The scholars present a plaque to Dr. Jaime Landman, their host at UC Irvine.
Pascual Queralt: You see that everywhere the same things happen; we have the same problems, and everywhere we solve them in a similar way. It makes you feel more confident in what you do. This exchange program has demonstrated to me that in my country (Spain) we have a very good level of Urology. Sometimes we think that in small countries we do things “worse” and that’s not the case. This program opens your mind, makes you more capable to adapt to any media, and teaches you how to interact with different kinds of people.
AUA:
How will participating in this program influence your participation in other international activities? For instance, will you be more likely to host an international scholar at your institution? Have you been involved in other international exchanges or meetings because of your participation in the exchange program?
Huber: It was helpful to get this view, because I will be even
Scholars practice laparoscopic surgery through simulation at UC Irvine.
AUA:
What moment or experience did you find to be the most impactful during your exchange?
Huber: That is difficult to say. There were so many! Maybe the social events, when the head of departments welcomed us at their private home. Mangera: I found meeting people with new interests and insights into topics I have studied in great depth to be very special. This experience allows you to see other people looking at the same problems with a different lens. Pascual Queralt: The first day of every hospital, because you were expecting how should be the people, what we would do. The things that impacted me the most were the research centers that we visited in Minneapolis and Irvine.
AUA:
Would you recommend participation in this program to your colleagues?
more caring for visiting guests at our institution than before. As the exchange was only some months ago, there was no opportunity for another program since then.
Huber: Yes, absolutely.
Mangera: I would feel privileged to host an international scholar. I would also be able to appreciate their perspective after having participated in the program. This gave me a good insight of what scholars are looking for when they visit other institutions.
Pascual Queralt: Yes
Pascual Queralt: After this program, I have learned to not be afraid of talking in front of a big audience in English (a foreign language for me). Now I am planning to do a conference in London next October, and I am planning to present something for the next European Congress.
Mangera: Yes. For more information about AUA’s Academic Exchange Programs, go to www.AUAnet.org/International or email international@AUAnet.org. ●
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