1. Why did You Choose Urology?

First and foremost, urology was very attractive to me because of its versatility. I do not like routine, so the wide spectrum of pathologies and organs, and the opportunity to treat patients from all genders and age groups are among the major positive aspects of our field. I also realized that the results were very tangible. To this day, relieving pain and resolving obstructions is very rewarding to me. Finally, I foresaw that because urological emergencies could be treated rapidly, I could optimize my work-life balance even during calls.

2. What Was the Best Advice You Received as a Resident/Trainee?

The difference between a good and a bad surgeon is indications. Good indications are what distinguish good from not-so-good surgeons. If you have a surgical complication, you should always reexamine the surgical indication. If indeed you chose the right surgical approach for the right reasons, you’ve probably already minimized the risk for complications, and you can forgive yourself and learn from the obstacle. It also makes it more acceptable for the patient, knowing that you are confident the surgery was indeed necessary.

3. If You Were Not a Urologist, What Would You Be?

I would be an interventional radiologist.

4. What do You See as the Biggest Clinical Challenge in Urology Today? What Is the Biggest Opportunity?

I think the biggest challenge for us is to foster excellence among community urologists despite the ever-growing complexity of all the subspecialties that urology encompasses. The availability of several potential options makes cancer treatment, for instance, difficult in community settings. Nonacademic urologists must keep up with all the new treatments and their timely use. The CUA is dedicated to this endeavor with many webinars and its UROpedia platform. If each urology service encourages its members to develop a specific area of expertise, even in community settings, we can keep delivering great general urology care through optimized teamwork. In Canada, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons has dedicated the last year of training to transition to practice, which makes it easier for residents to focus on 1 or 2 subspecialties of our tremendously varied, and complex, field.

5. It’s the Year 2030—What do You Think Will Be the Biggest Change/Innovation in Urology?

This is a hard one. First, I hope that the extension of robotic surgery is going to allow access to surgery in remote areas. Surgeons operating in different cities without having to be on site would allow more equitable access to excellent urological care. Second, I hope that we will integrate more reusable materials in the operating room to protect our environment and ecosystems. Last, but certainly not least, I think allowing medical students coming from visible minority groups better access to surgical subspecialties is the most important change that has to happen.

The AUA is proud to work with partner societies around the world to advance urology. This column spotlights members from our International Member Committee (IMC) and showcases their unique perspectives on the specialty.