From urinary stone disease to genitourinary oncology, penile disorders, and female functional urology; this year’s ESU/ Weill Cornell Master Class in Urology, held from July 13 to 19, 2025, at Schloss Arenberg in Salzburg, brought together 35 fellows from 26 countries for an intensive week of learning and networking. Guided by world-renowned faculty, participants explored key topics as part of a three-year curriculum designed to deliver cutting-edge education to the next generation of urologists.
The faculty cohort was spearheaded by Dr. Evangelos N. Liatsikos, Chair of the European School of Urology (ESU), and Dr. Larissa V. RodrĂguez, Chair of the Department of Urology at Weill Cornell Medicine. They teamed up with Dr. Unwanaobong U. Nseyo, Dr. Bashir Al Hussein, and Dr. James Kashanian (all from Weill Cornell Medicine), as well as Dr. Philippa Sangster (King Edward VII’s Hospital, UK), and Dr. Shahrokh F. Shariat, Chairman of the Department of Urology at the Medical University of Vienna.
The course directors are not only outstanding teachers but also masters in their fields, and we were beyond thrilled to host them this week! While Dr. Liatsikos has been a long-time OMI supporter, with this marking his fifth participation, Dr. RodrĂguez served our program for the first time.
Dr. RodrĂguez described her first impressions as part of the master class: “It has been a fantastic experience to participate in the Open Medical Institute’s program. At a personal level, I have met new European colleagues with expertise in their fields. But the magic of the seminar is the opportunity for young urologists to be exposed to and learn from international experts in an informal, collegiate environment and get all their questions answered. Building their expertise to prevent brain drain from their countries is the aim of what we do.”
Dr. Liatsikos described his continuous commitment to the OMI’s educational initiative in a statement. He explains, “This master class is really unique. High-quality faculty from Europe and the US embarked upon a teaching journey, addressing young trainees from a variety of countries. Scientific and social interactions both enhanced the bond between mentors and trainees. Additionally, well-structured hands-on training on dry lab simulators enhanced the didactic experience. Overall, it was a memorable experience for both faculty and fellows.”
The faculty compiled an eventful schedule for the participants. The master class entailed 20 highly informative didactic lectures on new developments, current trends, and challenges in the field of urology, two practical hands-on training sessions in laparoscopy and endoscopy, as well as six hours dedicated to fellows’ case presentations. Interesting to note is that this lively group of fellows was unlike any other: Twelve of them were nominated by the European School of Urology, while the rest were selected by the OMI.
The course director summarized the event, “Experienced faculty has addressed stone treatment, advanced concepts of genitourinary oncology, benign and malignant penile disorders, and female functional urology. Fellows have been exposed to the practical aspects of all aforementioned topics, directly interacting with the faculty. In addition, fellows have been coached through the process of how to correctly assemble a scientific presentation. They presented their own scientific work and were positively and proactively criticized by the experts, aiming to ameliorate their performance.”
For the workshops, four highly skilled tutors, Dr. Laurian Dragos, Dr. Daniel Oliveira-Reis, Dr. David Oswald, and Dr. Diego Rengifo Abbad, provided a unique learning experience for the attendees. Once more, they were supported by Olympus vendors Maria Strauss and Catrinel Vasile. Fellows could test their skills at six different stations equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and also to take the E-BLUS exam. Amongst the techniques that participants practiced were basic laparoscopy methods, which included peg transfer, cutting a circle, needle guidance, and laparoscopic suture: single knot tying, as well as advanced endoscopic stone treatment, including flexible cystoscopy, rigid cystoscopy, semi-rigid ureteroscopy, and flexible ureteroscopy. For some of the participants, these sessions were the first time they were using such equipment in real life as opposed to reading about it in textbooks. We would like to thank Olympus for providing state-of-the-art equipment for the workshops!
Yee Ching Clara Chan, MBBS, MD
OMI fellow from China
“The course was a life-changing experience for me. It was so special because the faculty members and fellows networked with each other. Although we all come from different countries, we felt connected because we share a common interest in urology. I can’t wait to show my new friends Hong Kong when they come to visit.”
Efe Semetey Oguz, MD
OMI fellow from Turkey
“The lecture by Dr. Liatsikos, focusing on endourology, specifically percutaneous stone surgery and retrograde intrarenal surgery, was inspiring. I’ve always loved endourology, and listening to someone so experienced and knowledgeable in the field was incredibly valuable.”
Aura Daniella Souto Soto, MD
OMI fellow from Spain
“The hands-on training workshops were immensely educational, and the tutors were helpful and patient with us throughout the sessions. I cannot wait to apply all the practical skills I acquired in my daily work. I am sure that the newly-gained knowledge will help my patients.”
