USANZ Trainee Week 2025 - Reports from International Delegates
USANZ hosts delegates from international urological associations for Trainee Week each year, as part of a reciprocal relationship with the BAUS Section of Trainees (BSoT), the Urological Association of Asia (UAA), the European Association of Urology (EAU), and the Canadian Urological Association (CUA).
This opportunity invites a cross-cultural exchange of knowledge and practices between urological Trainees, and encourages collaboration and networking opportunities between international colleagues. As mentioned in the report from EAU delegates below, this exchange of knowledge demonstrates the way "urologists worldwide share a passion for advancing our field and investing in the next generation."
We have started receiving reports from the international delegates who attended USANZ Trainee Week 2025 and are pleased to share these accounts with our Members.
Testimonial from EAU Delegates: Cecelia de Klerk and Aksel Vardanyan
The report below was provided by representatives from the EAU: Cecelia de Klerk, from Stellenbosch University, South Africa; and Aksel Vardanyan, from Mikayelyan Institure of Surgery, Armenia.
We write as the two EAU-selected international delegates to express our sincere gratitude for the opportunity to attend the USANZ Trainee Week 2025 in Sydney. This experience has been transformative, and we wish to formally acknowledge the exceptional quality of the programme.
From the outset, we were impressed by the meticulous planning and quality of content delivered throughout the week. The didactic lectures demonstrated USANZ’s commitment to producing capable, confident urologists and the case discussion sessions were particularly valuable, challenging us to apply knowledge in real-world clinical scenarios and fostering the critical thinking essential for independent practice.
The examination preparation component deserves special recognition. The structure, fairness, and clarity of the USANZ oral examination system impressed us deeply, providing insights that will directly benefit our own examination preparation. Coming from South Africa and Armenia respectively, we each gained valuable perspectives on international standards and assessment approaches. The USANZ examination system reflects the high level of urological care in Australia and New Zealand, supported by evidence-based practice and national guidelines.
Being privileged to both visit EUREP and USANZ this year, we have arrived at one clear conclusion: urologists worldwide share a passion for advancing our field and investing in the next generation. The USANZ Trainee Week exemplified these values beautifully. The atmosphere throughout was warm, supportive, and inspiring. We met extraordinary trainees and mentors whose openness and willingness to share knowledge made us feel genuinely included. Coming from different regions, the inclusive environment was especially meaningful to both of us.
Meeting colleagues from diverse healthcare systems reminded us that we are part of a global community united by dedication to patient care and excellence in urology. The connections established during this week have created foundations for ongoing collaboration and friendship.
We return to our respective countries equipped with new knowledge, skills, and perspectives that will enhance our clinical practice. The insights gained from observing your training programme will inform our practice and potentially influence training approaches in our regions. We are committed to sharing this experience with our colleagues and advocating for continued international collaboration.
The USANZ Trainee Week represents excellence in surgical education. Thank you for your generosity in hosting international delegates and for creating an environment where learning, collaboration, and friendship flourish. For us, representing South Africa and Armenia, this week was more than training—it was a lifelong memory and a reminder that shared learning shapes our future as urologists. Thank you for your investment in the next generation through your time, energy, and commitment to excellence.
We extend warm invitations to USANZ colleagues to visit South Africa and Armenia. Our doors are open, and we would be honored to reciprocate the hospitality you have shown us.
Testimonial from CUA Delegate: Dr Paco
The report below was provided by the representative from CUA, Dr Paco.
I had the privilege of attending the USANZ Training Week in November 2025, hosted in Sydney, Australia, thanks to the generous support of the Canadian Urological Association.
Upon arrival at Sydney Airport, I encountered relative chaos as Oasis had just concluded the Australian leg of their long-awaited reunion tour. Order was quickly restored when I was warmly welcomed by USANZ representatives Deborah Klein and Jennifer Hislop, whose exceptional organization and hospitality toward myself and the other international delegates was greatly appreciated.
This annual training week is designed to prepare residents at all levels for board examinations. The program featured a mock OSCE, a multiple-choice examination, and four full days of didactic lectures delivered by experts from across Australia and New Zealand. The knowledge and performance of the Australian and New Zealand residents was impressive—a testament to the quality of training provided by USANZ programs.
Following the inevitable nervousness of the mock oral examinations, the international delegates and I formed meaningful connections and friendships with our Australian hosts. These interactions were interspersed with outstanding lectures from both staff and residents.
Despite being half a world away, my fellow Canadian delegate and I felt remarkably at home. There is a unique camaraderie between our nations that I hope will be preserved through future cohorts of urology residents via the CUA-USANZ exchange. I am grateful for the opportunity to represent the CUA "down under" and look forward to welcoming USANZ representatives at our CUA Annual Meeting this coming summer.
