Interview With the 2025 Honorary Chair

For many, the 2025 Honorary Chair, Dr. Javier Magrina, needs little or no introduction. His mentorship and presentations have shaped us personally and professionally. We experienced his courage, vision, and innovation as he advanced our field in robotics, served with him when developing the Oncology SIG, and experienced his wisdom and leadership from across Board or committee tables. But for those who are newer to our field, here is a unique opportunity to get to know Dr. Magrina a bit more, in his own words.

What do you want others to know about you?

JM: I was born to help sick people.  In medicine we do a couple of things: We improve quality of life, or we prolong life by curing cancer or other lethal conditions. To accomplish either of these goals for my patients is my highest satisfaction. 

Why did you decide to go into MIGS? 

JM: As a gyn oncologist I was frustrated when other societies were reluctant to accept MIS. AAGL received MIS for cancer with open arms, and that’s how oncological MIS flourished in USA, thanks to AAGL. Members from other societies who were also interested in MIS then joined AAGL and we became pioneers for MIS for gyn cancer and the SIG in Oncology was born.

What are you passionate about?

JM: Serving patients with the least amount of disruption to their lives, morbidity, suffering, and inconvenience.

Who are the important people/mentors in your life?

JM: Richard Symmonds, my role model in surgery, taught me a lot about the important details of surgical techniques. Jack Masterson, a man of all seasons, taught me a lot about anatomy and academic life.  All my Mayo colleagues, AAGL members, fellows, residents and students, I have been able to learn something from everyone, and I am still learning. 

Mayo Cadaver Dissection December 2008

Why are you a member of the AAGL?

JM: Camaraderie. AAGL is an incredible group of passionate surgeons, innovative, friendly, and always ahead.  

I want to thank AAGL for embracing me with MIS in 2003 when no other group thought cancer could be operated by MIS, for inspiring me, and helping me to grow throughout the years, and for giving me the opportunity to serve AAGL. 

Do you have any hobbies you’d like to share?

JM: Slalom waterskiing, running, writing, learning anything.  

Will you share a few words of advice?

There is no end to a surgeon’s road. Keep learning and always improving, your patients will benefit, and you will have the satisfaction of a job well done. If you can do something well, teach it to your colleagues.

And ask yourself, what do you want to do for humanity.   

Along with receiving recognition as Honorary Chair, Dr. Magrina will present at the AAGL Global Congress in Vancouver this November. Registration, with early bird pricing, opens in June.