Countdown to the Global Congress!

In just a little over a week, we will come together as an international body to discuss, design, and plan the future of MIGS during the 52^nd AAGL Global Congress. Our hearts are heavy over so many difficulties around the world, and I look forward to the privilege and pleasure of being together. Our thoughts are especially with our beloved members living in countries at war or devastated by severe storms or economic, or political crises. If you are unable to join us, we continue to hope for your safety and the safety of your loved ones.

The Music City Center in Nashville is a beautiful venue, developed with sustainability in mind. Important to note as you navigate this four-story convention center is that it is built along a hillside. Therefore, depending on where you enter the building, you may be walking in on the 1^st, 2^nd or 3^rd floor. We’ll have signs directing you to find the Labs and Symposia on the 1^st floor, Registration, PG Courses, and Breakout Sessions on the 2^nd floor, the Exhibit Hall on the 3^rd floor, and General Sessions up on the 4^th floor. 

Online Registration will remain open until the first day of Congress. Tickets can also be purchased on-site at the Registration Desk for an additional $100 fee. All attendees will receive an earth-friendly, reusable canvas doctor bag.

You can begin to plan your sessions now by viewing the 2023 Scientific Program available on the AAGL Global Congress website under the “Program” dropdown menu. On the Scientific Program page, you will find options to peruse by day. Click each individual course to find the course description and a list of the faculty presenters. Each of my previous Global Congress articles has highlighted various aspects of our program, such as our theme, Sustainability in Surgery: Paving the Way Together, AAGL MED Talks, Panel Discussions, Surgical Tutorials, Pre-recorded Surgeries, and the Keynote Speaker and Social Events. While planning your sessions, make a note to turn your watches back one hour before bed on Saturday night as Daylight Savings Time ends Sunday morning at 1:00 am.

This year, we will recognize one of the AAGL’s treasurers, Dr. Liselotte Mettler, for the distinguished position of Honorary Member. This honor is bestowed on those members who have been long-time advocates of minimally invasive gynecology surgery (MIGS) and who have proven their commitment to the advancement of MIGS. Dr. Mettler has been an AAGL member for more than 50 years and has attended every Global Congress since 1972. She has served on the AAGL Board of Directors and was recognized as Honorary Chair in 2010. As the Deputy Director of the Reproductive Medicine Department at the University Clinics Schleswig-Holstein in Kiel, Germany, and Honorary Patron of the Kiel School of Gynaecological Endoscopy, she has given more than 50 years of service to the international community of gynecologists. We know that thousands of students have benefited from her tireless efforts. She has had a profound influence, with countless lives touched by her service, mentorship, and training throughout the world. Lisolette will be recognized during the Opening Ceremony in General Session II for her monumental contribution to our field and for inspiring us all through her many years of committed service to the AAGL.

I look forward to seeing you all soon and doing our part to shape the future of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.