Report: EAU–AUA International Exchange Programme 2025: A transformative scholarship and collaboration

(1) Department of Urology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
(2) Department of Urology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany

The programme began with the attendance at the AUA Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, which took place from 26 to 29 April. We participated in numerous scientific sessions, workshops, and state-of-the-art presentations. Notably, we partook in official meetings with leaders from the EAU and the AUA, allowing for valuable direct discussions with internationally recognised experts in urology.

Following the meeting, we spent time at the MD Anderson Cancer Centre in Houston, one of the world’s leading institutions in cancer care. AUA Secretary for International Programs, Dr. Jose Karam, coordinated the visit, which included oberving advanced oncological surgeries as well as discussions on diagnostics and treatment protocols for genitourinary cancers. Dr. Curtis Pettaway, a member of the EAU-ASCO Penile Cancer Guidelines Panel, deepened the understanding of reconstruction in this area and formed collaborations. 

Dr. Surena Matin, who also participated in the exchange programme several years ago,  demonstrated a complex robotic procedure for partial nephrectomy. He also took us on an educational and entertaining private tour of the Museum of Modern Art in Houston, guided by one of the museum’s curators. A highlight of the museum visit was access to a special exhibition, "Forms of Light." Afterwards, we had a memorable faculty dinner at Brennan’s, a renowned restaurant offering traditional Texas Creole cuisine, as well as at a lively wrestling match held as part of the Cinco de Mayo celebrations—a tribute to Mexican heritage and its cultural influence in Texas.

The second part of the exchange programme took place at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Under the guidance of Dr. Keith Kowalczyk, we participated in the hands-on robotic surgery training using the da Vinci 5 system. We also observed complex reconstructive urology procedures performed by Dr. Nathan Shaw and Dr. Krishnan Venkatesan—both renowned experts in this field. 

Dr. Kowalczyk also organised an exclusive Capitol Tour, which provided us with insights into American democracy. Socializing events at Georgetown´s bars with the residents and an amazing faculty dinner at a local Turkish restaurant completed the noteworthy experience in Washington. At the end of our stay in Washington, we were invited by Dr Kowalczyk for a traditional American baseball game—an informal and memorable conclusion to an intensive and inspiring academic visit.

Participation in the EAU–AUA International Exchange Programme provided an exceptional opportunity to deepen clinical expertise, explore new technologies, and build international collaborations. The experience gained at MD Anderson and Georgetown University Medical Center will enhance patient care and contribute to future research efforts conducted at our respective institutions in Europe.