Scientific Programme EAU16 aims to trigger medical innovations

Besides its mainstay goal to link up urology experts and related medical professionals for a dynamic scientific exchange, the Annual EAU Congress aims to motivate physicians to develop innovative medical practices and help break new grounds in urological research.

“The Annual EAU Congress is always an exciting meeting. It is unique in urology since it covers the full range of urological diseases and treatments. It has grown to be a very international meeting with participants from all over the world ,” said Prof. Thomas Knoll (DE), consultant of the Scientific Congress Office (SCO) and vice-chairman of the EAU Section on Urolithiasis (EULIS).

This year the Congress is not only addressing controversial issues in treatment strategies but also examines emerging prospects that could contribute to breakthroughs in clinical practice.

“We are creating a very interactive and controversial programme that covers virtually all fields in urology. The mix of state-of-the-art lectures with Point-Counterpoint discussions (on actual cases) is exciting,” he said.

The main Scientific Programme which kicks off on Saturday (March 12) opens with a session on the role of Guidelines and their limits. Prostate cancer anchors the main programme on Day 2 with lectures and debates on topics such as pre-biopsy MRI and timing of post-operative radiotherapy. “The goal is to provide more insights into medical and surgical treatments in the elderly, both males and females. We will have case discussions on how to manage anti-coagulation in surgical intervention,” added Knoll.

Aside from the emphasis on major urological diseases, there are “focus lectures” on testosterone therapy, sexual dysfunction in the elderly couple and on non-urothelial bladder cancer, among others.

“We will include case discussions on all main topics each day. Of course there will be the Late Breaking News session,” he added. As in previous congresses, the plenary sessions will be complemented by 19 Thematic Sessions, the meetings of the EAU Section Offices, courses from the European School of Urology and abstract presentations.

Creating the Scientific Programme involves complex preparations, Knoll said: “Members of the Scientific Office have to do a tremendous job by planning all the sessions and trying to include interesting, controversial and important topics. It’s my first year in the SCO and I am really impressed – not surprised – by the professionalism in our meetings and the communication among the members.”

Knoll also drew attention to the importance of receiving feedback from congress participants.

“We review all feedbacks from congress participants and try to improve the meeting from year to year,” he said while noting that social media has helped in monitoring how congress participants respond to the annual congress. “We have had an amazing number of tweets on Twitter in Madrid and with many interesting feedback,” Knoll said.