Asian Society for Gynecologic Robotic Surgery: Taking it to the next level

With the increasing implementation of robotic surgery in the field of gynecology, a number of professional societies for gynecologic robotic surgery have been established by key members from various Asian countries, including South Korea, India, Japan, and more recently, the Philippines.

Traditional gynecologic endoscopic surgery societies in various countries are increasingly incorporating robotic surgery into their programs. Reflecting this trend, the Asian Society for Gynecologic Robotic Surgery (ASGRS; https://www.asgrs.net/), founded in 2015, actively collaborates with other specialties to host annual academic conferences and is organizing large-scale events for robotic surgeons across Asia.

As President of ASGRS, I am delighted to act on the society’s philosophy. As a gynecologic oncologist with a keen interest in minimally-invasive surgery (MIS), I encountered the daVinci S system in 2008. My career has flourished through participation in various societies, where I’ve interacted with diverse foreign doctors, broadening my life experiences. Language barriers were easily overcome through surgical videos, making surgery our shared language. ASGRS strives to be a surgery-focused society, offering members opportunities to grow their careers through our common language of surgery and to deepen their experiences through interacting with foreign colleagues in the same field.

My primary goal is to establish ASGRS as a leading “platform” for gynecology robotic surgery in Asia. This platform will offer observational programs that foster collaborative learning environments. The Asian Gynecologic Robot Surgery Observership (AGRO) program provides a unique opportunity to visit institutions with extensive robotic surgery experience and learn from dedicated instructors. Our website facilitates easy selection of preferred institutions and visit lengths. I firmly believe that observing surgeries is the most effective way to learn and gain new insights. Not only does the AGRO program benefit the observers, it also enriches instructors by offering fresh perspectives and a sense of fulfillment. I am developing sessions for young, emerging doctors, the primary AGRO program participants, preparing various ways to share the joy of career advancement as robotic surgeons.

Furthermore, I aim for ASGRS membership to serve as a “passport” amongst Asian robotic surgeons, with agreements established with Society of Korean Robot Gynecologic Surgery (SKRGS; http://www.skrgs.org/) in South Korea, Japan Society of Gynecologic Robotic Surgery (JSGRS; https://jsgrs.jp/) in Japan, and Association of Gynecological Robotic Surgeons (AGRS; https://agrs-india.com/) in India, allowing members to participate in academic events and serve as invited faculty. As a leading gynecologic robotic surgery society in Asia, our position is affirmed by our mutual agreement with Europe’s Society of European Robotic Gynaecological Surgery (SERGS; https://www.sergs.org/). With gynecology recently becoming the specialty with the most robotic surgeries in South Korea, this trend is expected to spread across Asia, highlighting the ASGRS membership value.

Lastly, I aim to elevate ASGRS to its next level. Since 2022, ASGRS has been hosting own annual congress, strengthening member interactions. This year, with our third annual event in Incheon, South Korea, I plan a significant leap forward as the COVID pandemic wanes and international exchanges resume. I intend to create frequent international exchange opportunities by hosting ASGRS satellite sessions at national academic events and establishing a training and certification system representative of Asia, adaptable to each country’s specific conditions.

I am honored to serve as ASGRS President and am committed to “taking ASGRS to the next level”.