Kia Ora to the spring edition of eScope.<\/h3>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
As we head into the busiest time of the year, I have been reflecting on just how much your AGES Board has achieved over the past 18 months.<\/strong><\/p>\n
It has been an exceptionally busy period for the Society. We have held our first Peri-operative Surgical Meeting and our first ASM in New Zealand, delivered multiple workshops including the AGES\/RANZCOG Trainee and LapD workshops, established the AGES Hologic Surgical Coaching Program and the AGES Rural and Regional Committee, and strengthened the governance of the Society through the development of a range of new policies and procedures. And that is by no means an exhaustive list.<\/p>\n
None of this happens by accident. I want to take this opportunity to thank every member of the Board for the enormous amount of time and energy they contribute voluntarily on behalf of the AGES membership. I would also like to acknowledge the many members who volunteer their expertise and precious time to our committees, meetings, workshops and other activities. AGES is very much a Society built on the contribution of its members, and we are fortunate to have so many people willing to get involved.<\/p>\n
I am sure you will agree that the inaugural AGES & UGSA Pelvic Floor Symposium in Melbourne in July was a resounding success. We had a record attendance for a pelvic floor meeting, with 423 delegates joining us in Melbourne. I would particularly like to acknowledge Conference Chairs Associate Professor Erin Nesbitt-Hawes and Dr Alex Mowat, Scientific Chairs Dr Supuni Kapurubandara and Dr Lucy Bates, and Local Organising Committee Members Dr Debjyoti Karmakar and Dr Payam Nikpoor. Their leadership, enthusiasm and commitment resulted in an outstanding meeting.<\/p>\n\t\t\t
LapD Celebrates 10 years<\/h3>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
In 2026, AGES celebrates a significant milestone: ten years of the LapD program.<\/p>\n
Collectively, this represents 893 participant-days of anatomy education.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t
The success of LapD reflects the commitment of an extraordinary faculty over many years. I would like to sincerely thank Danny Chou, Luke McLindon, Tal Jacobson, Sarah Choi, Amani Harris, Nancy Peters, Catarina Ang, Thea Bowler, Katie Christenson, Dean Conrad, Bassem Gerges, Jason Abbott, Helen Green, Albert Jung, Emma Paterson, Jess Robertson, Travis Rule, Sireen Jabar, Thomas Yeung, Kate Martin, Mikhail Sarofim, our AATP fellows, and the many colorectal surgeons who have contributed to the program.<\/p>\n
At last week’s\u00a0Rise of the Machines<\/em>\u00a0meeting in Sydney, we recognised our core LapD faculty with commemorative 10-year certificates and LapD theatre jackets.<\/p>\n
LapD has become a cornerstone of the AGES education program. By promoting a deep understanding of surgical anatomy and encouraging surgeons to become true anatomical surgeons, the program continues to improve surgical practice and, ultimately, patient outcomes. We look forward to building on this success over the next decade.<\/p>\n\t\t\t
One of the most exciting initiatives launched this year is the AGES Hologic Surgical Coaching Program, led by AGES Board Member Dr Kate Martin.<\/p>\n
Delivered in partnership with the Academy for Surgical Coaching, the program provides structured, evidence-based coaching designed to help surgeons refine technical skills, strengthen clinical decision-making and enhance patient outcomes.<\/p>\n
Already, 18 AGES members have completed training as surgical coaches, creating a strong foundation for the program’s success.<\/p>\n
Thanks to a generous educational grant from Hologic, up to 50 AGES members can access a 50% subsidy towards six individual coaching sessions.<\/p>\n
I would particularly like to acknowledge Kensi Naicker and the Hologic team for their commitment to supporting surgical education, and thank Kate for her leadership in bringing this initiative to life.<\/p>\n
This program represents a significant investment in the professional development of our members and the future of our specialty.<\/p>\n\t\t\t
Rise of the Machines<\/h3>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
It was a busy two days for the October AGES Focus Meeting, Rise of the Machines<\/em>, exploring AI and robotic surgery.<\/p>\n
With over 200 registered delegates, the meeting examined one of the most rapidly evolving areas in modern medicine: the intersection of robotics, artificial intelligence and surgical practice. These technologies are already influencing how we train, how we operate, how we evaluate outcomes and how we engage with our patients. There will undoubtedly be plenty more to discuss about both the opportunities they create and the questions they raise for our profession.<\/p>\n
My thanks to Chair Dr Jenni Pontre, Scientific Co-Chairs Dr Keryn Harlow and Dr Dean Conrad, and Local Organising Committee members Dr Yogesh Nikam, Dr Tanushree Rao and Dr Jess Robertson. They put together an innovative and forward-looking programme that generated considerable interest and discussion among members.<\/p>\n
Looking a little further ahead, the AGES ASM will be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre in March 2027. Associate Professor Emma Readman is chairing the meeting, with Dr Nyasha Gwata and Dr Albert Jung as Scientific Co-Chairs. The organising team has already held several productive planning meetings, and I look forward to sharing more about the programme as it develops.<\/p>\n\t\t\t
Looking to the next AGES Board<\/h3>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
With elections for the next Board approaching in February, I would encourage members to consider putting themselves forward for an AGES leadership role. Our Society is strongest when people with different experiences, perspectives and ideas are willing to contribute.<\/p>\n
The Board has recently formalised the AGES election process, including clearer boundaries around campaigning. We have deliberately limited electioneering to ensure a fair and level playing field: no unsolicited outreach, no third-party endorsements and no negative campaigning. The principle is simple. Elections should be based on contribution and merit, rather than visibility or influence.<\/p>\n
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