Meet our Members

Abdelmageed Abdelrahman

Liverpool, UK

Bahiyah Abdullah

Selangor, Malaysia

Bob Achila

Nairobi, Kenya

Amos Adelowo

Massachusetts, USA

Mentor

Mohini Agrawal

New Delhi, India

Baharak Amir

Halifax, Canada

Manjula Annappa

Grimsby, UK

Almira Amin-Ong

Manila, Philippines

Harpreet Arora

Sydney, Australia

Kari Bo

Fjellhamar, Norway

Tell us about where you currently live (city/country) and how you ended up in this location.

Fjellhamar, just outside Oslo, the capital of Norway. I was born here and we built our house in the garden of my parents house (which is a typical Norwegian thing...)

Tell us about your work - your job title, where you work, how long you've worked in the field, areas of focus or research, etc.

I am a full time academic professor at the Department of Sports Medicine at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences in Oslo. This is a spesialized university of Sport Sciences, ranked as number two worldwide by Shanghai Global Ranking of more than 350 Sport universities. In addition, I hold a 20% position at Akershus University Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lørenskog, Norway. I had my PhD in 1990 and have done research in the area of the pelvic floor for more than 30 years. I have supervised 19 completed Phd candidates and have 7 under supervision for the moment

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

Early in my carrier as I found it an excellent place to network with other researchers in the field and a good place to present new research.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

It has been a great meeting place and I have made friends from all over the world. The multidisciplinary focus is very important. I like the scientific debates and questions. This is what brings us forward in clinical practice and research for the best of our patients.

What is the last book you read or movie you saw? Would you recommend it?

I saw a Norwegian film called "The Tunnel"; very realistic, exciting and frightening. I read Victoria Hislop's book; "Those who are loved" following a Greek family with different political views from the period after the first world war and up till 2000 in Athens. I recommend it, especially if you love Greece and often go to Athens as I do!

What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Exercise, exercise, exercise. I exercise with a variety of different activities every day. I love outdoor activities such as biking, hiking and cross -country skiing, the latter at our mountain cabin at Beitostølen, Norway. Nothing can beat it! I also enjoy reading and go to the theater (mostly to watch dance and ballet)

What is one "fun fact" about you?

I have no idea! maybe that I love milk chocolate to a degree that I have had to make a rule like the one we have for children; I only allow it on Saturday...(but then I eat a lot)

Barbara Bodner-Adler

Vienna, Austria

Samuel Badalian

New York, USA

Hawra Badri

Manchester, UK

Sivakumar Balakrishnan

Penang, Malaysia

Tell us about where you currently live (city/country) and how you ended up in this location.

I am currently in Penang, Malaysia. It is about an hour from my home town. I worked at different hospitals in Malaysia both the Peninsular and Sarawak for 8 years. I started working in Penang since 2001. Apart from 2 years away for urogynaecology training, I have been in Penang since then.

Tell us about your work - your job title, where you work, how long you've worked in the field, areas of focus or research, etc.

I am currently working as an Assoc. Prof. in O&G in the RCSI & UCD Malaysia Campus in Penang. I joined the institution in 2012. I have been providing Urogynaecology clinical service in the Penang Hospital since 2007. My interest is in areas of stress incontinence and Manchester repair surgeries.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I joined IUGA in 2005. I joined mainly at that time to learn about Urogynaecology and to receive the IUJ. It's been an interesting and fruitful journey since then.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

There are many rewarding and memorable experience actually. I attended my first IUGA meeting in 2006 whereby as a trainee I had the opportunity to present an oral presentation. The networking and meeting people was the most valuable part of being in IUGA. I have had the memorable experience in helping to organize IUGA Exchange and Regional meeting in Malaysia. My role in the Exchange committee was memorable especially when I was involved in organizing the Yangoon & Bangkok exchanges in 2015.

What is the last book you read or movie you saw? Would you recommend it?

The last movie I watched was Lion King and it was as great as watching the first one in normal animation. Surely recommend it! An excellent watch.

What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I love to read and keep up with current news both local and world news. My other interest is sports. English Premier League has started so that will keep me busy till next year. I love to run/jog. Spare time is usually spent with my school going kids and their chores!

What is one "fun fact" about you?

That's interesting! Never thought about a fun fact about myself! I suppose it will be my interest on current news on the world and love of sports.

Pooja Balchandra

Doncaster, UK

Indranil Banerjee

Croydon, United Kingdom

Gehanath Baral

Biratnagar, Nepal

Sylvia Botros-Brey

Texas, USA

Tell us about where you currently live (city/country) and how you ended up in this location.

I live in San Antonio, TX, USA. I grew up in Texas and after spending 15 amazing years in Chicago, my husband and I found an opportunity to come back to Texas to be closer to family.

Tell us about your work - your job title, where you work, how long you've worked in the field, areas of focus or research, etc.

I have been practicing the subspecialty of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS) since graduating fellowship in 2006. I currently work in the Urology Department at UT Health - San Antonio. My title is: Associate Professor, Department of Urology, Ob/Gyn and Department of Medical Education I have a strong interest in Medical Education My roles currently include: Fellowship Program Director, FPMRS Co Module Director, Medicine, Behavior and Society, Long School of Medicine Executive Director, Academy of Educational Scholars, Long School of Medicine

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I joined IUGA as a fellow in Chicago and have "grown up" in IUGA. At the time they had a fellows committee and I really wanted to get involved. Since joining, I have enjoyed and benefited tremendously from the IUGA family.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

So many, it is hard to choose. From the relationships that have been formed, to all of the amazing places I have been able to travel and see, truly all memorable. I looked back at all of the meetings and have been coming to IUGA meetings since 2004! One that stands out in particular is the Taiwan meeting in 2008 that was affected by the monsoon. It ended up being memorable for me personally as I met some of my really good friends that year. IUGA has really been part of my identify formation as a urogynecolgist and I am very thankful to be able to participate and contribute.

What is the last book you read or movie you saw? Would you recommend it?

We just saw the Bourne Trilogy with our two sons. After a decade, they are still very captivating! The last book I read was A Silent Patient- a psychological thriller that kept me guessing until the end.

What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Spending time with family, Traveling, Reading, Baking with my boys and we just got a ping pong table!

What is one "fun fact" about you?

My Dad is an identical twin. He is a urologist and his brother is a gynecologist! Urogynecology was in my future all along :)

Mentor

Kazila Bhutia

Singapore, Singapore

Esra Bilir

Turkey

Tell us about where you currently live (city/country) and how you ended up in this location.

I originally come from Turkey, where I pursued my medical studies. Subsequently, I made the transition to Germany for my residency and am currently residing in the sailing city of Kiel.

Tell us about your work - your job title, where you work, how long you've worked in the field, areas of focus or research, etc.

I am currently working as a resident in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at University Hospitals Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany (PY2). My professional focus revolves around surgical gynecology, with a particular emphasis on gynecologic oncology as my primary research pursuit. Recently, I have developed a keen interest in urogynecology surgeries, finding myself captivated by the innovative surgical approaches it offers.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

My enduring interest in urogynecology was sparked during my residency under the mentorship of an esteemed expert in the field, who held AGUB III in Germany. Throughout my professional journey, I've had the privilege of witnessing and actively participating in numerous surgeries. Encouraged by my academic pursuits, my mentor strongly advocated for my membership in IUGA, further solidifying my commitment to advancing in the field.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

As a driven and enthusiastic academic physician, I find myself captivated by the research collaboration opportunities offered by IUGA.

What is the last book you read or movie you saw? Would you recommend it?

The most recent addition to my reading list is "Ending Medical Reversal: Improving Outcomes, Saving Lives." This compelling book is not only an indispensable read for adults seeking valuable insights into healthcare but also for individuals working in the healthcare industry.

What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I might say something like: While I might come off as a bit of a boring young physician, my true excitement comes to life through my love for reading biographies and watching in biography movies. On a more creative note, I channel my passion for gynecology into my painting endeavors. If you're curious, feel free to check out my Instagram profile!

What is one "fun fact" about you?

Personally, I've got this thing where I can't enjoy tea or coffee until it cools down—I'm all about the waiting game!

Subhash Biswas

Kolkata, India

Luiz Gustavo Oliveira Brito

Campinas, Brazil

Tell us about where you currently live (city/country) and how you ended up in this location.

I live in Campinas, Brazil. I have moved to this city after I came back from Boston, US, after recruitment for a job appointment as Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas

Tell us about your work - your job title, where you work, how long you've worked in the field, areas of focus or research, etc.

I have been working for four years at UNICAMP. I am the Head of the Gynecological Surgery Ward and I operate three times per week with residents. My research area is clinical and surgical treatment of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. I am also interested in severe perineal trauma (OASIS). I am passioned by research and for surgery and I always try to acquire knowledge as much as I can.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I joined IUGA after finishing my fellowship in Urogynecology in 2010 during a joint meeting in Toronto with ICS.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

I think my most rewarding IUGA experience was from the last meeting in Nashville, a joint event with AUGS. It was amazing, I´ve met so many friends and did a lot of networking. I could meet in person with so many experts such as Dr. DeLancey, Dr. Brubaker. I had a lot of fun. IUGA has also provided a marvelous experience by an observership grant - I went to Lille to Dr. Michel Cosson´s service and it was amazing, I met so many great surgeons (Dr Giraudet, Dr Lucot)

What is the last book you read or movie you saw? Would you recommend it?

I am reading the Testaments, written by Margaret Atwood. I have also read The Handmaids Tale and I also watched the series produced by Hulu. It can be shocking, it is a fiction story, but inspired in several true events, and it reminds us how freedom is a blessing. I recommend it for all women to read/watch it.

What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Watching movies, playing volleyball, swimming, listening to music, playing chess, piano.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

I think I am somewhat a person that is funny. But I wouldn´t remember one "fun fact" about me :) I am an easy-going, teamspirit, collaborative person.

Heidi Brown

California, USA

Linda Brubaker

California, USA

Mentor

Victoria Buckley

Sydney, Australia

Sarah Burgess

Salisbury, United Kingdom

Jenifer Byrnes

New York, USA

Cristiane Carboni

Porto Alegre, Brazil

(In Memory of) Linda Cardozo

London, UK

Zhuoran Chen

Sydney, Australia

Gin-Den Chen

Taichung, Taiwan

Yau Kar Rachel Cheung

Hong Kong

Woojin Chong

South Korea

Tell us about where you currently live (city/country) and how you ended up in this location.

I currently live in Long Island in New York (NY) in the United States. I originally came from South Korea where I was born, raised and educated. I majored in Fashion Design and minored in Education at the University. As a college student, I participated in the University’s Acting Club and our team won the Best National College Student Acting Award. I worked as a Fashion Designer upon graduating from the University then worked as a Promotion’s Manger in the Theater. I participated in the Korea’s first International Performing Arts Festival in 1999 and studied Performing Arts as a graduate student at Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul. To learn more about the Broadway Musical System, I came to New York City in 2000, where I learned English as a second language. Living in New York City was a culture shock to me and broadened my horizons. I wanted to contribute to the world, especially for Women’s Health, in a more meaningful way. I went back to school and majored in Biology and minored in Chemistry with scholarly concentrations on Cellular & Molecular Biology and Biochemistry at State University of New York (SUNY) at Purchase. I earned Bachelor of Science from SUNY Purchase with Summa Cum Laude. Then I obtained a Doctor of Medicine with scholarly concentration of Health Disparities at the Morsani College of Medicine at University of South Florida in Tampa. I completed my residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN) at Albery Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, NY and Fellowship training in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS) at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in NY. I served as the Associate Fellowship Director at my fellowship institution then moved to the Inspira Health Network in South Jersey where I served as the Associate OBGYN Residency Director and Medical Director of Urogynecology for 5 years. On July 2024, I joined the New York University (NYU) Langone Health at Long Island in NY as the Director of Female Pelvic Floor and Associate Professor at the Department of OBGYN at NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine.

Tell us about your work—your job title, where you work, years of experience, areas of focus or research, and what inspired you to pursue your career.

On July 2024, I joined the New York University (NYU) Langone Health at Long Island in NY as the Director of Female Pelvic Floor and Associate Professor at the Department of OBGYN at NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine. I also serve as the Director of Gynecologic Education. I am a double board-certified OBGYN, and FPMRS. I am dedicated to serving the women with pelvic floor dysfunction to improve quality of life. I am also interested in clinical care, patient education/ satisfaction/safety, staff well-being, education for the next generation, and clinical research activities. I conducted multiple clinical research projects; and published a number of articles and abstracts, along with presenting a number of oral/poster/video presentations at the national level conferences. I am also officially credentialed as a Certified Physician Executive (CPE), who demonstrates the leadership skills to effectively manage healthcare teams with proper strategic planning and excellent communication skills. My ultimate professional goals include (1) ensuring quality of life/satisfaction for the Urogynecologic patients by providing evidence-based, personalized individual care/management; and (2) taking the initiative in teaching, service and scholarly activities to be actively involved in medical education to nurture the next generation of the providers.

What motivated you to join IUGA, and what does being a member mean to you?

Since my Fellowship, IUGA has been a great resource for me and my patients. The IUGA’s educational materials for the providers and patients are excellent and up to date at the international level. In addition, the IUGA’s dedication on the global advancement of urogynecological knowledge and patient care through education and the promotion of basic and clinical research on disorders of the female pelvic floor is so admiring. I would like to be a part of its dedication and to contribute in a way I can. I joined IUGA formally in 2021.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

With more active participation as an Education Committee member for 2025-2027, I anticipate more rewarding/memorable IUGA experiences over the course of the time.

Sara Cichowski

Oregon, USA

Sarah Collins

Illinois, USA

Tell us about where you currently live (city/country) and how you ended up in this location.

I live in Western Springs, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. I grew up in Michigan, and after training, I wanted to live in the Midwest U.S. because it feels most like home to me. I moved to Chicago and have been working in academic medicine here ever since.

Tell us about your work - your job title, where you work, how long you've worked in the field, areas of focus or research, etc.

I am an Associate Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology in the Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery at Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, in Chicago, IL, USA. I finished training in 2011 and have worked in academic medicine in Chicago ever since. My clinical time is split between 2 Northwestern hospital locations, and I am clinically and surgically busy at both. My research interests focus on shared decision making and on physical activity around treatment for pelvic floor disorders. I also have a global health interest and travel to Kigali, Rwanda as part of an obstetric fistula mission every October.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I became interested in IUGA after attending my first joint AUGS / IUGA meeting in 2014 in Washington, DC. Over the next several years, I began working on guideline statements and terminology documents through AUGS. I had the opportunity to collaborate with IUGA members through a writing group for one of these documents, and this happily led to more and more projects with IUGA, which I officially joined in 2017.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

I have enjoyed all of the IUGA projects in which I have participated, but my most memorable IUGA experience to date was the annual meeting in Vienna during the summer of 2018. Convening and collaborating with our international community in person is wonderful, and while we missed the chance to see each other this year in The Hague, I look forward to the 2021 meeting in Singapore all the more.

What is the last book you read or movie you saw? Would you recommend it?

I am about halfway through the 1st volume of The Promised Land by Barack Obama. I am listening to it as an audiobook, read by the author himself, enjoying it very much. While it focuses singularly on American politics, I would recommended it to any who are interested in one man's remarkable journey to the White House.

What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I love to cook! I will try almost anything, and sometimes I succeed!

What is one "fun fact" about you?

My great-great grandfather ran for president of the United States in 1880 and again in 1892. He was NOT elected, as you might have guessed.

Edgardo Castillo-Pino

Montevideo, Uruguay

Geoffrey Cundiff

Vancouver, Canada

Tell us about where you currently live (city/country) and how you ended up in this location.

In 2006, my wife and I decided to move or family to Vancouver British Columbia. We were both born and lived half our lives in the U.S. so the decision to immigrate to Canada was a big one, but we have never regretted that decision. Vancouver is a exciting and beautiful destination with excellent schools and a safe multicultural society. We live much of our life outdoors hiking, biking, skiing, and boating. And our kids love it.

Tell us about your work - your job title, where you work, how long you've worked in the field, areas of focus or research, etc.

I have been working as a urogynaecologist for more than 25 years, always as an academic physician. I always had difficulties with my mentors' emphasis on focused discovery, and consequently, my discovery has spanned all pillars from anatomy, to clinical and surgical trials, to epidemiology. My present research focus is on preventing obstetrical trauma, and related to that, patient centred outcomes for labour. In addition to my clinical and academic interests, I hold several administrative roles, including Regional Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology for Vancouver Coastal Health, and Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology for the University of British Columbia.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I joined IUGA right out of Fellowship training. As an aspiring academic I wanted to be at the centre of academic urogynaecology, where I would meet the people defining the field and hear the latest evidence. The venue for that was IUGA, even as it is today.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

Leading the Local Organizing Committee for the Annual IUGA Conference in Vancouver in 2017 was a tremendously rewarding experience. I got to know the leadership of IUGA intimately and participate in creating its magic.

What is the last book you read or movie you saw? Would you recommend it?

Presently, I am reading "Song off Solomen" by Toni Morrison, because her recent death brought to my attention that I had missed her. I have not finished it yet, but the writing is great.

What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

In addition to mountain biking, downhill and cross country skiing, and boating, I have taken up silversmithing. It get all of the pleasure of working with my hands that surgery offers, with none of the postoperative care.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

I have an identical twin who is a movie producer. My wife is also a twin.

Trieu Do

Texas, United States

Ganesh Dangal

Kathmandu, Nepal

Mentor

Rima Anggrena Dasrilsyah

Serdang, Malaysia

G. Willy Davila

Florida, USA

Albert De Decker

Auckland, New Zealand

Peter Dekuyper

Gent, Belgium

Alex Digesu

London, UK

Jan Willem de Leeuw

Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Tell us about where you currently live (city/country) and how you ended up in this location.

Since 1999 I live just outside the city of Rotterdam, the second city of Holland. Rotterdam is known for its port, Europe's largest. Besides this, Rotterdam is known for the working mentality: "Roll up your sleeves and let's get it done!"

After finishing my study Medicine in Maastricht, I ended up in Rotterdam, a city that fits my personality more. After working as a house officer for one year I could start my training for Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Tell us about your work - your job title, where you work, how long you've worked in the field, areas of focus or research, etc.

Since February 1st 1998, I work as Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in the Ikazia Hospital. This is a teaching hospital and our department cooperates with the local Erasmus University Hospital in the regional training program for registrars in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Since 2001 , I'm the lead for the training of registrars in our department. Our department is specialized in medium-high care Obstetrics, minimally invasive Gynaecology and Urogynaecology.

In 2001, I defended my thesis titled "Anal sphincter injury at vaginal delivery, risk factors and long-term consequences".

The focus in my clinical work AND research lies in Obstetrics and Urogynaecology.

My research has its main focus on occurrence of OASIS and possible ways of prevention. With my colleague and friend Jeroen van Bavel, we are working hard on epidemiologiocal studies for the identification of risk factors for OASIS, with the help of the Dutch National Obstetric Database that contains information of virtually all Dutch deliveries.

Apart form these studies, I've been involved in several randomised controlled trials on the role of the Foley catheter in the induction of labour.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

My first experience with IUGA was in 1997 when the IUGA congress as held in Amsterdam. It was the first IUGA congress with a special session on faecal incontinence. My mentor and one of the members of the organizing committee, Mark Vierhout, introduced me into IUGA that year. Since then I've been visiting the IUGA meetings regularly and since the meeting in Como in 2008 I have only missed two meetings.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

I don't have one particular experience that comes to my mind as most rewarding or memorable. The best thing of IUGA for me is the atmosphere during the meetings which is relatively relaxed (compared to other societies) but still with a good academic level. Another rewarding experience for me is to be involved in the PROTECT programme. A great programme that helps to educate colleagues all around the world.

What is the last book you read or movie you saw? Would you recommend it?

The last book that I have read was the biography of Leonardo da Vinci by Walter Isaacson. Inspiring to read how someone without extensive formal education came to great ideas just by watching, thinking and an enormous imagination.

What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

My biggest personal hobby is cycling. In 2019 I joined a group of friends to ride the "Route des Grand Alpes" from Geneva to Nice. This route brought us over a lot of high climbs in the French Alps, known from the Tour de France. Another important "hobby" are my grandchildren Lucas and Julie from three and one years old. So much fun, but exhausting, to have them around!

What is one "fun fact" about you?

Our registrars always say that this has to be the love for and knowledge of classical rock music. I can't function properly in the OR without the muscic of a Dutch radio station called "Arrow Classic Rock."

Luiza Russo de Morais

São Paulo, Brazil

Mentor

Fulya Dökmeci

Ankara, Turkey

Tell us about where you currently live (city/country) and how you ended up in this location.

I was born in Ankara, the capital city of Turkiye. I graduated from Ankara University School of Medicine. I completed my specialist training in Obstetrics & Gynecology at the same University in 1991 and joined the faculty of Ankara University in 1996 as an Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and have been living in Ankara since then.

Tell us about your work - your job title, where you work, how long you've worked in the field, areas of focus or research, etc.

I worked as a visiting observer(as an Associate professor) in Division of Urogynecology & Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery under the supervision of John James Klutke in Keck School of Medicine, USC, LA, USA between 2002-2003 while attending the fellowship program for “Teaching & Learning” and “ Educational Leadership” in Division of Medical Education in Keck School of Medicine as a scholar of ECFMG/FAIMER for one year. I have been serving as a Chief Professor at the section of Gynecology & Urogynecology in the Department of Ob & Gyn in Ankara University School of Medicine, since 2004. I am the member of many national and international societies, including Turkish Society of Urogynecology & Pelvic Floor Reconstructive Surgery(TUPRA), Turkish Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Turkish Society of Gynecologic Endoscopy, EUGA, IUGA, ICS and Mediterranean Incontinence and Pelvic Floor Society (MIPS) and currently serving as the President of TUPRA and as the Executive Board Member and Chair of the Education Committe of MIPS. I also lead the initiation of the first Urogynecology Doctorate Program which complies with Bologna process (Education language; English) in Turkiye since 2018.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

After I have attended the Urogynecology Congress in Chicago in 2008. I impressed very much and decided to become the member of an International Urogynecology Society in order to improving my networking with all healthcare providers across the world, who are interested in the same field.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

All the IUGA congresses I went to, were inspiring and broadening one's horizons in every sense, but it was different and memorable for me to be involved in the organization of an IUGA exchange meeting in Turkiye which was held in İstanbul and was ended successfully.

What is the last book you read or movie you saw? Would you recommend it?

The most impressive book for me was "The Brain; the story of you" The writer who is a a famous Neuroscientist, David Eagleman will take you into your inner cosmos.

What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Reading, skiing, music and spending the rest of the time with my grand-daughter.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

Not only mine but also my daughter's and my grand daughter's names are flowers names.

Patricia Driusso

São Paulo, Brazil

Harold Drutz

Toronto, Canada

Tell us about where you currently live (city/country) and how you ended up in this location.

My wife Robin (born in Winnipeg), and I live in Toronto, where I have most of my life other than when I went away to school (University of Western Ontario B,A 1965), and then again for almost two years as a McLaughlin Traveling Fellow (1974-75). I was born in Malartic, Quebec, where my late father (Dr. Meyer George Drutz 1911-1984) was a family doctor from 1936-1947. He was the only doctor in this remote part of the province, and the government refused to conscript in 1939 because he was the only doctor in 300 square miles.

Tell us about your work - your job title, where you work, how long you've worked in the field, areas of focus or research, etc.

Currently, I am semi-retired (my wife laughs at this). I still run a Urogynecology Clinic at Baycrest Geriatric Science Centere in Toronto, two days a week. I also help to mentor the basic science research program in FPMRS which I helped start at Mount Sinai Hospital in 2004, and is not co-directed by Dr. May Alarab (my former fellow) and Oksana Shynlova, PhD. Our main focus of research is: 1. the genetics of pelvic organ prolapse (POP); 2. the use of autologous pleuripotent urine stem cells to be developed into mature muscle cells that can be used as a bulking agent to treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI). I have been acting as the Interim President of the newly formed Canadian Society for Pelvic Medicine.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I was actually invited by both Axel Ingelman-Sundberg and Jack Robertson (both of whom I had the privilege of training under) to be one of the founding attendees of the first IUGA meeting held in Mexico City in 1976. Neither of them know that the reason I could not attend the meeting was that it was my first year in practice and I could not afford the expense of travelling to Mexico. I first attended an IUGA meeting in Ljubljana in 1987, and have only missed one since then because of illness.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

Every year I have been involved with IUGA has been most rewarding. In the early days the society had no money, and everything was run on a shoestring. Fortunately, there were individuals with me on the executive and we all shared "the fire in the belly" and we just made things happen. When I was president of IUGA (1994-96), I remember Eckhard Petri telling me we did not have enough money in the bank to send out the final brochure for an upcoming meeting. In 1994, my wife was ready to disown me when she found out that I had taken out of loan of $10,000 to get the meeting started in Toronto. The loan was repaid and we actually sent Peter Sand a check for profits we made. I am most rewarded by the yearly progress IUGA has made and I continue to have the utmost confidence in the future of the society.

What is the last book you read or movie you saw? Would you recommend it?

I am currently reading a new book, "Own Your Anxiety", written by a young (35) cousin of mine (Julian Brass) whom I have helped mentor. My wife and I just saw a documentary film titled "Fiddler: Miracle of Miracles". Very well done documentary which gives the viewer great insight into the development of an outstanding play and movie.

What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

My wife and I are "foodies". She is an amazing cook and I am both a cook and baker. I also collect wines. I work out more that I did when I was younger. Our greatest pleasure is three children and five grandchildren. My wife also says that besides my own three natural children, I have 48 additional children who are the fellows whom I had the privilege of training. They say that the sign of a good teacher is not what the teacher accomplishes, but what his/her students accomplish.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

When I finished my undergraduate degree, I was accepted to both medical and law school. I think I chose medicine out of respect for my father. I made the right decision, and am grateful for the career that I have had.

Renaud de Tayrac

Nîmes, France

Peter Dwyer

Melbourne, Australia

Mentor

Nicola Dykes

Auckland, New Zealand

Dina El-Hamamsy

London, UK

Sherif El-Nashar

Ohio, USA

Tell us about where you currently live (city/country) and how you ended up in this location.

I currently live and work in Cleveland, Ohio. My wife Sahar and I believe Cleveland provides a great place to raise our children and to grow professionally and academically! After finishing my training in Rochester, Minnesota, I was looking for a warmer place near a beach and Cleveland offers both!

Tell us about your work - your job title, where you work, how long you've worked in the field, areas of focus or research, etc.

I am a female pelvic reconstructive surgeon at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. I am also an associate professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. This August 2020 would be my 5th year working anniversary at UH. I graduated with honors from Assiut University School of Medicine in Egypt in 1997. I am a proud alumnus of the Assiut University School of Medicine which serves the needs of millions of patients in Upper Egypt. I am also very fortunate to be an alumnus of Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education where I completed my residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN) and a fellowship in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS). I am board certified in general OBGYN and FPMRS and a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (FACOG) and the American College of Surgeons (FACS). My research interest includes pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, gynecologic surgery, pelvic pain, urinary tract infections, and abnormal uterine bleeding. I am also interested in research methodology, and evidence-based medicine. My current focus is on urinary tract infections after female pelvic reconstructive procedures.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I joined IUGA in 2010. It was a very natural thing to do as my interest in the urogynecology field grew! IUGA mission aligns 100% with my professional goals and provides a global platform for my professional and academic life!

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

The educational resources are fantastic and I utilize them every day to take better care of my patients! However, with no doubt, the invite to be part of the editorial board of the International Urogynecology Journal was an honor and a privilege that I greatly appreciate!

What is the last book you read or movie you saw? Would you recommend it?

I would definitely recommend "Contagion"!! This movie which was released is 2011 is a "must-see". Especially, while everyone who can be home stays home during this current COVID-19 pandemic!! I am so sorry in advance!

What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Reviewing papers for the "Green" and "Blue" Journals is my main passion!! But when I have a "real" spare time, I would spend all of it with my children doing whatever they want to do!

What is one "fun fact" about you?

After repeated failures in multiple prior years, last November, I finally find the perfect way to serve the "perfect" Turkey Dinner during Thanksgiving! It is now my secret recipe! I consider that my best achievement for 2019!

Ipek Betul Ozcivit Erkan

Istanbul, Turkey

Janelle Evans

Ohio, USA

Cathy Flood

Edmonton, Canada

Tell us about where you currently live (city/country) and how you ended up in this location.

I live in Edmonton, Alberta Canada. I moved to Edmonton for medical school from Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1983 and I fell in love with the extensive parkland, river valley, and the down-to-earth people.

Tell us about your work - your job title, where you work, how long you've worked in the field, areas of focus or research, etc.

I started the urogynecology clinic in 1993 at the University of Alberta and have seen it grow to a huge multidisciplinary group. I am a professor at the University of Alberta and started the first mandatory urogynecology rotation for Canadian residents. We have a urogynecology fellowship and are involved in education at all levels of training. Currently I help cooordinate the Repro block for our medical school, but I have held multiple educational roles including Program Director for OBGYN. Current passions include my involvement in global health (Peru, now Nepal), indigenous health and transgender care.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I have been a member of IUGA from the start. I find the meetings collaborative and informative. I love their committment to global health. I love the patient education opportunities that I use on a daily basis. As part of the board of the Canadian Society of Pelvic Medicine, we recently successfully applied to have Canada become an affiliate member of IUGA.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

I enjoyed teaching individuals in Ghana and Nepal- unfortunately through Zoom this year (!) but hopefully in person in the near future.

What is the last book you read or movie you saw? Would you recommend it?

I have read a number of books recently around the "Black Lives Matter" movement and I recommend "So you Want to Talk About Race" by Ijeoma Oluo. I loved the show "Pose" with the great Billy Porter- don't miss it!

What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I have always been into sports. Right now I am a Master's rower. We row on the beautiful North Saskatchewan river which revives my soul on a daily basis. I like hanging out with my adult children which annoys them I am sure. We just got a new Shipoo puppy which is a lot of fun.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

I competed in an Ironman race in Penticton for my 50th. I won't be doing that for my 60th!

Ray Foster

Missouri, USA

Tell us about where you currently live (city/country) and how you ended up in this location.

I was born in Savannah, Georgia (USA), but I really grew up in Mesquite, Texas. I attended the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York for undergraduate training. In the military, my wife and I (and our four children) have lived in many different states in the U.S.. I have also been on military deployments at multiple global locations. We currently live in Columbia, Missouri.

Tell us about your work - your job title, where you work, how long you've worked in the field, areas of focus or research, etc.

I am a tenured Associate Professor of Ob/Gyn at the University of Missouri School of Medicine. I am also my department's Vice Chair for Clinical Affairs and the medical director of gynecologic surgery for our health system. I completed fellowship training in 2007 and I have worked in Missouri since then. Although we are very busy in our surgical practice, much of my research, in collaboration with my four advanced practice nurses, has focused on the efficacy of nonsurgical treatment for pelvic floor disorders.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

My mentor, Bob Shull, encouraged me to join IUGA. This turned out to be excellent advice, because I have developed so many wonderful international relationships with prominent surgeons in our field.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

Bob Shull was invited to give the inaugural Ulf Ulmsten lecture in Copenhagen, Denmark (2005). I helped Bob write that talk, which was well received and subsequently published in the International Urogynecology Journal with Bob and I as coauthors.

What is the last book you read or movie you saw? Would you recommend it?

I am currently reading "George Washington's Secret Six, The Spy Ring that Saved the American Revolution", coauthored by Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger. I cannot put down this book and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys military history.

What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

My 17 year old son and I have, for the last 5 years, had season tickets to Army West Point football games (American football). We usually make 3 games per year and always include a Friday night Broadway show (New York city) before the Saturday game. These short trips are the highlight of my year. Otherwise, I enjoy, golf, running, church activities, and various motor sports.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

I have been called back to active military duty, about a week ago. I am writing these words from FT Bliss, Texas, where I am undergoing training. I will soon depart for Kuwait, where I will work in the 345th Combat Support Hospital.

Bobby Garcia

Louisiana, USA

Tell us about where you currently live (city/county) and how you ended up in this location.

New Orleans, Louisiana and Newport Beach, California. I am in my last year of fellowship training in New Orleans but my wife lives and works in California so we commute to see each other on the weekends.

Tell us about your work - your job title, where you work, how long you've worked in the field, areas of focus or research, etc.

I am in my third year of fellowship training at Louisiana State University. My area of interest and the focus of my research year in fellowship has been the evolving field of cosmetic gynecology and applications of energy based therapy.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I joined in 2017 after matching into urogynecology fellowship. I have attended both the 2017 meeting in Vancouver and 2018 meeting in Vienna. It is one of my favorite conferences.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

Being a part of the leadership in the Special Interest Group in Cosmetic Gynecology. At the upcoming SIG meeting this year we will introduce a formal Charter delineating and defining the overall scope of cosmetic gynecology. Currently there is a great deal of confusion over terms like "vaginal rejuvenation" and "O-shot". The Field currently lacks a uniform language. It is my goal to help development a document that will standardize and define terminology and outcome measures that can be used to quantify the efficacy and utility of cosmetic gynecology procedures.

What is the last book you read or movie you saw? Would you recommend it?

1) Focused & Fearless - A Mediatotr's Guide to States of Deep Joy, Calm, and Clarity by Shaila Chaterine 2) Female Cosmetic Genital Surgery - Concepts, Classification, and Techniques Editors: Hamori, Banwell, Alinsod 3) Female Genital Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery Editor: Michael Goodman

What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Meditation, Pilates, & Golf.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

I've been growing out my hair in solidarity with one of my mentors who taught me vaginal surgery Dr. Ralph Chesson. He's rockin' a pony tail complete with braid while three fellowship years later I'm creating the illusion of pulled back hair with the use of gel.

Omar Dueñas Garcia

West Virginia, USA

Pilar Martin Garcia

Canberra, Australia

Tell us about where you currently live (city/country) and how you ended up in this location.

I currently live in Canberra, Australia. Although I was born and raised in Spain, in 2012 I got a scolarship to study English in Australia and I fell in love with the country so I decided to make the move in 2016 and I have been living in this country since then. Initially lived in Perth and in Feb 2021 I relocated to Canberra.

Tell us about your work - your job title, where you work, how long you've worked in the field, areas of focus or research, etc.

I am a physiotherapist who have recently finished her Master in Continence and Pelvic Health. I started working with antenatal women since I finished my degree in 2010 and then did some courses to be trained in this area. However, it wasn't until 2017 that I started seeing more continence and other pelvic health conditions. The latest research project that I have been involved in was in chronic pelvic pain focused on vulva-owners. I have a passion for pelvic pain in general but also in educating patients properly to avoid trauma (especially with birth).

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I joined IUGA Feb 2021 as my boss encouraged me to do so in order to attend the Maternal Symposium. After that, I realized that being a member of IUGA has many benefits in terms of professional development, network, etc.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

The maternal summit

What is the last book you read or movie you saw? Would you recommend it?

Last movie that I watched was 'The power of the dog' and I would highly recommend it. The last book I read was 'Before the coffee gets cold', an amazing Japanese book with short stories that happen in a cafe where you can travel to the past...before the coffee gets cold.

What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I am an outdoor person, I love running, trail running, hiking (love Canberra for that!), bike riding, etc. Also, I love coffee so you could spot me on a nice cafe writing and sipping on some black coffee.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

I am Spanish but born and raise in the African continent. Spain has 2 little cities on top of Africa and I come from one of them: Ceuta.

Amr Gehad

London, UK

Shimon Ginath

Rishon Leziyyon, Israel

Howard Goldman

Ohio, USA

Deepa Gopinath

Sydney, Australia

Tell us about where you currently live (city/country) and how you ended up in this location.

I live in western Sydney in Australia. After moving two continents, I have made Australia my home country as it offers me a perfect work life balance and an abundance of opportunities for my professional and personal life.

Tell us about your work - your job title, where you work, how long you've worked in the field, areas of focus or research, etc.

I work as the lead urogynaecologist at Nepean Hospital in Western Sydney. Having done subspecialty training in both UK and Australia, I am very passionate about pelvic floor health and have been working in the specialty since 2010. My main area of interest is service delivery and quality improvement projects that bridge the gap between clinician and patient. This involves working with patient goals, decision aids and team working with patient centred approach.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I have been a member of IUGA since 2009. IUGA gave me an exciting view point as a trainee and an opportunity to network with peers at the annual meetings which then inspired me to do further training in Urogynaecology. There is not a day in my working life where I haven't clicked the site to access the resources for patients or for my own education. It is wonderful to be able to contribute to this amazing society.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

My most memorable IUGA experience was the walk to the Castle for the opening ceremony in 2011. This was my first IUGA meeting as a trainee. I remember walking with many of the eminent members of the society who were so humble and showed interest in a newbie like me!

What is the last book you read or movie you saw? Would you recommend it?

I am not much of a reader, but do like to listen to podcasts on long drives. The last movie I saw was the French drama on Netflix - 'Vicky and her Mystery' that shows the unbreakable bonding between a wild animal and an innocent child. The story was predictable, but being an animal lover, I enjoyed the sentimentality and the emotional beats of the movie.

What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I love short craft projects and am happy to give anything a good go. The satisfaction of seeing the finished project is almost as satisfying as publishing a journal paper :)

What is one "fun fact" about you?

I like to talking to my pets as though they can talk back to me.

Charlotte Goutallier

Melbourne, Australia

Magdalena Grzybowska

Gdańsk, Poland

Tell us about where you currently live (city/country) and how you ended up in this location.
I was born, grew up, and work in Gdańsk, Poland. Because I like living here and being close to the sea, I have never thought of moving anywhere else. However, I love to travel to far and exotic countries, so I make up for being in the same place by visiting far-off corners of the world during my holiday.
Tell us about your work - your job title, where you work, how long you've worked in the field, areas of focus or research, etc.
I am an attending physician, currently working at the Department of Gynecology, Gynecological Oncology and Gynecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Gdansk, Poland. I am a clinician and an academic teacher. I specialize in obstetrics & gynecology. My main area of focus has been urogynecology for a while now. In fact, my adventure with urogynecology started right after my med school and continues until today, so it’s been twenty years.
Quality of life of urogynecological patients is the main focus of my research. My Ph.D. thesis, defended in 2013, was entitled “Sexual function in women with pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence”. The results were presented at several international congresses and published in international journals. My research has been focused on the standardization of the methods applied in various studies. I have translated and validated several questionnaires into Polish, and analyzed their psychometric properties.
In 2020, I had the honor of being admitted to the International Urogynecological Consultation (IUC) IUGA Prolapse Initiative. In this international team, we are currently working on a project on Patient-Reported Outcomes, and preparing a chapter for the book.
Also, I am an active member of the Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (PSGO). As a member of the Board of Urogynecology Section of PSGO, I work with a team of experts and together we develop and prepare up-to-date guidelines for the management of various urogynecological conditions for Polish clinicians. The recommendations are about to be published.
I hope that my experience will make me a valuable addition to the Committee. I am excited about future development of IUGA and its contribution to urogynecology worldwide.
When and why did you decide to join IUGA?
I have been a member of IUGA since 2017. I joined the Association because very early on I understood the importance of being a constant learner and attending international medical congresses to keep in touch with the latest research, trends and developments in my field of interest, to have up-to-date knowledge. Also, another equally important aspect of being a member of the Association is the opportunity to meet people, exchange ideas, cooperate and, quite frankly, be inspired. As a physician working at a Medical University, I understand how important it is for all scientists to cooperate with other centers in the country and internationally.
What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?
The most memorable IUGA-related moment happened in 2013, when I received permission to translate into Polish and validate the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire – IUGA Revised. This led to the publication of the study in the International Urogynecological Journal, in 2017. Afterwards, I was invited to join the PISQ-IR Working Group, which I consider great honor.
What is the last book you read or movie you saw? Would you recommend it?
Among various literature genre, I often choose fantasy. I read fantasy books for relaxation. I like to take my mind off the everyday struggles by journeying to magical realms and reading about the adventures of the protagonists. Recently, I have read “The wise men fear” by Patrick Rothfuss from the Kingkiller Chronicles.
I would also recommend a book by the 2018 Literature Nobel Prize Winner, a Polish author, Olga Tokarczuk, “Drive Your Plow over the Bones of the Dead” for its very different way of presenting the reality.
What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
In my spare time, I like doing sports, jogging, and swimming. Physical activity lets my brain achieve the “Flow”. It is then, when I am out of breath, that I have this sensation of having a clear mind and it is when some of my ideas come to the surface. During holidays, my family and I take lots of books with us and we go to warm places. We spend time together and enjoy reading books in our spare time. I love paper editions of the books, when I can hold a book in my hand, turn the pages, and see what has been read.
What is one "fun fact" about you?
I cannot travel light?

Ankita Gupta

Illinois, USA

Jorge Milhem Haddad

São Paulo, Brazil

Fazlin Harun

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Where are you from?

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Tell us about your work—your job title, where you work, years of experience, areas of focus or research, and what inspired you to pursue your career.

I am a urogynaecologist, gynaecologist, and obstetrician, currently practicing at a tertiary referral hospital in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. With 16 years of experience in medical practice, I recently completed a three-year subspecialty training in urogynaecology, during which I had the privilege of learning from some of the best mentors in the field. Pursuing this subspecialty was a natural choice, as it allows me to delve deeper into the dynamic and rapidly evolving field of pelvic floor disorders.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received during your career?

Throughout my career, there have been ups and downs. I would be lying if I said I didn’t feel like quitting at times. However, the rewarding moments—when a patient’s quality of life improves after treatment—make it all worthwhile. The best piece of advice I’ve received is to work with sincerity and never let ego guide your actions.

I've been an IUGA member since

2019

What motivated you to join IUGA, and what does being a member mean to you?

IUGA is a renowned association that unites urogynaecologists worldwide. Being part of an organization with like-minded professionals who share the same passion and support each other is what motivated me to join. Membership in this esteemed association has opened many doors for me—allowing me to connect with experts whose work I had previously only read about, and whose surgical skills and innovations I greatly admire. Most importantly, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be mentored by one of the distinguished urogynaecologists who is an active committee member of IUGA.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

Being a member of IUGA offers many valuable perks. The most rewarding aspect, in my opinion, is the opportunity to forge new friendships and professional connections that extend beyond the conferences. One of my most memorable IUGA experiences was attending my first IUGA conference, where I had the privilege of meeting experts in the field and learning immensely from their insights.

What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work? How do you unwind or de-stress after a long day?

Outside of work, I enjoy peaceful moments spent reading books with a cup of coffee. I’m also a fan of watching Korean dramas on Netflix. When it comes to physical activities, I can be a bit erratic, though I do enjoy hiking, running, and kickboxing. However, my favorite pastime is undoubtedly sleeping as much as time allows.

What’s a "fun or surprising fact" about you that most people don’t know?

A fun and surprising fact about me that most people don't know is that I'm a caffeine addict. I drink 6-8 cups of coffee a day, and the number increases with my workload and stress levels. I’m also quite friendly, despite my unapproachable appearance.

Do you have a favorite book, movie, or music genre that you’d recommend?

I listen to various genres of music, but my favorite will always be songs by John Mayer. I’ve also read many of Mitch Albom’s books, which I find both heartfelt and comforting

Rachel High

Texas, USA

Markus Huebner

Bern, Switzerland

Shaimaa Ibrahim

Egypt

Shilpa Iyer

Chicago, United States

Matthew Izett

London, UK

Mentor

Swati Jha

Sheffield, UK

Tell us about where you currently live (city/country) and how you ended up in this location.

I live in Sheffield, UK which is now my home. I graduated medicine in India and came to England for higher training. My father who is a General Surgeon and worked in England in the 70s and 80s always told me that the UK training was amongst the best in the world. I went on to train as an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in Birmingham and completed my subspecialty training in Urogynaecology before being appointed to a Consultant post at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals in 2008.

Tell us about your work - your job title, where you work, how long you've worked in the field, areas of focus or research, etc.

I joined as a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Sheﬃeld Teaching Hospitals and Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer at Sheﬃeld University 11 years ago. I lead the Laparoscopic Urogynaecology service, Perineal trauma service as well the Paediatric Adolescent Gynaecology Service. My chief research interest is in the ﬁeld of Sexual Function in women with pelvic ﬂoor dysfunction. My MD Thesis was based on Sexual Function in Women with Urinary Incontinence. I have also undertaken the 3 National UK Prolapse surveys. Last year I wrote a book on “Medicolegal Issues in Obstetrics and Gynaecology” which is dedicated to my parents. This is one achievement I am incredibly proud of. I am current Chair of the British Society of Urogynaecology (BSUG) (October 2019) and have served as the Vice chair since 2017. I am also the UK representative of the International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (FIGO), Urogynaecology and Pelvic Floor Committee. I act as a Specialist advisor to the NICE IPG programme and have been BSUG spokesperson to the RCOG since October 2017.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I joined IUGA in 2004. This was the turning point in my career and when I decided I was going to be a Urogynaecologist (as opposed to a Gynae Oncologist). I was working with Paul Moran at the time, and he whet my appetite for the specialty. The rest is history as they say.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

My most rewarding IUGA experience has been the opportunity to work on two important IUGA documents i.e. PISQ IR and the Surgery for SUI terminology report. Working on these has made me feel a valued member of the organization.

What was the last book you read or movie you saw? Would you recommend it?

I have been reading Michelle Obamas "Becoming". Hugely inspirational and a lesson in pragmatism and optimism, because life is all about ﬁnding that silver lining. I don't really get time for movies, but the movie I last saw which moved me was "The Theory of Everything". This is based on the life story of Stephen Hawking. It taught me how in spite of every possible adversity in life, one can still follow one's passions and dreams.

What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I love cycling and if it's in the French countryside, even better. Being alone with my thoughts while cycling is something I ﬁnd incredibly therapeutic. I also enjoy reading and absolutely love the work of Atul Gawande. A life in medicine has taken over a lot of my hobbies (maybe one day I can get back to them).

What is one "fun fact" about you?

I have two birthdays (yes like the Queen)! Don't ask, long story.

Cristine Homsi Jorge

São Paulo, Brazil

Ashwini Kale

Aurangabad, India

Where are you from?

Aurangabad(Maharashtra), India

Tell us about your work—your job title, where you work, years of experience, areas of focus or research, and what inspired you to pursue your career.

I am Dr. Ashwini A. Kale PT, PhD, a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist and Founder of the Pelviheal Academy of Rehabilitation and Research. I currently serve as a Professor at Anand College of Physiotherapy in Aurangabad, India, with 14 years of experience in women's health and pelvic floor rehabilitation. My work focuses on urogynecological dysfunctions, pregnancy-related issues, and postpartum recovery, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice. I specialize in advanced techniques such as pelvic floor manual therapy, biofeedback, urodynamics, and diastasis recti rehabilitation, helping women regain confidence and functionality. I have conducted courses and workshops across India, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai and collaborated internationally with organizations like the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). I am also actively involved in the International Continence Society (ICS), having contributed as a committee member for Impact & Management of UT affected by Gynecological Pathology. My academic journey, including a PhD in pelvic floor rehabilitation and a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Urodynamics (ICS) from the Netherlands, has fueled my commitment to advancing physiotherapy education and research. What inspired me to pursue this career is the profound impact pelvic floor physiotherapy can have on women's quality of life, especially in regions where awareness and resources are limited. I find immense satisfaction in empowering women and spreading knowledge through teaching, clinical practice, and global collaborations.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received during your career?

The best piece of advice I’ve received during my career is to "focus on creating impact rather than seeking recognition." This wisdom has guided me to prioritize patient outcomes, quality education, and evidence-based practices over accolades. By staying dedicated to empowering women through pelvic floor rehabilitation and spreading awareness about its importance, I’ve learned that meaningful contributions naturally lead to recognition. This advice has inspired me to keep learning, teaching, and collaborating globally, ensuring my work makes a difference where it’s needed most.

I've been an IUGA member since

2022

What motivated you to join IUGA, and what does being a member mean to you?

I was motivated to join IUGA because of its global reputation as a leading organization in advancing urogynecology and pelvic floor health. As a pelvic floor physiotherapist dedicated to improving women's health, I sought opportunities to connect with experts, access cutting-edge research, and contribute to a community that prioritizes evidence-based care and education. Being an IUGA member means being part of a global family of professionals committed to enhancing patient outcomes and advancing the field. It has provided me with invaluable resources, opportunities for collaboration, and a platform to share knowledge, which aligns perfectly with my passion for teaching and empowering others in this specialized area.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

My most rewarding IUGA experience has been the opportunity to engage with a global community of experts dedicated to advancing urogynecology and pelvic floor health. Attending IUGA events and workshops has been particularly memorable, as they provided me with access to the latest research, hands-on learning, and inspiring interactions with leaders in the field. These experiences have not only expanded my knowledge but also strengthened my passion for promoting pelvic floor rehabilitation worldwide. Being part of such a dynamic and collaborative community motivates me to continue contributing to education, research, and clinical practice.

What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work? How do you unwind or de-stress after a long day?

Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, especially my two daughters, who bring immense joy and energy to my life. I also find great satisfaction in teaching and sharing knowledge, which often feels less like work and more like a passion. To unwind after a long day, I enjoy practicing yoga and mindfulness exercises, which help me stay grounded and rejuvenated. I also love reading. These activities allow me to relax, recharge, and return to my work with renewed focus and enthusiasm.

What’s a "fun or surprising fact" about you that most people don’t know?

My life is like an open book—I’m an easygoing, fun-loving person who loves connecting with people. I believe in enjoying every moment and embracing life’s adventures with a smile.

Do you have a favorite book, movie, or music genre that you’d recommend?

One book I’d highly recommend is "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle. It offers profound insights into mindfulness and presence, which I find particularly valuable in both my professional and personal life. It aligns well with the importance of mental well-being, which complements my focus on pelvic health and rehabilitation. As for music, I love listening to classical music, especially piano pieces by composers like Beethoven and Chopin. It helps me relax and creates a peaceful environment after a long day.

Maherah Kamarudin

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Süleyman Serkan Karaşin

Bursa, Turkey

Where are you from?

Bursa, Turkey

Tell us about your work—your job title, where you work, years of experience, areas of focus or research, and what inspired you to pursue your career.

I am Associate Professor, Süleyman Serkan Karaşin, MD. I am working at Health Sciences University, Bursa Yüksek İhtisas Training and Research Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bursa-Turkey. I have been working at this hospital since 2013. The first 4 years of this were specialization training, and I have been working as a specialist physician since 2018 and as an associate professor for the last 2 years. I am interested in many areas of my field. This includes high-risk pregnancy management, postpartum bleeding, minimally invasive surgeries, vaginal natural orifice surgery, pelvic floor diseases, pelvic floor surgery, and I provide training in these areas to approximately 50 physicians receiving specialization training in our clinic. My most important sources of inspiration have been to improve myself as much as possible in these areas of interest, to know my limits in what I can do, and to be able to convey what I have learned.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received during your career?

Empathize

I've been an IUGA member since

2024

What motivated you to join IUGA, and what does being a member mean to you?

I am happy to be a member of the International Urogynecology Association. Being able to connect with the world, share my experiences, and gain new experiences in this professional field that I am interested in is, of course, one of my priorities. I think that Urogynecology has its own universe and being able to do the best in this field is one of my goals.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

I think it's too early to answer this yet.

What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work? How do you unwind or de-stress after a long day?

I am also a leather craftsman. In my free time, I make many accessories and products from real leather pieces such as bags, card holders, watch straps, etc. I also have my own patented brand. I am also interested in wristwatches, I have a collection and I like to open old watches, examine them, repair them, and tinker with them.

Do you have a favorite book, movie, or music genre that you’d recommend?

Books: Bratya Karamazovı (Karamazov Brothers)-Dostoyevski; Saatleri Ayarlama Enstitüsü-Ahmet Hamdi Tanpınar Movies: Godfather Series, Interstellar, Peaky Blinders, Kuru Otlar Üstünde

Debjyoti Karmakar

Melbourne, Australia

Özge Kömürcü Karuserci

Gaziantep, Turkey

Jenny King

Sydney, Australia

Armen Kirakosyan

New York, USA

Wenche Klerkx

Utrecht, The Netherlands

Tell us about where you currently live (city/country) and how you ended up in this location.

I live with my husband and kids in a small town around Utrecht, the Netherlands. This is about 10 km from the st Antonius Hospital, where I started to work as urogynaecologist after finishing my fellowship in 2018.

Tell us about your work - your job title, where you work, how long you've worked in the field, areas of focus or research, etc.

After my residency Obs&Gynae in 2015 I did my fellowship in the Radboud University in Nijmegen under supervision of Dr. Kluivers and in the Isala Clinic under supervision of Dr. van Eijndhoven. In my current position, I collaborate as subspecialist with gynaecologists with special interest in pelvic floor problems, functional urologists, pelvic floor physical therapists, and colorectal surgeons. Last year, I replaced the head of Research and Development of our department and with our research nurse; I coordinate all research (consortium initiated, industry sponsored, and research initiated by the department itself). My focus of research is treatment of chronic pelvic pain by botulin toxin injection in the pelvic floor and follow-up after OASIs. This year, I am very excited that our hospital will partly offer the 2-year Dutch fellowship program urogynaecology and I will become trainer.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I started my career in oncology (PhD). However, during my residency I got interested in the functional pelvic floor problems and joined the IUGA in 2015. IUGA is an excellent platform for research, learning tools, and improving quality of care by standardization of terminology. The meetings have a high quality of presented research, safe learning environment and a good mix of social interactions with all members.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

The honouring of my first mentor in urogynaecologie, Dr. Harry Vervest.

What is the last book you read or movie you saw? Would you recommend it?

I’ve just read Out of Darkness, Shining Light by Petina Gappah. Another perspective on doctor David Livingstone by the telling the real-life story of how the body was transported through Africa by his staff so he could be buried in Britain.

What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Outdoor sports, reading, spending time with my family.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

Love to eat but not much of a cook…

Kirsten Kluivers

Nijmegen, The Netherlands

Tell us about where you currently live (city/country) and how you ended up in this location.

I have been working at the Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center since 2005. It was my first position after my obgyn training. Prof Mark Vierhout, who has now retired, had just settled there and was able to hire to young colleagues. These were Mariella Withagen, who is now working in Utrecht, and me. In the first years, I focused on endometriosis as well, but in recent years it is only urogynaecology and pediatric gynaecology (more specifically congenital anomalies). I am now working in our academic pelvic floor team with my direct colleague Kim Notten.

Tell us about your work - your job title, where you work, how long you've worked in the field, areas of focus or research, etc.

I am a urogynecologist and have built up my clinical experience including complex vaginal and laparoscopic operations since 2001. I am an associate professor since 2011. In 2007, I defended my thesis on laparoscopic hysterectomy and postoperative recovery, and since then my scientific research has focused more on urogynecology: clinical evaluation studies in prolapse and urinary incontinence, pelvic floor imaging and basic science / genetics. I have supervised 13 dissertations and fulfill the role as primary supervisor (IUS Promovendi). I am trainer of the 2-year Dutch fellowship program urogynecology.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I have always perceived IUGA as a pleasant scientific society with high standards and stimulating environment. Mark Vierhout has always been an active member and has introduced me in 2005. I am a member of the scientific committee which is a position that fits me well. It is a honor to be allowed to read all the hard work done by so many researchers in the field.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

When we received the first Oscar Contreras Ortiz Award for the Most Impactful Publication in the IUJ for our publication entitled: “Risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse and its recurrence: a systematic review”.

What is the last book you read or movie you saw? Would you recommend it?

I am reading Humankind: A Hopeful History by Rutger Bregman, which is indeed a hopeful book and much worth reading.

What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Being out in the nature. Intact biotopes, with just the sounds of nature. I hope I will never need to do without them. We have a lilac minibus which has already brought us to many beautiful places.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

It is something between tragedy and fun, but also inevitably characteristic, and at least a lot of fun now. In 2011, I lost my previous partner from a chondrosarcoma with whom I had lived for 14 years. I have been extremely sad in that period. In 2013, I met Rik with whom I share my life now and as a miracle, we got a little cheerful son who is 5 years old.

Mentor

Marianne Koch

Vienna, Austria

Joseph Kowalski

Iowa, United States

Kazibe Koyuncu

Istanbul, Turkey

Savitha Krishnan

California, United States

Priyanka H Krishnaswamy

Glasgow, UK

Tsia-Shu Lo

Taipei, Taiwan

Yongxian Lu

Beijing, China

Pallavi Latthe

Birmingham, UK

Juraj Letko

Chicago, USA

Mentor

Ilias Liapis

Birmingham, UK

Tell us about where you currently live (city/country) and how you ended up in this location.

I currently reside and practice in Birmingham, United Kingdom. After successfully completing my undergraduate studies at Charles University in Prague, I made the conscious decision to enter & complete the UK Foundation Programme and secure a national training number in the obstetrics and gynaecology training programme in the UK, following a competitive selection process.

Driven by my passion for urogynaecology, I specifically selected the United Kingdom due to its esteemed reputation and long-standing tradition of excellence in this field. Renowned for its world-class training centers and opportunities for professional growth, the UK became emerged as an ideal environment for developing my academic and clinical skills. Settling in Birmingham has not only allowed me to contribute to the medical community here but also to immerse myself in a vibrant and culturally diverse city that I am proud to call home.

Tell us about your work - your job title, where you work, how long you've worked in the field, areas of focus or research, etc.

I am currently undertaking my residency training in obstetrics and gynaecology at Birmingham Women's Hospital in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Over the past six years, my professional journey has involved completing a research fellowship in Urogynaecology at Birmingham Women's Hospital, in collaboration with the Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research at the University of Birmingham.

During these initial stages of my career, my primary research focus has been on medical device technologies and clinical trials within the field of urogynaecology. This research endeavor has not only enhanced my understanding of urogynaecological conditions but has also fuelled my passion for advancing patient care. I am therefore, steadfast in my commitment to enhance patient outcomes and improve their quality of life through ongoing research and innovation.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

As a first-year medical student I had the opportunity to attend my inaugural IUGA meeting in Toronto Canada back in 2010. Prof. De Lancey's captivating lecture on the fundamental biomechanics of pelvic organ prolapse left a lasting impression on me. Moreover, the inclusive and vibrant atmosphere of the gathering was truly inspiring. It was during this event that I realized the progressive ethos of the IUGA society and its ambitious environment would provide the perfect platform for me to connect with peers who shared my research interests.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

Presenting the interim results of my research at the IUGA conference in the Netherlands in 2023, as well as being given the opportunity to serve the Trainee members from the position of a Trainee Committee member have been two of my most memorable experiences thus far within the society.

Ilias Liapis

Birmingham, UK

Tell us about where you currently live (city/country) and how you ended up in this location.

Tell us about your work - your job title, where you work, how long you've worked in the field, areas of focus or research, etc.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

Svjetlana Lozo

Northern America

New York, USA

Tell us about where you currently live (city/country) and how you ended up in this location.

I just completed my fellowship at University of Chicago/Northshore Program. My new position is starting on October 1st and I am excited to join Columbia University Medical Center and their Minimally Invasive Gynecology Group. I absolutely love NYC and wanted to join academic practice, so when this opportunity came up, I had no questions it was the right choice for me.

Tell us about your work - your job title, where you work, how long you've worked in the field, areas of focus or research, etc.

I just completed three year fellowship at University of Chicago/Northshore Program and had great time there. My research focus during the fellowship was quality improvement, medical education and long term surgical outcomes. Prior to my move to "Windy City" I completed fellowship in Global Health and spent majority of my time working on medical training and improvement of health care systems in western Kenya.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

My mentor during the residency spoke highly of IUGA. Members that she met and experiences that she had during the conferences. Therefore during my residency, I decided to join IUGA and find out what it had for trainees and fellows.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

It has been an honor and pleasure to work with IUGA members from all over the world. It has been extremely interesting to see how "fellows" experiences have been so different and yet still the same.

What is the last book you read or movie you saw? Would you recommend it?

I just read Outliers by Malcom Gladwell and would definitely recommend it. It explores experiences of people who are outliers; explores combination of hard work, luck and right timing.

What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy traveling, exploring new places and visiting my friends around the world. When I am at home I am always up for finding a good coffee shop, exploring new restaurants or exploring new yoga studios.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

When I was 15, I moved to the US for high school and lived with a family in Philadelphia. That is my "American Family", who I absolutely adore and love and often talk about.

Mentor

Emily Lukacz

California, USA

Rayan Mohamed-Ahmed

London, UK

Sheethal Madari

Aberdeen, Scotland

Tell us about where you currently live (city/country) and how you ended up in this location.

I currently live in Aberdeen, Scotland. I ended up in this location primarily because I was captivated by its unique combination of mountain landscape and the sea. Aberdeen oers a remarkable blend of natural beauty with its stunning coastlines and picturesque surroundings. The proximity to the sea has been particularly appealing to me, as it provides a sense of tranquillity and offers various recreational opportunities. If provides an escape for the stress from work. One aspect that I appreciate about Aberdeen is its multicultural and diverse community. The city presents a wonderful opportunity to interact with individuals from various walks of life, with appreciation for different cultures.
However, it is worth mentioning that the weather in Aberdeen can be somewhat challenging. The city is known for its tendency to experience frequent rain showers and relatively colder temperatures. Despite this, I find that the unique charm that the city's offers compensate for the weather's occasional gloominess. With its captivating landscapes, multicultural atmosphere, and the genuine sense of community makes it a special place to call home.

Tell us about your work - your job title, where you work, how long you've worked in the field, areas of focus or research, etc.

I work as a Consultant Urogynaecologist in a tertiary hospital under the NHS Grampian health board. I have more than 5 years of experience as a consultant. I have been involved in multicentric study as a clinical research fellow in my earlier years of training. My experience in research has been on early medical abortion with a research MD involving a qualitative and quantitative research along with systematic reviews.

In addition to my clinical responsibilities, I have developed a special interest in the fields of medicolegal and ethics, as well as patient safety. The area of interest was health care in women with raised BMI. This involves staying updated on the latest research and guidelines related to these areas, as well as ensuring that ethical standards and protocols are followed in the provision of patient care. I am passionate about advocating for patient rights and promoting a safe and supportive healthcare environment.
During my years of practice, I have been fortunate to work in various healthcare settings, including private clinics, hospitals, and academic institutions. This has provided me with valuable exposure to dierent patient populations and the opportunity to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of healthcare professionals.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I decided to join IUGA when I learned about their commitment to providing ongoing learning opportunities through webinars and their emphasis on sharing experiences and expertise. As someone passionate about continuous professional development and staying updated with the latest advancements in my field, I saw
joining IUGA as a valuable opportunity to expand my knowledge and network with like-minded professionals worldwide. Volunteer opportunities at the IUGA has encouraged me to be actively engage with IUGA.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

As a trainee, I had an opportunity to present at IUGA conference. The major impact that IUGA has had is using patient information leaets in my day-to-day clinical practice. The leaets are easily accessible and promote understanding of various medical concepts in simple language and with illustrations. Moreover, their availability in dierent languages addresses the diverse needs of patients from various cultural backgrounds.

What is the last book you read or movie you saw? Would you recommend it?

The last movie I saw was a Hindi movie called "Ram Setu." It explores the Hindu mythology and delves into the science behind the concept of Ram Setu, also known as the Adams Bridge. Rama Setu is a chain of limestone shoals that connects the southern tip of India to the northwestern coast of Sri Lanka. I visited the place of origin of his historical bridge and was therefore the movie interesting. There are controversies with regards to its existence and engineering as to whether this is manmande or
natural.
As historical movies intrigue me, I found the movie fascinating and engaging. I would recommend this to anyone interested in understanding the ancient narratives and discovering the potential science behind them.

What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I find painting and gardening therapeutic Both hobbies require time and eort and wish I could have more time to devote to my hobbies. I dream of donating a collection of my paintings to be part of the hospital walls and bringing joy to patients with artistic interests.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

Despite my irrational fear of dogs, I admit it can be a rather hilarious predicament. As a grown adult, I can find myself frozen in my tracks like a statue as an innocent little furry creature trots by. My brain signals are at their optimum making connections to look for the safest escape route, to avoid a playful pup. It's like a comedy show when I hind behind people using them as a shield. On the bright side, I just found out that I was not alone, apparently fear of dogs is one of the most common specic phobias among people. It is estimated that around 36% of people with specic phobias have a fear of dogs. My mission now would be to form a support group of dog-fearing warriors, with the motto: "Fear the dogs, but laugh at ourselves!"

Gisele Vissoci Marquini

Uberlândia, Brazil

Tell us about where you currently live (city/country) and how you ended up in this location.

My city of work is Uberlândia/MG/Brazil, in the interior of Brazil. I have lived here for over 30 years, when I entered medical school and continued working as a doctor and gynecologist.

Tell us about your work - your job title, where you work, how long you've worked in the field, areas of focus or research, etc.

I am Bachelor’s in Medicine, Specialization-Medical Residence in Gynecology and Obstetrics, Master's in Health’s Sciences by Federal University of Uberlandia (UFU), MG Brazil. Doctorate in Health's Sciences by Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Brazil. Collaborator in the Urogynecology and Vaginal Surgery area from the Department of Gynecology (UNIFESP), where I have been following medical education in Urogynecology since 2015 until nowadays. I have been working as a Urogynecologist for around 10 years.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I became interested in the area of female Urology and started following the female Urology service at the hospital in my city in the 2005s, when slings arrived in our region. Then I felt the need to go to a specialized service to improve technique and protocols in the area of Urogynecology. I joined the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) with a postgraduate degree in Urogynecology and Vaginal Surgery and a Doctorate in Medicine in 2015 and I remain linked to research and protocols to this day. At UNIFESP they introduced me to IUGA and I identified myself. The opportunity to learn at IUGA with the most renowned names in the world in Urogynecology is indescribable.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

I had several wonderful experiences at IUGA. I participated at the IUGA 48th Annual Meeting, The Hague, The Netherlands (2023); IUGA 47th Annual Meeting, Austin, TX – USA, as an in-person participant (2022); IUGA 45th and 46th Annual Meeting (virtual 2020 and 2021); AUGS/IUGA 44th Annual Meeting, Nashville, TN, United States (2019); IUGA 43rd Annual Meeting, Vienna, Austria (2018); IUGA 42nd Annual Meeting, Vancouver, Canada (2017), some of them with presentation of abstracts. Unfortunately, I believe that it will not be possible to participate in the meeting in Singapore (2024) due to financial resources, logistics and distance from Latin America. However, I am already preparing to participate in Barcelona in 2025.
I have been participating in the IUGA Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) committee chapter 1 (incidence and prevalence), ERAS AUGS/IUGA writing group (Research & Development Committee) and Mixed Urinary Incontinence since 2019.
I met in person, attended classes, talked, took photos, had lunch with honored names that were from my virtual PUBMED, was like a dream, such as Dr Ranee Thakar, Pallavi Latthe, Aparna Hedge, John O DeLancey and some other names. Incredible! Very enriching and honorable experience.

What is the last book you read or movie you saw? Would you recommend it?

Movies: Before sunset; Good House (with Sigourney Weaver) and Close (paints touching portrait of young male intimacy).
Book: Spiritist book that involves the beautiful and dramatic love story lived by a French soldier and a German woman during the Second World War, the name is in Portuguese ( my native language: Entre o Amor e a Guerra or "Between Love and War" - author: Zibia Gaparetto). I like books from Laura Scott (Crystal Lake Series).

What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I like spending time with my children, playing the piano and taking care of my plants. I think that´s important to say I love to study English. I have a major barrier in speaking English. I have had more training since I was a teenager in reading, listening and writing. However, I have important limitations in everyday speech and pronunciation in English, as it is my second language.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

I had a funny incident at IUGA. My colleague Maria Bortolini won an award in Nashville but didn't have a photo presentation. In her simplicity and authenticity, she was very honored but very discreetly and did not comment to the Brazilian team. I saw the prize in her hand, similar to a small painting, and asked where she had bought it. Then she explained to me that it was not a Walmart product, but an award to recognize her work at IUGA. And I admire her a lot, so I celebrated it as if it were mine and, despite Maria's discretion and against her wishes, I organized a fake award ceremony. So, none other than Dr. Dudley Robinson was nearby when I asked him to take a photo with her presenting the award to show in Brazil. They laughed a lot, took the photo and here in Brazil it looked like a perfect Oscar ceremony.

Catherine Matthews

North Carolina, USA

Keeth Mayakaduwage

Melbourne, Australia

Esther McNeill

Derry, Northern Ireland

Jerome Melon

Gold Coast, Australia

Zelalem Mengistu

Gondar, Ethiopia

Vatche Minassian

Massachusetts, USA

Paul Muwanguzi

Kampala, Uganda

Genevieve Nadeau

Quebec, Canada

Hedwig Neels

Antwerp, Belgium

Tell us about where you currently live (city/country) and how you ended up in this location.

I was born in Antwerp, Belgium and I am still living and working there. I love my city and my country with its advantages and disadvantages.

Tell us about your work - your job title, where you work, how long you've worked in the field, areas of focus or research, etc.

I am a women's health physiotherapist specialized in pelvic floor assessment and rehabilitation. I finished my PhD about pelvic floor dysfunction in women in 2018 and I am now proceeding with postdoctoral research, teaching at the University of Antwerp and working in the University hospital with women of all ages. My focus is on urogynaecology, on perinatal pelvic floor problems and the functional assessment of the pelvic floor. I love to combine functional clinical assessments with transperineal dynamic ultrasound (3D/4D). I am very engaged to raise awareness about pelvic floor birth trauma and I am aiming to improve the multidisciplinary care (prevention and treatment) of those problems in a patient centered approach.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I joined IUGA during my PhD to submit my first research results in Capetown 2016.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

My observership in Sydney, Australia (2019). I had the privilege to visit Prof. Dietz in Sydney during a six week observership, to cooperate in research and learn about the functional assessment of the pelvic floor by ultrasound imaging. Without any doubt, that is my most rewarding IUGA experience. Because of the challenge of the research stay abroad in an excellent Australian team on one hand, and because of the overwhelming IUGA support I received during and after that experience. Several IUGA committee members, the board, the support team, my mentors and many other members... They all showed interest and gave me opportunities to grow into this interesting domain. And I am sure that beautiful corporations and friendships will grow from that.

What is the last book you read or movie you saw? Would you recommend it?

The Pelvic Floor Recovery books by Sue Croft. I would definitely recommend them.

What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Enjoying life with my kids and husband is definitely #1. I love cycling and exercising and I am not afraid to train for sportive challenges, but I also love a glass of wine, nice food and friends!

What is one "fun fact" about you?

What a difficult questions... I would love to bounce that one back..! Meet me and see for yourself.

Gemma Nightingale

Auckland, New Zealand

Atieh Novin

California, United States

Adanna Okeahialam

London, UK

Michele O'Shea

North Carolina, USA

Donald Ostergard

Colorado, USA

Tell us about where you currently live (city/country) and how you ended up in this location.

I currently live in Salida, CO, USA. When my wife passed away I came to Salida to live with my daughter. Her mother was also living here and, long story short, we have remarried after 35 years.

Tell us about your work - your job title, where you work, how long you've worked in the field, areas of focus or research, etc.

I am currently Professor in Residence at the UCLA School of Medicine in Torrance, California. I am one of the founders of IUGA in 1976 at the FIGO meeting in Mexico City and also of AUGS in Orange County in 1979. I became interested in urogynecology as a resident in Ob-Gyn in 1965 from the influence of Dr. Jack Robertson who was one of our attendings. We instituted a Urogynecology Clinic at our hospital where I trained the first fellow in the field in the USA. I also trained the first Nurse Practitioners and Physician's Assistants in the field from the USA and Latin America.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I was a founder of IUGA in 1976.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

My most rewarding experience was as its President guiding it through the 3 years of my presidency which allowed me to became friends with many other physicians from other parts of the world. This was a valuable experience learning from these physicians who represented diverse cultural and ethnic diversity.

What is the last book you read or movie you saw? Would you recommend it?

The last book is called "Liar Liar" by James Patterson. If you like fast paced action, I would highly recommend it.

What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

We live on a ranch in a town of 6000 people in central Colorado where we have horses as well as in Kentucky where we breed cutting horses. I also am planning to get a greenhouse to raise tropical plants as I have done for many years while living in California. I really like my farm and animal duties under the direction of my wife, Char, who is a practitioner of natural horsemanship.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

I like to travel and have been to 89 countries so far and just completed an almost month long boat trip across the fabled North West Passage, from Greenland to the Bering Sea and Alaska. The trip had lectures from archaeologists, geologists, native Inuits, climate change specialists, biologists, historians and others who had traveled the world. We visited native Inuit villages along the way and were treated to their native culture with presentations given by them in their native villages and on the ship. Life long learning is a priority of mine and this trip was a true learning experience.

Çisel Demiralp Övgün

Famagusta, North Cyprus

Manidip Pal

Kolkata, India

Ivilina Pandeva

Cambridge, UK

Tell us about where you currently live (city/country) and how you ended up in this location.

I am very fortunate to be based in Cambridge, UK, where I completed my Obstetrics and Gynaecology training, as well as subspecialty training in Urogynaecology. Cambridge oers a unique blend of historical charm, academic excellence, cutting-edge research and innovation at its core, making it a truly exceptional place to live and work.

Tell us about your work - your job title, where you work, how long you've worked in the field, areas of focus or research, etc.

I am a Consultant Subspecialist Urogynaecologist and robotic pelvic oor reconstructive surgeon with a strong track record in providing tertiary-level care for women with complex urogynaecological conditions. My expertise has been developed through substantive roles at Addenbrooke’s University Hospital, Cambridge, and Croydon University Hospital, UK, where I embarked on my rst consultant position. Procient in both vaginal and minimal access (laparoscopic, robotic, and NOTES) pelvic reconstructive surgery, I have dedicated years to rening my skills in delivering high-quality care. Over the past two decades, I've developed a strong background in utilising ultrasound technology for advanced pelvic oor and mesh imaging. In addition to clinical practice, I am deeply committed to advancing research in pelvic floor dysfunction, as evidenced by my numerous peer-reviewed publications and educational contributions. Recognising the importance of knowledge sharing and mentorship, I actively engage in training and mentoring medical professionals through various faculty roles in surgical courses and leadership positions in training programs and professional societies. My aim is to continuously contribute to the improvement of patient care and the advancement of our field.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I've been an active member of IUGA since 2015, when I rst participated in the annual IUGA Meeting in Nice, France, as a subspecialty trainee. Currently, I have the honour of serving as the Chair of the IUGA Workshop Subcommittee, where I play a pivotal role in organising and facilitating educational workshops. Additionally, I'm a dedicated member of both the educational and program committees, contributing to the development and execution of impactful initiatives within the organisation.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

My most rewarding and memorable experience with IUGA has been the invaluable opportunity to actively engage with colleagues and build enduring friendships within the field of Urogynaecology, both locally and globally. Through my involvement, I've had the privilege of participating in enriching collaborations, including workshops, training courses, and contributing to advancements in minimal access surgery. These experiences have not only expanded my professional network but have also deepened my knowledge and passion for our field.

What is the last book you read or movie you saw? Would you recommend it?
The last book I read was 'Agent Running in the Field' by John Le Carré, and I would highly recommend it. It's a prime example of contemporary Le Carré storytelling at its finest.

What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
In my spare time, what truly captivates me is windsurng. There's nothing quite like the feeling of being near the water's edge. I'm constantly driven by a passion for rening my skills and mastering new maneuvers on the board, always seeking opportunities to enhance my technique regardless of where I nd myself in the world.

What is one "fun fact" about you?
I hold both a silver and bronze medal as a co-pilot in international car rally competitions. Each medal symbolises the teamwork, determination, and passion that drive me both on and off the track.

Jack Pardo

Santiago, Chile

Tell us about where you currently live (city/country) and how you ended up in this location.

I was born and lived all my life in Santiago, Chile.

Tell us about your work - your job title, where you work, how long you've worked in the ﬁeld, areas of focus or research, etc.

I'm a Obs/Gyn since 1993. I begun as a Gyn Oncologist until 2000 where I shift to Urogynecology (UG) in a private hospital. In 2003 I was trained in Cosmetic Gynecology (CG) in the LVRI of America. Since then I combine succesfully UG and CG. In 2016 I found the IUGA CG SIG . Now I own a Medical Center specialize in UG/CG and Aesthetic General Laser.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

Because I feel that it is the scientiﬁc society that best suits my clinical work. I also have an enormous respect for its organization and for the professionals that integrate it.I also believe that its authorities were visionary and brave to have integrated cosmeticginecology and created its SIG. On this particular point I want to congratulate our Past President Dr. Willy Davila.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

First when Willy Davila asked me in 2015 to create and lead the IUGA SIG of Cosmetic Gynecology . Secondly, having lead two CG workshops with an absolutely booked auditorium in Vancouver 2017 and Vienna 2018.

What is the last book you read or movie you saw? Would you recommend it?

I am a great movie fun and I was a great reader (now less). My favorite movie is The Godfather. The last book I have read and also recommend is a very old one, The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas. Both ﬁt very much to my professional life in the sense that justice takes, sometimes a lot, but it ﬁnally comes.

What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

By far it is golf, I play twice a week and I think I do quite well, I have 7 hcp. I like movies, reading and sharing with my family and friends. On the other hand when you can not miss the opportunity to sing in public especially the songs of Frank Sinatra. I attend the gym two or three times a week to keep ﬁt although I do it more as a duty rather than as a pleasure.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

More than a fun fact I would like to comment that because of my personality, professional work, specially the last 15 years, cosmetic gyn I have been very controversial and unfortunately I have created many adversaries and enemies who have tried to harm me. The funny thing is that without exception all the times that they did something bad to me this ended up being a favor for me.

Leon Plowright

Jacksonville, United States

Where are you from?

Jacksonville, United States

Tell us about your work—your job title, where you work, years of experience, areas of focus or research, and what inspired you to pursue your career.

I am currently an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Florida- Jacksonville. I also hold an Adjunct Professor position at Carle Illinois College of Medicine. I have been in practice for ten plus years. My pursuit of medicine was first fostered late in my undergraduate studies. Prior to this I strongly pursued pharmaceutical research. I later realized however that I desired more of a human touch. I wanted a way to bring medicine to the bedside and being a physician seemed the perfect route. The journey has one of great fulfillment. In my current role my focus is training residents and medical students. I have a clinical interest in OAB, rUTI and Bladder Pain Syndrome.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received during your career?

The best career advice that I have received is that "the most meaningful growth comes in spaces and times of discomfort." Therefore, in order to grow one has to be accepting and comfortable with failures and setbacks.

I've been an IUGA member since...

2011

What motivated you to join IUGA, and what does being a member mean to you?

I was motivated to join IUGA because I felt that a global understanding of the field of Urogynecology held great value. The unique perspectives from many corners of the world placed IUGA at the top of my, "must join, ' clinically impactful organizations.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

I cannot think of one experience. But I can say that whenever I attend an annual meeting, I feel a sense of unity, comradery, strength and renewed passion to serve.

What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work? How do you unwind or de-stress after a long day?

My hobbies and activities outside of work includes reading, cycling, traveling, cooking, gardening, going to the beach and going on nature walks.

What’s a "fun or surprising fact" about you that most people don’t know?

People are always surprised to know that I listen to K-pop music and love watching K-drama series.

Do you have a favorite book, movie, or music genre that you’d recommend?

I am currently focused on books related to blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy. I believe these key components will be impactful in shaping society in the years to come.

Srikala Prasad

Tamilnadu, India

Kalaivani Ramalingam

Guernsey, UK

Rajeev Ramanah

Besancon, France

Tell us about where you currently live (city/country) and how you ended up in this location.

I currently live in a university town called Besancon, in the east of France, Europe.

Tell us about your work - your job title, where you work, how long you've worked in the field, areas of focus or research, etc.

I specialized in Obstetrics & Gynecology with a special interest in Pelvic Floor Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery after my MD degree. Since 2014, I have been appointed as Clinician and Professor specialized in Pelvic Floor Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery at the Besancon University Medical Centre. The main focus of my research is pelvic organ support which I studied using cadaver dissection, histology, magnetic resonance imaging, three-dimensional reconstruction and nite element modeling. Until now, I have more than 115 articles listed on PubMed along with several presentations at IUGA Annual Meetings. Apart from consultancy and clinics in Pelvic Floor Medicine and Urodynamics, I perform minimally invasive surgeries such as vaginal, laparoscopic and robot-assisted procedures. I am responsible for training residents, junior doctors and fellows. Moreover, I am the Director of the University Diploma in Pelvic Floor Reconstructive Surgery, endorsed by the « Société Interdisciplinaire Francophone d’Urodynamique Pelvi-Périnéologie (SIFUD-PP) », the French Urogynecology Society. Every year, through this diploma, we train French but also French-speaking European and African students in Urogynecology.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I joined IUGA in 2010 during my fellowship in Urogynecology so as to exchange scientic ideas, meet health professionals around the world to discuss about health issues related to pelvic floor dysfunction.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

Organizing a cadaver-based hands-on workshop at IUGA's 2015 Annual Meeting in Nice, France.

What is the last book you read or movie you saw? Would you recommend it?

Miraculous (adventures of Ladybug and Cat Noir) that I recommend for kids.

What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Playing tennis, golf and skiing during winter.

What is one "fun fact" about you?
I speak French, English and Creole (native language of Mauritius).

Arnova Reswari

Tasikmalaya, Indonesia

Shamsa Rizwan

Islamabad, Pakistan

Dudley Robinson

MBBS, MD, FRCOG

United Kingdom

Samantha Condé Rocha

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Tell us about where you currently live (city/country) and how you ended up in this location.

I was born in Rio de Janeiro so known as a "Carioca". It is a very beautiful tourist city with also a great quality of live .

Tell us about your work - your job title, where you work, how long you've worked in the field, areas of focus or research, etc.

I have been participating in IUGA since 2012 as an active member, with focusing in Urogynecology. I am responsible for the urogynecology section in Santa Casa de Misericordia Hospital in Rio de Janeiro and still collaborates as Professor from post Graduation Program of the Department of Gynecology at Santa Casa de Misericordia Hospital . I have concluded my Master Degree Course and developed academic skills as a visting observer in Department of Urogynecology at Cleveland Clinic 2012, 2015. I have published 3 book chapters, author of papers published journals , has been serving as a reviewer for the International Urogynecology Journal (IUJ ) in 2017 and Brazilian Gynecology Journal and involved in several cohort studies and collaborating as a speaker in International (IUGA , FIGO) and director of local societies in Rio de Janeiro (SGORJ ), (FEBRASGO) . Im in board of SGORJ Society and director of the National Committee on Urogynecology and Vaginal Surgery of the Brazilian Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FEBRASGO). My research interest is in Urogynecology and already collaborate as a member of Cosmetic Group SIG. I am currently researching a prospective randomized non inferiority study about fractional co2 laser versus urogynecology physioterapy in stress urinary incontinence in Ph.D. program at Unicamp University.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I decided to join IUGA since 2012 when I I have concluded my Master Degree Course and developed academic skills as a visting observer in Department of Urogynecology at Cleveland Clinic 2012, 2015 with my Mentor Dr Davila.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

My memorable IUGA experience was at IUGA conference in Africa where I initially begin to present and have my colleagues together and make more network.

What is the last book you read or movie you saw? Would you recommend it?
Roman Empire . Yes its a great series about history.

What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I like running and walking. I love to practice exercise.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

I frequently make jokes about myself and laugh really hard about some situations.

Jan-Paul Roovers

Europe

The Netherlands

James Ross

Cleveland, Ohio

Ming-Hsuan Su

New Taipei City, Taiwan

Where are you from?

New Taipei City, Taiwan

Tell us about your work—your job title, where you work, years of experience, areas of focus or research, and what inspired you to pursue your career.

My Work and Inspiration I am an obstetrician-gynecologist specializing in urogynecology, currently working at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Shuang Ho Hospital in New Taipei City, Taiwan. I have been practicing medicine for over seven years, with a strong focus on pelvic floor disorders, minimally invasive surgery, and gender-affirming surgical procedures. Additionally, I am pursuing a doctoral degree at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, where my research centers on innovations in urogynecological treatment and care. What inspired me to pursue this career was my deep desire to improve the quality of life for women suffering from pelvic floor dysfunction, an area often overlooked in general practice. Witnessing the profound impact of comprehensive care on patients’ physical and emotional well-being has motivated me to dedicate my career to this specialty. The dynamic combination of clinical practice, research, and teaching has kept me deeply engaged and continuously striving for excellence in this field.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received during your career?

The best piece of advice I’ve received is: “Don’t compare yourself to others; always strive to be better than the person you were yesterday.” Whether it’s refining my surgical skills, deepening my research, or enhancing patient care, I’ve learned to measure success by the progress I make every day. This mindset not only reduces unnecessary pressure but also keeps me motivated and grounded, ensuring I remain dedicated to my patients and my journey of lifelong learning.

I've been an IUGA member since

2023

What motivated you to join IUGA, and what does being a member mean to you?

I was motivated to join IUGA through the encouragement of my mentor during training and with the support of the Taiwan Urogynecology Association (TUGA). Attending the IUGA meetings has been an eye-opening experience, significantly enhancing my clinical knowledge and deepening my understanding of clinical research. Moreover, these meetings provided me with the opportunity to connect with renowned experts from around the world, whose insights have not only enriched my professional growth but also inspired me to rethink my approach to patient care. Being a member of IUGA means being part of a global community committed to advancing urogynecology, and it continually drives me to strive for excellence in my field.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

As a newly joined urogynecologist, every experience with IUGA has been fresh, exciting, and highly inspiring. One of the most rewarding aspects has been gaining valuable insights from international experts who generously share their clinical experiences. These exchanges have broadened my perspective and motivated me to refine my skills further. Additionally, participating in IUGA activities has highlighted the importance of improving my English communication skills to better engage in global discussions. It has also encouraged me to reflect on how to showcase my strengths and make meaningful contributions to the urogynecological community. This journey with IUGA has been a catalyst for both personal and professional growth.

What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work? How do you unwind or de-stress after a long day?

Outside of work, I enjoy staying active through running and swimming, which help me clear my mind and maintain my physical health. Recently, I’ve also taken up cooking and badminton as new hobbies. Cooking allows me to explore creativity and unwind after a long day, while badminton offers a fun and engaging way to stay fit and socialize. These activities not only help me de-stress but also provide a sense of balance in my life, ensuring I return to work refreshed and focused.

Pushpasrichand Sachdev

Hyderabad, Pakistan

Dalia Saidan

London, United Kingdom

Charbel Salamon

New Jersey, USA

Tell us about where you currently live (city/country) and how you ended up in this location.

I live and work in Morristown, New Jersey, USA. After completing my medical school in the French Faculty of Medicine in Beirut, Lebanon, I started General Surgery residency in Paris, France. Then I moved to New Jersey, USA for residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Completed a FPMRS fellowship, fell in love, got married and never left!

Tell us about your work - your job title, where you work, how long you've worked in the field, areas of focus or research, etc.

I currently serve as the Fellowship & Division director of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery at Atlantic Health System in Morristown, NJ. As a subspecialist in Urogynecology, Robotic and Minimally Invasive Gynecology I focus my practice on pelvic organ prolapse, urinary and fecal incontinence as well as complex benign gynecologic surgery. I have been at Atlantic Health for over 10 years. In addition to being a busy clinician, I enjoy teaching medical students, residents and our fellows. I hold an academic appointment at Thomas Jefferson University as an Associate Professor. My focus on clinical research has led to many publications on robotic sacrocolpopexy, and continue to answer research questions about perioperative management and same day discharge for complex minimally invasive surgery.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

As a regular consumer of the IUGA-IUJ journal I was an intermittent member over the past decade and became a continuous member for the past 3 years. IUGA's global presence and wonderful scientific meetings, the opportunity to learn and interact with physicians from around the world made it easy to become a more committed and active member.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

My first IUGA meeting outside the USA was in Nice, France a few years ago. I enjoyed the vigorous discussions after my presentation and had a splendid time exploring the "Côte d'Azur" with my family.

What is the last book you read or movie you saw? Would you recommend it?

Crucial Accountability by Kerry Patterson et al., I highly recommend it.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

I read about Astrophysics and quiz my fellows about black holes!

Patrick Naveen Sargunam

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Jessica Sassani

Pennsylvania, USA

Jane Schulz

Edmonton, Canada

Tafy Seade

Melbourne, Australia

Maurizio Serati

Varese, Italy

Murat Seval

Ankara, Turkey

Tell us about where you currently live (city/country) and how you ended up in this location.

I have been living in Ankara the capital city of Türkiye since 1995 when I started my medical education at Ankara University Faculty of Medicine. Before that, I was living in Diyarbakir/Türkiye, the city where I was born. I graduated from the Faculty of Medicine in 2001 and completed my residency training in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Ankara University in 2007. After working as an Obstetrician and Gynecologist in different hospitals for 6 years, I returned to Ankara University again in 2013.

Tell us about your work - your job title, where you work, how long you've worked in the field, areas of focus or research, etc.

I received the degree of Associate Professor given by the “Turkish Council of Higher Education” in 2017 and since then I have focused my clinical research mainly on the field of urogynecology. I am one of the founding faculty members of the “Urogynecology Doctoral Program,” which started education at Ankara University in 2018. I’m also a member of the Curriculum Development Board of Ankara University School of Medicine since 2020. Pelvic floor ultrasonography, ambulatory urodynamics, mid-urethral sling surgery, laparoscopic prolapse surgery, overactive bladder syndrome and chronic pelvic pain are some of the specific issues that I enjoy studying.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I have been a member of IUGA since 2018. I joined IUGA to stay updated in urogynecology and establish new international connections.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

My first oral presentation at IUGA Annual Meeting in Austin with my broken arm in a cast was an unforgettable and exciting memory for me.

What is the last book you read or movie you saw? Would you recommend it?

The "MATER" series consists of 3 books (Pia Mater, Arachnoid Mater, and Dura Mater) written by the Turkish writer “Serkan Karaismailoğlu,” who is a neuroscientist. He skillfully introduced scientific neurologic data into a gripping story, and I strongly recommend it.

What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I really enjoy listening to music and making music. I try to play guitar and drums, although I'm not very good at them...

What is one "fun fact" about you?

I love cooking. Furthermore, during our stay at home, the Covid-19 pandemic taught me how to cook many new dishes, including sushi, as well.

John Short

Oceania/Australasia

New Zealand

Gazala Siddiqui

Texas, USA

Tanvir Singh

Hyderabad, India

Ruchi Singh

Melbourne, Australia

Sanjay Sinha

Hyderabad, India

Tell us about where you currently live (city/country) and how you ended up in this location.

I live in Hyderabad, a bustling 6-million strong metropolis that is one of our newest cities, established in 1591AD. It has a GDP of about USD 74 Billion with information technology, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, aerospace and defense manufacturing as key areas of commerce. I don't belong to Hyderabad having been born and brought up in the North. The language here (Telugu) has a completely different script and while I can manage the spoken language, I can't read or write. The alphabet is entirely different from Hindi, my mother tongue (the difference is akin to that between say English and Arabic rather than English and French). I came down to Hyderabad in 1996 immediately after I’d finished my training.

Tell us about your work - your job title, where you work, how long you've worked in the field, areas of focus or research, etc.

I am Honorary Professor and Consultant at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad a private teaching hospital and part of the largest and oldest conglomerate in India. I do all of clinical urology with a focus on endourology, neurourology, urogynecology and functional urology. In addition we run a busy urodynamics unit with two MMS machines, video-UDS, UPP and the Laborie Urostym Pelvic Floor Unit. I am currently involved with the ICS Neurourology Committee and an author for the forthcoming 7th International Consultation on Incontinence. I am involved with several journals: Associate Editor (Voiding Dysfunction Section) for BMC Urology; Editorial Board Member for International Urogynecology Journal, Indian J Urology and Current Bladder Dysfunction. I was also just invited to join the ICS Good Urodynamics Practices Standardization Committee for Pressure Flow Studies. We have several publications from our unit and I believe the one on Cough Associated Detrusor Overactivity published in Neurourology Urodynamics https://doi.org/10.1002/nau.23928 in 2019 is a recent stand-out.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I had a rather convoluted entry into IUGA and I must thank Prof Paul Riss from Austria for this. Prof Riss was a senior editor for the IUJ at the time and sent me a few reviews that he happened to like. He subsequently invited me to join the Editorial Board, I believe around 2008. It was only then that I realized that journal was affiliated to this organization IUGA and I went ahead and became a member. To this day, despite my never having worked professionally with Prof Riss, I regard him as a mentor and have the deepest respect for him as someone who exemplifies the finest traits of humanity.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

My most memorable moments in IUGA have to be work with the International Exchange Sub-committee that I was involved with for 6 years (three of those as chair). The activities of this group were later subsumed into the Education Committee. We standardized the format for a basic 2-day urogynecology course and conducted the program across several countries. It was great fun working with that group and I made friendships that I have treasured over the years.

What is the last book you read or movie you saw? Would you recommend it?

"The Order of Time" by Carlo Rovelli is simply mind-blowing. For a list of my 10 favorite books for quarantin(m)es https://twitter.com/urologyhyderabd/status/1245319582367100928?s=20

What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Three things that I love doing: reading physics especially astronomy, playing tennis and karaoke singing (a recent re-awakening) of old Hindi and English slow and country-style songs.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

I love creating parodies out of songs!

Harini Sivamani

Chennai, India

Rafael Solano

Mexico City, Mexico

Where are you from?

Mexico City, Mexico

Tell us about your work—your job title, where you work, years of experience, areas of focus or research, and what inspired you to pursue your career.

Professional Profile I am a Gynecologist, Urogynecologist, and Doctor of Medical Sciences with over 15 years of experience in the field of urogynecology. Currently, I serve as the Head of the Research Division at Hospital Ángeles Acoxpa in Mexico City, where I lead projects focused on women’s pelvic health. My areas of expertise include the study of pathophysiological aspects of overactive bladder, the surgical management of pelvic organ prolapse (sacrospinous ligament fixation and iliococcygeus muscle techniques), as well as the development of innovative approaches for chronic pelvic pain. My most recent research focuses on the use of low-intensity shockwave therapy for managing chronic pelvic pain and vulvodynia. Professional Inspiration Since the beginning of my career, I have been driven by the desire to combine medical knowledge with scientific research to develop solutions that transform women’s lives. My greatest professional satisfaction comes from seeing the positive impact that a personalized, evidence-based approach has on my patients. In every project, my goal is to generate solid evidence that can be translated into practical improvements for both patients and healthcare professionals in the field.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received during your career?

One of the best pieces of advice I have ever received came from one of my first research mentors. He helped me understand the impact that clinical research has on day-to-day patient care. He told me: "If you manage to combine both disciplines, you will be an excellent clinician." This advice has been a constant guide throughout my career. It reminded me that research is not just about theory or statistics; it is a powerful tool to transform medical care. Since then, I have worked to integrate scientific knowledge with clinical practice, ensuring that every discovery can translate into concrete improvements in my patients' quality of life.

I've been an IUGA member since

2007

What motivated you to join IUGA, and what does being a member mean to you?

My motivation to join IUGA stemmed from the desire to be part of a global community dedicated to advancing knowledge and practice in urogynecology. From my perspective, IUGA is not only a leading organization in the field but also a platform that fosters collaboration, innovation, and impact on women’s pelvic health worldwide. For me, being a member of IUGA means actively contributing to the development of international standards, participating in high-impact research projects, and learning from colleagues who share the same passion for improving women’s quality of life. It also represents an opportunity to bring the experience and knowledge from my region to a global audience.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

In 2007, I submitted a research project to the IUGA Annual Meeting, and it was selected for an oral presentation. That was an incredibly gratifying and unforgettable experience. It marked my first exposure to a global forum in the field and gave me the opportunity to share my work with leading experts from around the world. This experience not only validated the effort I had put into my research but also inspired me to continue contributing to the advancement of urogynecology on an international stage. It remains a pivotal moment in my career and a reminder of the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange within the IUGA community.

Barbara Spodniaková

Bratislava, Slovakia

Ryan Stratford

Arizona, USA

Tell us about where you currently live (city/country) and how you ended up in this location.

I live in Arizona, United States. When I finished my training with Bob Shull, my wife requested we move to Arizona, where she grew up. I have loved living here! There are many outdoor activities available in the desert and beautiful sunsets. Our communicty usually increase 20% in size every winter because of winter visitors who live part time in Arizona. Phoenix is the fifth largest city in the United States. It is a great place to live!

Tell us about your work - your job title, where you work, how long you've worked in the field, areas of focus or research, etc.

After finishing my fellowship training, I started a Urogynecology practice on my own. I remember being thrilled to see 1-2 patients a day. Eventually, the practice grew. We now have two physicians, two nurse practitioners and a physical therapist who make up our clinical team. We train residents and love to teach. I have been involved in our local healthcare community and have served on the board and as president of the county medical society. As a urogynecologist, I treat all pelvic floor disorders. We try to provide both excellent surgical and nonsurgical care. I love taking care of patients.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I joined IUGA as a fellow working with Bob Shull. I especially enjoyed the friendships I made with members of IUGA who frequently visited Bob in Texas, and I wanted to continue being a part of the wonderful community of physicians in IUGA. I also aspire to participate in care offered to underserved areas of the world. IUGA and the FIUGA are wonderful avenues for providing opportunities for the membership to have an influence abroad.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

My first meeting was my most memorable. As a fellow, I visited Copenhagen, Denmark and loved being together with physicians from around the world. I felt so kindly welcomed by everyone I met. I aspired to be the type of physician I saw in so many of my colleagues. IUGA is wonderfully inspiring.

What is the last book you read or movie you saw? Would you recommend it?

Just read The Divine Gift of Forgiveness by Neil Andersen. I would highly recommend it. With restrictions on social interactions due to COVID-19, I hope to read many more books. I really enjoyed seeing A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood as it reminded me of the great good in people everywhere.

What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

My greatest hobby is doing activities with my family of five children and wonderful wife, Emily. We love to travel and have fun adventures together. Most of my spare time is spent with my children or in my current responsibility as a leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

A little known fact perhaps is that I love to play the piano. Although not nearly the musician as many are, I compose some music and love to create music on the piano.

Carolyn Swenson

Michigan, USA

Steven Swift

Charleston, United States

Visha Tailor

London, UK

Mentor

Annika Taithongchai

London, UK

Mentor

Yu Hwee Tan

Queensland, Australia

Philip Toozs-Hobson

Birmingham, UK

Tell us about where you currently live (city/country) and how you ended up in this location.

I have been a consultant in Birmingham for nearly 20 years. I came here as there was an opportunity to set up my own unit as a tertiary service serving up to 5 million people.

Tell us about your work - your job title, where you work, how long you've worked in the field, areas of focus or research, etc.

I work as a Urogyanecologist although a lot of my research is into maternal trauma from childbirth and currently trying to prevent premature delivery. I am lucky enough to have been awarded a research scholarship which now funds 1 day a week driving new research ideas.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I have been a member of IUGA since about 1998 (ever since Linda told me I had to be a member!) More recently my membership comes through the BSUG and I would endorse the beneﬁts of this aﬃliation to other national societies. I have always found IUGA the most friendly of the international societies.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

The most rewarding undoubtedly was to have served on the Scientiﬁc committee under the chair of Dudley Robinson where you have the privilege of working with some great people and as ever learn more than you can ever contribute. The most memorable would have to be the friends I have made along the way (Princess Vivian, amongst others, you know who I mean!)

What is the last book you read or movie you saw? Would you recommend it?

Well I watched A Star Is Born on the way to Nashville. I now want to watch on a big screen and with a great sound system. I watched Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald on the way home!

What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

As many already know I played rugby when I was a youngster (until my body started to fall apart and Linda told me to stop!). My kids overtook this as my main past time and now they are all older and driving (dad's taxi no longer required so often) I like to hack round a golf course when I can. My wife is trying to get me engaged in gardening but that is seriously more complicated than medicine.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

I once published a paper entitled Roasting Chestnuts by the Fire: Ramsay’s Syndrome, hypothesizing why male chefs have lower fertility rates. Full reference Roasting Chestnuts by the Fire: Ramsay’s Syndrome. S Kadian, P Latthe, M Afnan, P. Toozs-Hobson J Obstet Gynaecol 2008 Jan; 28 (1): 120-1. Let's see how often it is now cited!