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This month’s Data Science Roundtable brought together experts in obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN), surgical education, and global health to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and data science can support the future of minimally invasive surgery. Panelists Dr. Nicole Donellan, board-certified gynecologic surgeon, Dr. Jennifer Makin, board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, and Dr. Dennis Mureithi, OB/GYN and laparoscopic surgeon in Kenya, discussed global disparities in access to laparoscopic surgery and how innovative training approaches, simulation, and AI-powered assessment tools could expand surgical capacity, particularly in low-resource settings.
Drawing on long-standing collaborations between institutions in the United States and Kenya, the panel highlighted how competency-based training, sustainable partnerships and local leadership are improving access to high-quality surgical care. They emphasized AI’s potential to enhance surgical education through scalable, objective feedback, support technical skills development, and maintain competence throughout surgeons’ careers. The discussion also explored how technologies such as computer vision could assist with surgical guidance and performance assessment while reinforcing that human judgement, mentorship and patient-centered care remain fundamental.
The panel also addressed the importance of sustainable innovation, including the use of reusable surgical instruments to reduce costs and environmental impact, alongside strategies for strengthening healthcare systems through workforce development and equitable access to technology.
Looking ahead, the speakers shared a vision of making minimally invasive surgery the standard of care rather than the exception. By combining advances in AI with collaborative training programs and global partnerships, they highlighted the opportunity to improve surgical outcomes, expand access to care and support healthier communities worldwide.
