Dra. Elizabeth Corrales Acosta
Urologist. Member of the American Confederation of Urology.
Member of the Peruvian Society of Urology
During my experience as a Urologist, I have had a special interest in Urodynamics and Pelvic Floor diseases. I have observed that with Urodynamics we can reach very valuable conclusions about the functioning of the lower urinary tract. These findings could affect positively the patient’s life, as they may indicate medical or surgical treatment according to each case.
Given my desire to further improve my knowledge on this subject, I decided to apply for the Functional Urology and Urodynamics Fellowship of the American Confederation of Urology, settled at the Centro Médico Teknon, Barcelona, Spain; under the direction of Dr. José Emilio Batista. In August 2019 I received with great joy the news of having been chosen for this scholarship.
The Centro Médico Teknon is a leading healthcare center in Europe. It has specialized medical and surgical areas to give comprehensive care to each patient. Dr. JE Batista and his team of Functional Urology have carried out more than 25,000 Urodynamic studies in this center since 1996. In the Functional Urology team, there are physiotherapists, urologists, and administrative staff who always offer the best care to the patient. They give a clear and precise explanation of Urodynamics, giving security to the patient and telling him that it is not a painful procedure and that it is done comfortably and privately.
I had the opportunity to perform Urodynamic studies, procedures, and medical visits under supervision. I also attended the operating room during the week, where I could help in laparoscopic, endourological, and open surgeries. Besides, once a week, the medical and administrative team met to discuss the various clinical cases, giving rise to an interactive and enriching conversation.
During the year 2020, there were several academic activities organized by the Continentia Association, where I could share urological and cultural knowledge with people from all over the world.
In February 2020, I attended the 18th International Accreditation Course in Urodynamics with the participation of urologists and urogynecologists from Slovenia and Croatia. The principles and foundations of Urodynamic techniques and their indications in different types of patients were presented. Practical sessions were also held in which particular cases were discussed.
In the same month, the II Edition of Dialogues in Functional Urogynecology took place, which had as a special guest Professor Paul Abrams, from Bristol, UK. On this occasion, I presented Clinical Cases with other well-known doctors in the urogynecological field.
In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic erupted in the world, and life as we knew it changed. Many people have died or suffered from this disease and its consequences. At that time, elective clinical activity was halted during the most critical months due to the exceptional measures taken by the Government to stop the advance of COVID-19.
After the state of emergency and following the national biosecurity protocol, the clinical activity was reactivated.
In October 2020, the academic sessions returned with the so-called Functional Thursdays, sessions in Webinar format, adapted to the pandemic context. They were a series of live talks with the active participation of doctors from all over the country. This time, I was a speaker in 2 sessions. Functional Thursdays were well received and they had good feedback from our colleagues.
Moreover, we started a line of research with ambulatory uroflowmetry, which allows us to remotely follow up our patients and get more diagnostic data in patients with urethral stenosis, nocturiaE, neurogenic patients with intermittent catheterization, pediatric patients, among others.
This year has been very difficult for everyone. However, we must focus on the positive aspects. For me, dealing with the pandemic while away from home made me realize what is important in life. I was able to help many patients not only as a doctor but also as a person, listening to them and giving them the strength to continue in these complicated times.
Finally, I want to thank again the American Confederation of Urology and Dr. JE Batista and his team for allowing me to develop and strengthen my knowledge in Functional Urology and Urodynamics. I do not doubt that the CAU will continue to provide the best academic opportunities to its members and, in particular, to young urologists.
PICTURES
Centro Médico Teknon, Barcelona, España.
II Edition of Dialogues in Functional Urogynecology. From left to right: Anaïs Bassas (Specialized Physiotherapist), Dra. Elizabeth Corrales (me), Prof. Paul Abrams, Dr. José Emilio Batista, Dra. Olga Mayordomo, Dra. Amanda Arenas, Lourdes Tenas (Supervising Nurse and Medical Case Manager).
II Edition of Dialogues in Functional Urogynecology. Presentation of Clinical Cases.
Webinar sessions of Functional Thursdays. Presentation of Clinical Cases about Overactive Bladder and Ambulatory Urodynamics.
