On February 4-7, Davos is hosting the European Urology Forum 2012. Taking place mere weeks before the Annual EAU Congress, the Forum has an identity all of its own. The meeting strives to look beyond established boundaries, and the Urological Challenge that takes place over the course of the Forum’s days is a unique chance for young urologists to prove themselves before a panel of experts.
These “Challenge the Experts” sessions are designed as an opportunity for up-and-coming academic urologists (the “challengers”) to profile their research, and to practice their debating skills as a panel of experts probes their presentations. This year, the challengers will be Dr. A. Breda (ES), Dr. N. Lumen (BE), Dr. A. Petrolekas (GR), Dr. M. Sedelaar (NL) and Dr. C. Surcel (RO).
We spoke to Mr. James Catto of the Royal Hallamshire Hospital’s Academic Urology Unit in Sheffield (UK) about his experiences of the 2011 European Urology Forum. Mr. Catto is the winner of the 2011 urological challenge, and below he shares his experiences, and some tips for this year’s participants.
What makes the meeting in Davos stand out from other scientific events in urology?
I have many fond memories of the 2011 Davos meeting. What sets it apart is that it enables young urologists to meet and mix with distinguished academic urologists in an informal, friendly manner. I received many helpful comments and advice to help my future work. I also made useful contacts in the field.
The location also helps make the meeting pleasurable: it was nice to take the opportunity to go skiing as well!
What were the main challenges in preparing for the “challenger” role?
Preparing for Davos was a challenge in itself. It’s difficult to prepare for the audience, as you don’t know what they want to hear, or what their level of understanding for certain topics is. The breadth of the topics also made preparing difficult, as one had to present work from various clinical angles.
You won the Urological Challenge in 2011. What makes for a winning performance?
I would recommend future challengers to keep the content of your talk interesting, understandable and clinically relevant. Do not over-sell your data, and try to remember how you would use this information in clinical settings. Best of luck to the 2012 challengers!
Online registration closes on 1 February, but can also be done at the venue.
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