Bridging continents in urology: Highlights from the CUA Annual Meeting and CSUR Retreat in Ottawa
In June 2025, I had the privilege to attend the Canadian Senior Urology Residents (CSUR) Annual Scientific Retreat, held on 26 June 2025 in Ottawa, followed by the 80th Annual Meeting of the Canadian Urological Association (CUA) from 27 to 30 June 2025. I was selected to represent the European Association of Urology (EAU) as part of the EAU–CUA Exchange Programme and I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to experience the Canadian urological education and practice firsthand.
A thoughtfully designed programme for senior trainees
The CSUR Retreat brought together senior urology residents from across Canada and one representative from Europe—me. The retreat began with interactive academic discussions and case-based learning focused on refining surgical decision-making, reviewing current guidelines, and discussing complex clinical scenarios. Leading Canadian experts, many of whom were closely involved in CUA’s educational initiatives, led the sessions.
The environment was both stimulating and collegial, offering space for open dialogue, mentorship, and cross-border exchange of clinical approaches. I particularly appreciated the strong emphasis on resident development, reflective practice, and national consistency in training.
The CUA Annual Meeting: A broader lens
The transition from the CSUR Retreat to the 80th CUA Annual Meeting offered a broader scientific and professional perspective. Held at The Westin Ottawa, the meeting featured plenary sessions, poster presentations, surgical video showcases, and innovation tracks. From discussions on robotic surgery to uro-oncology advancements, the scientific content was exceptional and up-to-date.
Two of the most memorable aspects were the accessibility of the top faculty and the collaborative atmosphere at the meeting. It was especially insightful to hear EAU Secretary General Prof. Arnulf Stenzl present the EAU activities. I also had the pleasure of meeting him in person and having a few short meetings with him during the event. In my opinion, this kind of collaboration between the EAU and the CUA holds great value for exchanging experience and advancing urology on a global level.
Connecting cultures, building bridges
Beyond the academic sessions, the exchange provided a unique cultural experience. Ottawa, Canada’s capital, offered a charming backdrop to the programme. From the Rideau Canal to Parliament Hill, I had the opportunity to explore the city and connect informally with my Canadian colleagues. These social moments built strong professional friendships and gave depth to the scientific exchange.
Reflections and takeaways
Attending the CUA's annual meeting was not only a landmark in my professional journey but also an affirmation of urology’s global reach. The CUA’s scientific programme was exceptionally well-designed, with beautiful abstract sessions showcasing high-quality research and excellent educational sessions on multidisciplinary genitourinary cancer care, advanced prostate cancer management, and evolving treatment models in renal cell cancer and muscle-invasive bladder cancer.
The sessions were truly inspirational for young urologists pursuing an academic career, and this kind of international collaboration between the EAU and CUA holds immense value in fostering the exchange of best practices, supporting education and innovation, and advancing patient care on a global stage.
This experience was also a powerful reminder of the truly global nature of our speciality. The collaboration between the EAU and CUA exemplifies our shared commitment to advancing urological care through education, innovation, and meaningful international dialogue.
I am grateful for the opportunity to take home valuable scientific insights and create lasting professional connections. I sincerely hope many more young urologists will have the chance to benefit from such enriching exchanges in the future.