Welcome to a special episode of the MIGS Front Page in partnership with JMIG and AAGL! In this episode, we sit down with AAGL 2025 Global Congress leaders Dr. Michael Hibner (Scientific Program Chair and President Elect), Linda Michels (AAGL Executive Director), and Roman from the operations team.

Join us as we explore the vision and groundbreaking innovations at this year’s Congress, held in Vancouver from November 8–11, 2025. Hear Dr. Hibner share why this moment is a true turning point for minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, how artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping our field, and what makes the Vancouver program a must-attend event. Linda Michels reflects on AAGL’s legacy as the “Original Innovators” and previews how this congress is building the next generation of leaders and ideas. Roman provides an inside look at the record-setting scientific program, logistical feats, and how attendees will experience the congress like never before.

Whether you’re a fellow, practicing surgeon, or MIGS enthusiast, tune in for expert insights, personal stories, and actionable tips to get the most out of this year's Global Congress—including what’s new, what’s transformative, and how every voice is essential in shaping the future of women’s health.

Don’t miss this inspiring preview—connect with the JMIG Social Media Team and get ready for an unforgettable AAGL Global Congress in Vancouver!

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Welcome to MIGS Front Page episode with our host, Dr. Richard Hsu!

In this episode of the JMIG podcast, we're excited to chat with Dr. Gabriela Halder, Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Alabama Birmingham. We're diving into her study: "The Survey of Barriers for Vaginal Access Surgery Study."

Dr. Halder shares the story behind this eye-opening survey of over 500 gynecologic surgeons and what she discovered about the current state of vaginal hysterectomy practice. You'll be surprised to learn that while most surgeons (82.8%) agree vaginal hysterectomies are crucial for women's health, there are still significant hurdles preventing their widespread use. We explore everything from the "cycle of low experience" to cultural shifts in surgical training, and why this matters for both surgeons and patients.

Whether you're a seasoned surgeon, resident, or just curious about the evolution of gynecologic surgery, this conversation provides insights that could shape how we approach surgical training and practice moving forward.

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Welcome to MIGS Front Page episode with our new host, Dr. Jenny Wu.

In this episode of the JMIG podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Colleen McDermott, Division Head of Urogynecology at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, to discuss her recently published randomized controlled trial: “Does Intravenous Tranexamic Acid Reduce Blood Loss at the Time of Total Colpocleisis?”

Dr. McDermott walks us through the motivation behind the study, the challenges of conducting a double-blind placebo-controlled trial in a surgical setting, and what her findings mean for the future of perioperative care in urogynecology. We also explore whether TXA should be used prophylactically during prolapse surgery and what next steps are on the research horizon.

Tune in to hear directly from the author and gain insights that could inform your clinical practice.

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Connect with the JMIG Social Media Team!

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Instagram: @AAGLJMIG
Facebook: AAGLJMIG

Welcome to MIGS Front Page episode our new host, Dr. Richard Hsu.

In this episode, we are thrilled to feature our distinguished guest  who is shaping the landscape of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery,Dr. Emily Wang, Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center. Dr. Wang shares her inspiring journey across diverse medical communities and discusses her groundbreaking research on endometriosis and surgical complications. Her insights into perioperative risks and multidisciplinary care provide valuable guidance for gynecologists navigating complex cases.

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Welcome to a very special MIGS Front Page episode with not one, but two guests! 

In the first segment, hear from Arcy Dominguez (X: @Arcy09), the current Program Manager for AAGL's Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (FMIGS). With over 24 years of history working with AAGL, Ms. Dominguez shares her unique perspective on the annual AAGL Global Congress.

Our second segment brings a discussion with Dr. Kristina Karlson (X: @KKarlsonMD)  Assistant Professor with Uniformed Services University about some highlights from the program at AAGL 2024. Be sure to listen in for some tips to make your conference experience educational, enlightening, and entertaining!

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Listen to our interview with Dr. Tam on her publication, "Angular Pregnancy in an Arcuate Uterus: Hysteroscopic Management of Retained Products of Conception". In this episode, we discuss the management of retained products of conception in the setting of an abnormal pregnancy location. Be sure to view the full publication below to see accompanying pictures.

https://www.jmig.org/article/S1553-4650(23)00954-8/fulltext
 Volume 31, ISSUE 2, P88-89, February 2024

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Listen to our interview with Dr. Rimel and Dr. O'Connor on their paper, "Vaginal Cuff Dehisence in Transgender Patients after Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy".


https://www.jmig.org/article/S1553-4650(23)00928-7/abstract
VOLUME 31, ISSUE 2, P138-146, FEBRUARY 2024

Dr. BJ Rimel attended Duke University School of Medicine. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Northwestern University and her fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology at Washington University in St. Louis. She is currently Associate Professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology and Medical Director of the Cancer Clinical Trials Office at the Samuel Oschin Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Dr. Reed O’Connor attended Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. He is currently a third year resident in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

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Listen to our interview with Dr. Ricardo Azziz, an author of "Prospective Cohort Study Quantifying the Effect of the LevaLap 1.0 on the Distance between the Abdominal Wall and Intra-abdominal Viscera". In this episode, we discuss the effect of the LevaLap 1.0 device on changing the radiological distance between the abdominal wall and underlying structures with the ultimate goal of facilitating safe laparoscopic abdominal access. See below for publication details and be sure to join discussion on this topic through our social media platforms.

Publication details:
Published May 14, 2023
Full text link

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Listen to our special in-person interview with  co-editors-in-chief of JMIG, Dr. Jason Abbott and Dr. Gary Frishman at AAGL 2023. In this episode, we discuss their current role with the journal, their plans for the future, and learn how interested individuals can get involved with the journal.

For anyone interested in obtaining more information about contributing to JMIG you can visit the Information for Authors page. 

If you are a JMIG reviewer and interested in becoming an associate editor, please email Dr. Gary Frishman ([email protected]).

Feeling social? Reach out to Dr. Mireille Truong ([email protected]) for information about participating in our Social Media Scholar Program or to be highlighted as an author.

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