Day 3 | Session 10 | Plenary | Navigating what's new: use of AI and robotics in O&G

AI in O&G: where we’re heading

Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from theoretical promise to clinical reality in obstetrics and gynaecology, reshaping how we interpret data, support clinical decision-making, and deliver care. 

This talk explores where AI is genuinely adding value today, where it is heading next, and the opportunities and risks at the leading edge of practice. 

It will also address ethical considerations and how these technologies can be responsibly integrated to improve safety, efficiency, and equitable outcomes for women and babies in Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia.

Dr Deb Karmakar
Clinician Researcher, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women

Dr Deb Karmakar is a Clinician Researcher and Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women. He has completed subspecialty fellowships in urogynaecology and advanced laparoscopy and is a member of the multidisciplinary Obstetric Diagnostics and Therapeutics Group. 

His research applies advanced statistical modelling, Python-based data science, and artificial intelligence to improve fetal monitoring and gynaecological diagnostics. He has completed an NHMRC-funded PhD integrating deep learning with medical devices. 

Dr Karmakar is a Scientific Editor for BJOG, has authored over 60 peer-reviewed publications, secured approximately $2 million in competitive research funding, and received multiple national and international awards. 

Robotics in gynaecology: a debate

Robotics in gynaecology: efficient advancements in care, or an expensive tool to over complicate gynaecology?

Dr Prathima Chowdary
Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon, Gynaecologist and Endometriosis Specialist, Auckland
SMO, E-Leviate

Dr Prathima Chowdary received her medical degree from the University of Auckland and is a Fellow of the New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and an extra two years in the AGES (Advanced Gynaecological Endoscopy Society) Fellowship in Melbourne. 

She has a Masters in Engineering with First Class honours and a PhD in Novel Therapeutics from University of Melbourne.

Dr Naomi Holbeach
Clinician, Clinical Educator and Research
Melbourne Medical School

Dr Naomi Holbeach is an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist based in Melbourne, Australia. She holds dual qualifications in law and medicine and a PhD in bioethics. 

Her thesis developed a novel framework for assessing surgical innovation for use in clinical practice. She is the Academic Coordinator for Learning and Teaching in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Newborn Health at the University of Melbourne. 

She is also a mother of four children and two Samoyeds. 

Dr Praveen De Silva
Senior Medical Officer, Endometriosis Specialist, Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon
Waitematā, Auckland

Praveen is an Endometriosis specialist and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon. He completed an AGES Surgical Fellowship through Sydney Women's Endosurgery Centre. He is a Career Ambassador for the World Endometriosis Society. He is also an active member of AGES and FRANZCOG and has given lectures on pelvic pain, nerve blocks and robotic surgery at their scientific meetings.

Dr Vanitha Sivalingam
Gynaecological Oncologist
Te Toka Tumai, Auckland

Vanitha Sivalingam is a Consultant in Gynaecological Oncology at Te Toka Tumai, Auckland with an interest in robotic & vulval cancer. 

Vanitha’s research interests include prevention and the early detection of gynaecological cancers and vulval medicine. She studied medicine at Edinburgh University where she was awarded the Scottish Association for the Medical Education of Women Prize.

She has a PhD on the effect of metformin on obesity-driven endometrial cancer in Manchester, UK funded by Wellbeing of Women & the Wellcome Trust. She completed joint academic and subspecialty training in gynaecological oncology in Manchester as a NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer.