By Dr. Melis Gür (DE)
On 4 September 2024, departure day, my train was delayed. Sitting at the train station cooling off with an iced latte from the scorching heat, I began reflecting on my memories at EUREP in Prague. I have heard about the testimonials that EUREP is a unique experience, and now I finally understand why.
Most of us are near the finish line of our residency, which is bittersweet because we are accomplishing a milestone in our careers but also stressing about what comes next. Connecting with colleagues from all around the world, and discussing our common professional struggles has been truly comforting. It is not just about learning urological topics from the top experts, but also about interacting with colleagues and exchanging ideas for the next steps in our careers. I feel honoured to have been selected for this prestigious and educational programme.
Enthusiasm for education
Throughout the six days of intensive modules, we all displayed a strong eagerness to discuss, learn, and succeed in urological topics. However, only time will reveal how many of us will go on to become exceptional tutors.
I was blown away by the faculty’s dedication to provide state-of-the-art lectures and up-to-date guideline recommendations. My favourite module was “Urological Cancers” due to both my personal interest in the topic and its highly interactive nature. Kudos to the faculty for making the session engaging and unforgettable.
Another memorable module was on andrology, which offered an opportunity to close my knowledge gap and share insights with my colleagues back in Germany. Moreover, I was inspired by exceptional presentation skills of the faculty. Additionally, a huge shout out to the tutors in the urodynamics Hands-on Training! What once seemed like a daunting topic now feels manageable, thanks to the faculty’s excellent execution and delivery.
When class has ended
Over the six days with global colleagues at EUREP24, I came to the conclusion that urologists prioritise quality time. Every conversation, big or small, was met with undivided attention and positive energy. For instance, 20 of my peers explored the magical old town of Prague, admiring the beautiful architecture and hospitable locals.
On Sunday evening, we left our comfort zones for the karaoke party. The enchanting song “Sarà perché ti amo” was chanted in unison by our Italian colleagues. How can I forget to mention the ambiance? The venue sat on top of the hill, overlooking the glimmering light of the old town Prague, golden hour sun highlighting my peers’ smiles, tangy BBQ aroma filling the air, and a photo booth capturing moments of joy.
Despite our busy schedule, our enthusiasm for discovering Prague’s vibrant nightlife never waned. On Monday, we took over the DJ booth at a local bar, creating a united urological dance party. It was a clear demonstration of a strong commitment to work paired with an equally strong commitment to enjoying life.
Final remarks
I deeply appreciate the faculty for their steadfast dedication and friendliness in teaching us essential urological topics. The organisers ensured that everything ran smoothly and what we needed was easily accessible, making our experience seamless. I am profoundly grateful to the European School of Urology (ESU) for providing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
