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Establishing a career path in kidney transplantation

The residency period represents a critical and formative stage in a physician's professional development, playing a decisive role in shaping their career trajectory and specialty preferences. Despite the variability in training environments, active involvement in kidney transplantation offers a compelling opportunity to engage and inspire residents. Moreover, there are notable examples of residents who have pursued careers in the domain of kidney transplantation even as early as their medical school years.

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 • Author: Dr. Muhammed Emin Polat, Dept. of Urology and Kidney Transplantation, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital (TR)
Kidney TransplantationResidencyYoung Academic Urologists
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My residency period marked the onset of my profound fascination with the intricate and life-saving field of kidney transplantation. This rewarding (yet challenging) journey commenced during my residency when I collaborated with a large surgical team led by Dr. Olcucuoglu. Engaging in kidney transplant surgeries introduced me to a novel facet of urology.

From science to surgery: Advancing transplantation

In addition to my urology education, genetics and immunology served as the foundational pillars of my scientific journey. A deep understanding of immune system mechanisms, including antigen-antibody-epitope interactions, combined with emerging innovations such as CRISPR-Cas9 and cell-free DNA technologies, has underscored their potential to advance transplantation outcomes. This realisation inspired me to pursue a master's degree in immunology to strengthen my theoretical expertise. Moreover, the field presents numerous promising research avenues, including 3D modelling, cold perfusion systems, novel organ preservation techniques, and protocols for optimising deceased donor utilisation, all of which hold significant potential for transformative advancements. Alongside my scientific research and academic pursuits, I chose to deepen my understanding of the practical aspects of kidney transplant surgery. To this end, I participated in the European Association of Urology's Kidney Transplant Masterclass in Madrid (ES). This experience provided valuable insights into innovative techniques and multidisciplinary approaches, underscoring how the field harmoniously integrates surgical precision with scientific advancement.

Research and clinical fellowship at Fundacio Puıgvert

Later, as a fellow at the Fundació Puigvert Clinic in Barcelona (ES), I had the privilege of working with esteemed mentors, including Dr. Palou, Dr. Breda, and Dr. Territo. They offered me invaluable opportunities to actively engage in surgeries and contribute to clinical projects, greatly advancing my skills and deepening my knowledge in this specialty. I was privileged to work closely with Dr. Territo, and despite the limited timeframe, we successfully developed impactful projects aimed at enhancing the education of both residents and patients.

At the culmination of this journey, kidney transplantation revealed itself as more than just a treatment modality, it is a dynamic and evolving field of study. The integration of surgical excellence with scientific advancements not only enhances patient outcomes but also offers immense professional fulfilment. Cultivating future leaders in this field requires creating opportunities that foster advanced expertise among residents and open doors for individuals passionate about the subject. This can be achieved by emphasising hands-on training in residency programmes and presenting theoretical knowledge in clear and engaging ways. 

This article aims to inspire and guide residents and young urologists who are curious about kidney transplantation and eager to explore this rewarding field. Beyond being a surgical discipline, kidney transplantation is a field that promotes scientific curiosity and innovative thinking. 

YAU - Kidney Transplant Working Group

The Young Academic Urologists (YAU) group on kidney transplantation, led by Dr. Territo, stands out as a pivotal organisation for guiding young researchers. Engaging with this group can serve as an essential first step for those aspiring to work in this field. I suggest everyone interested in this path to take bold steps toward advancing themselves both scientifically and surgically. This journey, like any scientific endeavour, demands sacrifices, but it offers far more than you might anticipate.  

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