Challenges in training and education

The annual Young Urologists Residents Day gathered both residents and young urologists to discuss pertinent issues affecting their training, education, aims and plans for the coming years.

“The session has been a great opportunity for an update of core topics in urology and the latest trends. The main topics of the session were focused on residency education and post residency training options. Additionally educational sessions and laparoscopic robotic sessions were done at the level of residency,” said organisers.

The Young Urologists Office (YUO), composed of the European Society of Residents in Urology (ESRU), to hold the annual event which serves as a platform for young urologists to share experiences, network with their colleagues from other countries and discuss the challenges faced by young doctors.

Core issues were discussed and invited experts gave high quality lectures including tips on how to perform a good prostate biopsy, wise antibiotic consumption, evaluation of infertility, Mini Perc, trends in pediatric endourology and functional urology, among other topics.

The organisers exerted efforts to present a programme that provided maximum interaction with invited speakers. Participants found time to personally discussed with experts from various urological specialties. Training experiences of young urologists who recently completed their fellowship programmes were also shared with meeting participants.

The morning sessions included laparoscopy and robot-assisted training sessions, which provided an insight of how, when and where the training of these techniques could be undertaken. Scholarship opportunities, training opportunities in Europe and the support of ERUS for residents and young urologists were also presented.

Dr. S. Al-Hayek and Dr. E. Cornel presented their own experiences in academic urology and private practice, respectively, discussing their career choices and the role of quality training. Dr. G. Godoy from Baylor College of Medicine, New York, emphasized the importance of a good plan in successfully getting a scholarship in the US. Scholarship opportunities and tips on how to successfully apply for one were also discussed by Dr. S. Larre and Dr. H. Frajkovic.

Among the highlights of the programme were a discussion on residency curriculum, the Campbell Quiz, and a presentation from Guidelines Office chairman Dr. K. Parsons, who also encouraged young urologists to contribute to guidelines work. Like in previous meetings, the day-long programme concluded with the popular Nightmare Session where the residents presented challenging cases such as a secondary prostate biopsy leading to urosepsis and the loss of the extremities due to infections.