katella Avenue • Cypress, CA 90630 Phone: (800) 554-2245 or (714) 503-6200, Ext. 224

Fax: (714) 503-6201 or (714) 503-6202E-mail: fmigs@aagl.org

www.fmigs.org

FELL

OW

SHIP in MINIMALLY IN

VASIV

E

GY

N

ECOLOGIC SURGERY

TM

Now is the time to begin planning for your participation in theFELLOWSHIP IN MINIMALLY

INVASIVE GYNECOLOGIC SURGERYFellowship year July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2019

“EDUCATING THE SURGEONS OF TOMORROW”

IMPORTANT DATES OF THE FELLOWSHIP

PROGRAM START DATE: July 1, 2017

APPLICATIONS OPEN: January 1 – July 1, 2016

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT APPLICATION:

July 1, 2016

PERIODICALS

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

CYPRESS, CA

6757 Katella AvenueCypress, California 90630-5105Tel 714.503.6200 Fax 714.503.6201E-mail newsscope@aagl.org • Web site www.aagl.org

EDUCATION CALENDARThe following educational meetings are sponsored by the AAGL.

2016 AAGL MEETINGS

Global Hysterectomy Summit: Expanding the Surgical Armamentarium & Optimizing Outcomes in a Value-Based Medical WorldApril 15-16, 2016Arnold P. Advincula and Jon I. Einarsson, Scientific Program Co-ChairsCharles Koh, Honorary Chair

Manchester Grand Hyatt, San Diego, California AAGL Session on MIG at ACOG Annual Clinical Meeting Solving the Dilemma of the Route of Hysterectomy: A Roadmap to Clinical Decision MakingMay 16, 2016

Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC

12th AAGL International Congress on MIGS in partnership with the Indian Association of Gynaecological EndoscopyJune 2-5, 2016Prakash Trivedi, Scientific Program ChairJon Einarsson, General ChairRajendra Sankpal, IAGE President

Mumbai, India

AAGL 18th Annual Advanced Workshop on Gynecologic Laparoscopic Anatomy & Minimally Invasive Surgery Including Pelvic Floor ReconstructionJune 17-18, 2016Resad P. Pasic, Scientific Program ChairShan M. Biscette, Lab Director

University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky

FMIGS/SREI/Residents and Fellows Surgical Boot CampJuly 22-24, 2016Matthew Siedhoff, Scientific Program Chair

Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort & Nicholson Center, Celebration, Florida

VI World Robotics Gynecology CongressAugust 5-6, 2016Arnold P. Advincula and Michael Pitter, Scientific Program Co-Chairs

Grand Hyatt at Grand Central Station, New York, New York

45th AAGL Annual Global Congress on MIGSNovember 14-18, 2016Kevin J.E. Stepp, Scientific Program Chair

The Rosen Hotel and Convention Center at Shingle Creek Orlando, Florida

Workshop on Surgical Anatomy of the Pelvis and Procedures in Patients with Chronic Pelvic PaimDecember 9-10, 2016Michael Hibner, Scientific Program ChairNita Desai, Co-Chair

St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center Phoenix, Arizona

13th AAGL International Congress on MIG in partnership with the Federation Colombiana de Obstetricia y Ginecologia (FECOLSOG)February 22-24, 2017Juan Diego Villegas-Echeverri, Scientific Program ChairRafael Padrón Burgos, Jimmy Castañeda, José Duván López, Co-ChairsPedro Escobar, Carlos Fernandez-Ossadey, M.D., AAGL Co-Chairs

Cartagena de Indias, Colombia

46th AAGL Annual Global Congress on MIGSNovember 12-16, 2017

Gaylord National Resort and Convention CenterNational Harbor (Washington, DC), Maryland

47th AAGL Annual Global Congress on MIGSNovember 11-15, 2018

MGM Grand HotelLas Vegas, Nevada