1. Why did You Choose Urology?

I was originally interested in surgery and wanted to be a surgeon. I lost my grandparents at an early age, and my desire to contribute to the elderly was the decisive factor in my final choice of urology. The department of urology at Chiba University, where I trained as a resident, was attractive, and I also had the expectation that I would jump into an unknown world.

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

The Chair, Professor Shimazaki, taught me that it is important to have your own area of expertise in any field. He also advised me on the importance of conducting basic research. I think the main area for urologists to work on is oncology. Currently, residents are interested in robotic-assisted surgery, but it is also important that they choose one specialty from the nononcology area. One of my areas of expertise is male infertility, and I feel that this area has broadened my horizons as a clinician across clinical departments. Working on basic research was also a valuable experience. I believe that the experience of making a hypothesis and learning the process of scientifically proving it will motivate us to take on new challenges as a clinician. I spent about 2½ years researching prostate cancer and got my PhD. After that, from March 1989 to June 1991, I devoted myself to research as a research fellow at the Johns Hopkins University Oncology Center under the guidance of Professor John Isaacs. That was a crucial step for me to where I am today.

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

I have been interested in science in general since I was little. I also had a vague admiration for conducting various research by arranging test tubes on a laboratory table. When I was in elementary school, I became interested in space by the Apollo 11 moon landing. If I had not had the chance to become a doctor because my grandparents died early, I might have chosen the path to space engineering. I am still interested in the origin of the universe, and I would like to study various things after I retire.

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

It is important for urologists to pursue personalized medicine. Even standard treatments shown in prospective clinical studies may not be suitable for all patients. While respecting the contents of the guidelines, it is necessary to have the attitude of selecting the optimal treatment for the patient in front of us. In addition to accumulating my own experience, it is also necessary to have the skills to incorporate innovative information such as artificial intelligence (AI) and comprehensive genetic testing into medical care. Urology, which is at the forefront of robot-assisted surgery, has an environment in which not only cutting-edge research results but also clinical technology can be utilized, and I think it is the most attractive clinical field in promoting personalized medicine.

5. It’s The Year 2023—What do You Think Will Be the Biggest Change/Innovation in Urology?

The utilization of AI and minimally invasive treatment are progressing further. I believe that we can promote personalized medicine by utilizing AI for diagnosis and treatment policy decisions. I think that the reduction in the diameter of endoscopes and the progress of innovative engineering technology are further advancing the minimally invasive treatment of urolithiasis. I believe that further advances in robotic control systems and equipment are expanding the scope of single-port surgery. I expect that surgical assistance robots will be able to be used not only for intracavity surgery but also for surgery on the surface of the body.

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.