EUSP report: Junior Ethiopian urologist experiences paediatric neuro-urology at Bambino Gesù in Italy
As a final year urology trainee from Ethiopia with a keen interest in pediatric urology, I was honoured to receive an EUSP Scholarship for a short-term clinical visit to the esteemed Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital in Rome (IT).
Hosted by the world renown paediatric urologist Dr. Giovanni Mosiello (Head of dept. of neuro-urology and surgery for continence), my experience at Bambino Gesù far exceeded my expectations. His team’s dedication to providing state-of-the-art urologic services was evident in every aspect of their practice. I was fortunate to witness a wide array of open and endoscopic procedures, including complex hypospadias repairs, bladder augmentations, surgeries for continence, sacral neuromodulation, and innovative endoscopic treatments for stone disease and neurogenic bladder. These observations offered invaluable insights into the advancements in urological techniques and technologies.
Furthermore, I had the opportunity to participate as an assistant in conducting essential diagnostic procedures such as uroflowmetry and video-urodynamic studies, enhancing my understanding of neurogenic bladder dysfunction. What fascinated me most was the real potential to implement certain standard practices, such as botulinum toxin injections for neurogenic bladder and laser lithotripsy for endoscopic stone treatment, in my home country. With logistical support, I believe these techniques can be brought to my centre, significantly improving patient care in Ethiopia.
My learning experience was further enriched by the opportunity to attend the 40th Congress of the Italian Society of Paediatric Urology and the 97th Congress of the Italian Society of Urology, held in Bari. Attending presentations of published research articles and rare case reports at both the paediatric and adult conferences broadened my understanding of urological practice. This congress also provided invaluable networking opportunities with many urologists, from whom I learned a great deal.
I would definitely recommend the EUSP experience to other aspiring urologists. In fact, upon my return, I shared my experience with my colleagues and junior trainees in my institution through a brief PowerPoint presentation. Following that, several of my colleagues have already started preparing their applications for the coming application deadline. I am optimistic that they will have a productive contact with EUSP like I did.
Beyond the clinical experience, I valued the chance to network with senior urologists who have expressed interest in visiting my institution to share their expertise with faculty and trainees. They have even offered to participate in operating on selected difficult cases if the circumstances permit. We plan to maintain contact to make this collaboration a reality.
I am immensely grateful to the EAU for this game-changing scholarship opportunity. This experience at Bambino Gesù has not only broadened my knowledge and skills in paediatric urology but has also ignited my passion to bring advanced urological care to children in my home country. The knowledge, techniques, and connections I gained during this visit will undoubtedly have a lasting positive impact on my career and the lives of my patients.
