![\"Dr.](\"https:\/\/escope.ages.com.au\/july-2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/06\/dr-michael-wynn-williams-001.avif\" "\\"Dr.")
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tIt is a true honour to serve as President of the Australasian Gynaecological Endoscopy & Surgery Society (AGES), representing our exceptional community of surgeons across Australia and New Zealand. I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to lead an organisation committed to excellence in gynaecological surgery, education, and collaboration.<\/p>\n\t\t\t
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our immediate past President, Dr. Rachel Green, for her remarkable leadership and unwavering dedication to AGES. Rachel’s contributions have left a lasting legacy, and I look forward to building on the strong foundation she has established. We plan to leverage her experience and wisdom during her role as Immediate Past President over the next two years.<\/p>\n\t\t\t
It has been a pleasure welcoming the new AGES Board members over the past three months. Each member carries a wide range of responsibilities that contribute significantly to the outcomes our members experience – much of which occurs behind the scenes. Regular board, committee, and special interest group meetings – whether held virtually or in person – are integral to their roles.<\/p>\n
I want to acknowledge their dedication and thank them for their ongoing commitment to advancing the mission of AGES, enhancing educational opportunities, supporting professional development, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality events and initiatives for our broader membership. Their contributions are vital to the continued growth and impact of our Society.<\/p>\n
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The AGES Board 2025-2027 (from left to right): Dr. Nyasha Gwata, Dr. Kirsten Connan, Dr. Akshara Shyamsunder, Dr. Michael Wynn-Williams, Dr. Sam Mooney, Dr. Rachel Green, Dr. Kate Martin, Dr. Jenni Pontre, Dr. Amani Harris, A\/Prof Emma Readman, Dr. Keryn Harlow, A\/Prof Erin Nesbitt-Hawes.<\/p>\n\t\t\t
Our Executive team reflects the strength and diversity of our leadership across the region:<\/p>\n
The broader Board continues to drive key initiatives across our pillars of education, equity, and excellence:<\/p>\n
I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to the AGES members<\/strong> who contribute to these working portfolios. Your commitment and ongoing efforts play a crucial role in advancing the work of our society, and your contributions are truly appreciated.<\/p>\n To see the full list of Board portfolios, click here AGES Portfolios – AGES<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t This issue marks the debut of eScope in its new format. I sincerely thank the editorial team-Dr. Kirsten Connan, Dr. Nyasha Gwata, and Dr. Jenni Pontre-for their vision and effort in revitalising this publication.<\/p>\n In these challenging times, clear and consistent communication with our members is more vital than ever, and eScope<\/strong> will remain a key platform for connection, collaboration and information.<\/p>\n We invite members to contribute articles for future editions of eScope<\/strong>. Whether you’re sharing a research review, a conference or fellowship report, or an opinion piece-your voice matters.<\/p>\n Please contact our Editors via secretariat@ages.com.au<\/a> to contribute. The deadline for contributions to the next issue is 19th<\/sup> September.<\/p>\n\t\t\t Our healthcare systems across Australia and New Zealand are facing unprecedented pressure.<\/p>\n In New Zealand, strikes by Senior Medical Officers and ongoing funding uncertainty for women’s health – particularly benign gynaecology services within Health NZ (Te Whatu Ora) – are deeply concerning.<\/p>\n In Australia, the financial instability of Healthscope, closure of maternity units, and negative rhetoric from Private Health Australia towards surgical specialties have created an alarming landscape. Public hospital specialists in NSW have even engaged in industrial action.<\/p>\n These pressures are being felt at every level. Many of us are finding it increasingly difficult to fulfil the roles we’ve trained for, with rising emotional and workplace strain.<\/p>\n If you are struggling, seek support. Contact your Medical Defence Organisation for supervision, RANZCOG Wellbeing Support, your workplace’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), or your GP. Remember, you are not alone.<\/p>\n\t\t\t I am very excited to announce that AGES has entered into a formal partnership with AAGL\u00a0to reinstate access to\u00a0SurgeryU<\/strong>\u00a0and other exclusive AAGL member benefits. As part of this process we are looking at setting up a dedicated AGES Channel on the SurgeryU site.<\/p>\n This partnership is designed to provide real value to our members, and we’re pleased to share the following offers:<\/p>\n Introductory Offer – Free AAGL Access Until 31 July 2025<\/p>\n All AGES members will receive complimentary access\u00a0to AAGL member benefits, including:<\/p>\n This free trial is available until 31st July 2025 – no action needed to start exploring!<\/p>\n Log-in at the AAGL website with this username and password:<\/p>\n Ongoing Membership Offers<\/p>\n Discounted 5 Month AAGL Membership (1 August – 31 December 2025)\u00a0Pay USD $102 to continue enjoying AAGL benefits for the rest of the year! Members can take advantage of exclusive discounted rates:<\/p>\n Annual AAGL Membership for AGES Members: Starts 1 January 2026<\/p>\n This is a fantastic opportunity to stay connected with global educational resources, surgical video content, and the latest research in gynaecological endoscopy.<\/p>\n AGES is pleased to announce that we will be joining the Asia-Pacific Association for Gynaecologic Endoscopy and Minimally Invasive Therapy (APAGE)<\/strong>, effective 1 August 2025. We look forward to sharing a summary of membership benefits with you in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n These collaborations mark an exciting step in further strengthening our ties with the international gynaecological surgery communities, and we look forward to the opportunities they will bring for our members.<\/p>\n\t\t\t One of AGES’s greatest assets is the sense of community it fosters. Our meetings and workshops offer spaces for connection, sharing, and reflection. These moments of camaraderie and support are more essential than ever.<\/p>\n This year, we are excited to introduce the AGES <\/strong>Peri-Operative Surgical Meeting<\/strong> in Melbourne. This new event includes the entire surgical team – surgeons, theatre nurses, and anaesthetists – and begins with a full day of workshops followed by two days of conference sessions. Held biennially, we hope this innovative model becomes a staple in our calendar.<\/p>\nA New Chapter for eScope<\/h3>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
Navigating Difficult Times<\/h3>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
Announcing new Membership Benefits with AAGL and APAGE<\/h3>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
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Register for 5 months of Discounted AAGL Membership\u00a0Here!<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Register for 5 months of Discounted AAGL Membership for Residents\u00a0Here!<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Register for Discounted Annual AAGL Membership\u00a0Here!<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Register for Annual AAGL Membership for RANZCOG Trainees’\u00a0Here!<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nThe Strength of Our Community<\/h3>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t