AGES Annual Scientific Meeting 2018

The AGES ASM was a complete success!

The three day program under the title ‘Evolution towards Excellence’, focused on training and ongoing development of our surgical and clinical practice. It provided an opportunity to learn about the latest clinical advancements, international developments in research and the practice and management of common gynaecological conditions.

Of course, we must thank our International Faculty who joined us for the meeting – Dr Ted Lee, Dr Barbara Levy, A/Prof Pietro Santulli, Dr Gary Frishman and Dr Arnold Advincula, who travelled far and wide to join us in Melbourne to take our delegates on a provocative exploration of the contemporary controversies facing our specialty today.

The Live Surgery made a comeback and provided an exceptional opportunity to learn invaluable tips and surgical techniques, and we must extend our thanks to the surgeons Dr Jim Tsaltas, Dr Stuart Salfinger, Dr Tom Manley and Dr Amani Harris.

The Industry + AGES Interactive Hubs was the largest to date, and provided delegates with the chance to get some hands-on time with the Industry Sponsors and their equipment, in a more intimate workshop held at their sponsor stands. Members had the chance to pre-book and learn from the sponsor and their skilled faculty – and we will see this further embedded into the AGES ASM 2019 program.

We were also lucky enough to have Jamila Rizvi with us on Saturday to host a Women in Surgery Breakfast session, and take part in a panel session, ‘Barriers to Excellence: How Do We Evolve?’. We saw AGES President, Jason Abbott, Jamila Rizvi, Debra Nestel and AGES Board member Emma Readman discuss relevant topics surrounding surgery today.

Of course, the social highlight of the meeting was the AGES Annual Black Tie Gala Dinner, Awards & Charity Auction, which was a very spectacular evening. It saw AGES raise almost $20,000 for ‘Share the Dignity’ (https://www.sharethedignity.com.au/), and we couldn’t thank our bidders enough for their contribution. The successful bidders walked away with art, wine & accommodation. A big thank you to Carrie Pitcher (the successful winner of the AGES Art Prize 17/18), the AGES Board and Crown Hotels for your contribution to the Auction.

And last but not least, a final thank you to our Organising Committee, faculty, our sponsors, and of course the delegates who made the trip to Melbourne to join us at the Crown Promenade. We look forward to seeing you all again at future AGES events.