JUA-EAU Academic Exchange Programme: A stepping stone to even greater achievements
By Dr. Tomokazu Sazuka, Department of Urology, Chiba University Hospital
I am very grateful to have been selected for the JUA-EAU Academic Exchange Programme, which has provided me with an extremely valuable and exciting opportunity — especially as I had no prior experience studying abroad.
Learning in Rome
Upon arriving by plane, we visited the Gemelli University Hospital in Rome, where I met Prof. Bernard Rocco (Photo 1). At the hospital, I had the opportunity to observe the robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) procedure and was thrilled to study the Rocco anastomosis technique.
From the next day onwards, I observed robotic assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) and robotic assisted radical cystectomy (RARC)—procedures I typically have the opportunity to perform myself. With a resident doctor assisting, the surgeon carried out a highly complex operation with grace and precision. He appeared to be around my age, and we had the chance to discuss many topics after the surgery. Despite having just completed such a challenging procedure flawlessly, he humbly and generously shared his surgical philosophy with me.
The journey continues in Madrid
After 4 days in Rome, we travelled to Madrid. There, I had the opportunity to visit the Urology Department at the Ramon y Cajal University Hospital, under the guidance of Prof. Francisco Javier Burgos Revilla.
On the first day, I observed robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) performed on the Versius platform. Compared with the da Vinci system, the Versius has a slightly weaker arm and seems slightly less intuitive, but the surgeon’s expertise more than compensated for it. I was also fortunate to witness the first case of robot-assisted kidney transplantation (RAKT) at the hospital. It was incredibly moving to see everyone in the operating room celebrate the successful procedure (Photo 2).
We also attended a Real Madrid basketball game with the hospital staff. Real Madrid won and the shared excitement helped us bond quickly (Photo 3). With Prof. Burgos fostering an open and engaging atmosphere, the 3-day clinical visit in Madrid was a unique and valuable experience that complemented my experience in Rome.
On the third evening of the 40th Annual EAU Congress (EAU25), we were invited to the International Friendship Dinner where I received a magnificent plaque in front of some of urology’s leading figures. I will never forget the excitement. It was the most memorable banquet of my life, as well as the first time I wore a tuxedo. I will continue to work hard so that this moment does not remain the pinnacle of my life but becomes a stepping stone to even greater achievements (Photo 4).
After all the experiences, emotions, and gratitude I gained through this extraordinary programme, I am considering how I can give back to the world. Thank you very much for giving me this invaluable opportunity.