Every year, urology residents from within and beyond Europe who are in their final year gather in wonderful Prague for the European Urology Residents Education Programme (EUREP).
EUREP is a comprehensive programme widely known for its excellence in education and training, and a must-attend event for future urologists.
It is customary for Serbian residents to attend EUREP.
They are mostly from Belgrade but this time after 14 years, a resident from Novi Sad (the second largest city in Serbia) received the opportunity to join the programme. I feel proud to have been part of it and what an experience it was!
I have read about EUREP in European Urology Today and I was overwhelmed when I received a
confirmation e-mail in June. Knowing that there are only 360 places, I found it very useful to answer the multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and earn CME credits; this motivated me to read European Urology articles and work on my scientific development.
The venue was set in the beautiful four-star Clarion Congress Hotel located in the outskirts of Prague which was well-connected to the city centre. The first thing I noticed upon my arrival at the hotel was the exceptional organisation from the staff of EUREP, EAU and the hotel; they were willing to help and give instructions regarding the programme.
We were divided into five groups. A different urology module was scheduled for each day and within six days, almost all urology fields were covered. The lectures began in the mornings and were very intensive but far from dull and boring. Each lecture was an opportunity to learn new things and update our knowledge with the most recent evidence-based studies. There was constant interaction between residents and teachers, lively discussions, interesting case reports, MCQ’s and tips for daily clinical practice.
One of the highlights of EUREP was the definitely hands-on training (HOT) sessions. We were able to train in laparoscopy, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and ureteroscopy (URS) for 60 minutes using state-of-the-art equipment and with guidance from inspiring and supportive endoscopy tutors, who came from the best training centres in Europe. There was also the possibility to take European training in basic laparoscopic urological skills (E-BLUS) and Endoscopic Stone Treatment – step 1 (EST-s1) exams.
EUREP was a great opportunity to meet and talk to some of the world’s greatest experts in their fields, not just during the courses but during social events as well. They were always kind, open for conversation and willing to offer advice.
Besides being one of the best training platform for residents, EUREP is also designed as a place for young people to share knowledge and make new friends from all over the world. Karaoke night is one the EUREP traditions that everybody remembers and talks about afterwards. That Sunday evening began with a barbecue, where residents and faculty members got together and enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere which later on intensifies into an amazing karaoke party!
I think EUREP is a must-attend programme for every urology resident as it opens new doors and possibilities beneficial for their professional careers.
I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to be a part of EUREP18. I would like to express my gratitude to the organisers, faculty members, and to everyone who was involved in making this meeting truly one of a kind. It was an unbelievable experience that will never be forgotten.
By Dr. Senjin Djozic
Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Medicine
Dept. of Surgery, Novi Sad (RS)
Senjin Djozic with Prof. Shariat (left) and Prof. Rouprêt (right)
