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

Liverpool, United Kingdom.

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.

Subspecialty Trainee in Urogynaecology.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

Almost 2 years ago, to expand my networking.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

Utilizing the IUGA Podcasts on the app.

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

Boston Massachusetts United States After spending several years living and training in different parts of the country ( Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Washington DC, Maryland, Georgia, Massachusetts) My family decided to make New England our new 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.

Division Director of Urogynecology Reliant Medical Group (Optum Health) I am in my 4th year practicing in this role. Prior to this i was in academic practice at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta Georgia.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I have been a member of IUGA since i was in fellowship training. I had the opportunity to present and publish my research through the IUGA organization. A very important part of my clinical practice currently involves international work and I currently go on medical mission work to Cape Verde West Africa every year. I have also worked in other countries doing urogynecologic surgeries. IUGA provides me with the opportunity to be involved in exchanging ideas and collaboration with other physicians and trainees all around the world.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

Having the opportunity to attend the IUGA conference in Cape Town, South Africa Networking with fellows from different part of the world through collaboration efforts with Boston Scientific.

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

Playing Football (Soccer) Travelling

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

I was born in Manila, Philippines. I currently reside in Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, Philippines.

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

I am a Clinical Associate Professor and Consultant at the University of the Philippines- Philippine General Hospital and Training Officer of the Section of Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery under the Department of OBGYN in the same institution since 2008. I finished my 4-year accredited OBGYN training in 200, had private practice first for a few years before I moved on to subspecialize in Urogynecology for 2 years. My area of research focuses on issues related to the female pelvic floor.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I decided to join IUGA in 2007 upon recommendation of my consultant and mentor. I was the very first fellow-in-training of the Section of Urogynecology at that time and there were no Urogynecology conventions in my home country. Hence, I went along with my mentor to my first IUGA meeting in Cancun, Mexico (2007).

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

All the IUGA Annual meetings I attended since 2007 were memorable to me but last year was particularly significant because of the laser vaginal rejuvenation issues.

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

The last movie I saw was Hobbs and Shaw and yes I would recommend it for its entertainment value. The last book I read was Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, a very easy read.

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

I do know how to sing, dance, sketch and play some instruments. However, with the workload I have, retail therapy counts as first.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

My guilty pleasure is Kpop, specifically BTS.

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

I live and work in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Halifax is the capital city of Nova Scotia, which a beautiful east coast province of Canada. Regardless of where you are in Nova Scotia, you are never too far from the ocean.

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 fellowship trained Urogynaecologist who works at a tertiary care centre and have an academic appointment as Associate Professor with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dalhousie University. I have a keen interest in postpartum pelvic floor trauma.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

This organization has an amazing history and body of work with regards to advancing and promoting knowledge in the area of pelvic floor medicine. I enjoy and admire the multi-disciplinary collaboration that occurs within the IUGA and was very excited at the opportunity to join the team.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

Attending the 2019 annual conference in Vienna was a particularly memorable meeting. Both the venue and the program were very impressive.

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

I enjoy painting using multiple forms of media. Recent projects have included beach stone painting with acrylic with my children. This has allowed us the opportunity to enjoy quiet afternoons at home together letting our imaginations reign free.

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

Grimsby, United Kingdom Completed training in Urogynaecology from Westmidlands and moved to Lincolnshire as consultant

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.

Urogynaecology consultant at Northern Lincolnshire NHS Trust since 2006. Honorary lecturer to Hull and York Medical Students. Currently part of research committee of the British Society of Urogynaecology (BSUG) and guidelines committee of Royal college of Obstetricians and gynecologists (RCOG)

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

Since 2010 when I started Urogynaecology training. Was working with Jason Cooper who encouraged me to take up Urogynaecology and suggested I join IUGA

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

Meet the Experts at IUGA Annual Meet in Vienna 2018 Enjoyed being part of the publications committee since 2015

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

Book 'Three thousand stitches' by Sudha Murthy. Story of making difference to the lives of rural women, how Sudha changes her approach and perseverance to earn their trust and help them develop strong both socially and financially.

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

listening to music and sea side walking

What is one "fun fact" about you?

Enjoy dancing and often my friends find it difficult to stop me once I start!

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

I live in Cooperstown, New York. I was recruited to work at Bassett Healthcare Network as a Chief of Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and head of Urogynecology division.

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.

Chief of Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology since June 1, 2019

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I joined IUGA in 2003 to promote urogynecology around the world and meet my colleagues in different countries, learn from them and share with my experience.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

Started Ghana project 4 years ago in Accra and Kumasi.

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

Last movie: Eurovision on Netflix Last Book: Blind Eye

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

My hobbies: Sailing and tennis. I play tennis 2-3 times a week and go sailing once a week.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

I sailed 7 days non-stopped from Bermuda to Caribbean. It was an amazing experience.

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

Manchester(United Kingdom) Currently undertaking a Urogynaecology Research Fellow post in Liverpool.

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.

Urogynaecology Research Fellow (previously ST5 O&G) Research on Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

Joined IUGA in February 2020 Interested to accessing resources and networking.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

I am new to IUGA but have thoroughly enjoyed listening to the various webinars this year.

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.

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

Doncaster, UK

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.

Consultant Urogyn Surgeon, Subspecialist in Urogynaecology, Hull University Teaching Hospital NHS Trust

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

During subspecialty training

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

A brilliant team

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

Organising Charity events.

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

KOLKATA/INDIA. When I joined in state medical education service;posted a professor in an apex postgraduate college, kolkata.

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.

PROFESSOR, DEPTT of OBST & GYNAE;IPGMER SSKM hospital, KOLKATA-20.WB.INDIA. Founder, UROGYN sub speciality in addition to my job of post graduate teaching; performing regular surgery , seeing patients in OPD & research in medical disorders in pregnancy & urogynaecology

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

misery of women suffering from urinary incontinence,pelvic floor & perineal trauma attracted me to pursue this field

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

IUGA Meeting in Nashville last year

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

Gulabo- Sitabo- a Hindi Movie by Amitav Bacchan

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

Listening to songs & social works & watching cricket

What is one "fun fact" about you?

trying cooking in lock down situation

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)

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

Originally I am from the west of Austria , border to Switzerland and Germany. Since many years I am living with my family in Vienna , as I came for my study as well as later for my profession to the capital.

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 nearly 20 years I am working at the Medical University of Vienna - department of general gynaecology & gynaecologic oncology Current position: consultant of gynaecology and obstetrics, head of the Urogynecologic working group and OPD, Fellowship in urogynecology and reconstructive pelvic floor surgery (EUGA accredited) 2017-2019 Areas of interest pelvic floor surgery , research focus = pelvic organ prolapse and local oestrogen, immunohistochemistry and PFD, POUR etc.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I joined IUGA at the moment when I decided to specialise in urogynecology. My interest in urogynecology started when I was working for some months in Nepal (2007) seeing and treating many severe cases of POP.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

A memorable event was the 43rd Annual IUGA meeting in Vienna for me 2018-2020 I joined the IUGA R&D committee as an active committee member which was really a good experience for me.

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

last book - Life of Frieda Kahlo - interesting person with successful but also hard life events .

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

As I have a 7 year old daughter majority of spare time belongs to her... If i have time I like to do physical training and activities as well as visiting cultural events (opera )

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 :)

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.

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

I live in Madison, Wisconsin in the US, about 2.5 hours drive from Chicago. I took a position at the University of Wisconsin when I finished fellowship training 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 am an assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin and do research 70% of the time and clinical work 30% of the time. My research focuses on how to improve access to effective solutions for pelvic floor disorders for women not currently receiving help. I am interested in dissemination and implementation research, which focus on how to streamline the process of translating scientific discoveries into practice, minimizing the time and maximizing the likelihood that our discoveries actually reach people who could benefit from them.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I decided IUGA as a first year fellow because my senior mentors and co-fellows suggested that I join.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

I served on the Fellows Committee for several years and have formed long-standing professional and personal relationship with international colleagues as a result of that service. Colleagues in other countries and practice settings have such different practice patterns, and I learn so much from our interactions.

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

The last book I read was "Becoming" by Michelle Obama and I would definitely recommend it. Very inspiring and heartening for many Americans in our current political climate. The last movie I saw was the Bee Movie with my 4 year old and I would recommend that one too :-)

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

I enjoy reading, hiking, water sports, and good food and drink with friends and family.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

I narrated a film documentary when I was 11 years old and had my photo in People Magazine when the documentary was reviewed in People's "Picks and Pans" section.

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

San Diego, California (USA) is my home for the past several years, where I joined the team at University of California San Diego.

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.

In my current role, I am able to focus on urobiome research and provide clinical care for adult women with recurrent UTI and non-surgical FPMRS conditions. In addition, I am working with a large NIH research consortium to advance bladder health research, including LUTS prevention.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

IUGA is central to the international connections for urogynecologists! Many people have devoted a great deal of time and professional effort to advancing this society and it has been wonderful to see this society grow!

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

I enjoy each meeting! Every year there are new things to learn and new people to meet.

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

Check out the movie Biggest Little Farm - great story that is very thought provoking!

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

I enjoy time with my family and caring for a few orchids.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

My husband Warren and I named our three children (all grown now!) after thoroughbred race tracks! It's his serious hobby!

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

I currently live in Salisbury in the UK, an area that has been central within my training rotations.

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 in Poole Hospital in Dorset on the south coast of the UK. I am a newly appointed consultant in general gynaecology and obstetrics with a specialist interest in Urogynecology.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I joined IUGA 3 years ago when I entered the senior part of my specialist training and developed my interest in Urogynecology.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

I enjoyed being a part of the team from the UK that participated in the very raining IUGA fun run in Vienna.

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

I enjoy running, baking and sewing when I am not spending time with my family.

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

I am currently residing in Pittsburgh, PA USA. I moved to this area for fellowship training at Magee Womens Hospital part of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

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 second year fellow in FPRMS at at Magee Womens Hospital part of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. I have been at this wonderful center for two years as a trainee. My research focuses on pelvic floor injury in primiparous women, advanced analytic modeling and prediction of pelvic floor injury, vaginal hysterectomy simulation, and energy based devices in gynecology.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

To connect with international members and access educational materials.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

Participation in combined annual meeting with AUGS 2019.

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

I recently read "Where the Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens and I would highly recommend it.

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

I love staying active with running, hiking, and biking. In addition, I enjoy crafting gifts for friends and family.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

I enjoy vegetable and herb gardening, when I can keep the rabbits away.

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

I currently live in San Diego, California (United States). I initially moved here for residency at UC San Diego and continued on for fellowship training here. I really love the beaches, the food, and my mentors here!

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 currently a 2nd year FPMRS fellow at UC San Diego. I’ve been a basic science researcher for a long time (I completed my PhD before medical school), but really started doing more translational research when I started residency in 2015. My current research focuses are on pelvic floor muscle plasticity, recurrent urinary tract infections, and metabolomics of the pelvic floor.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I really believe in IUGA’s mission “to 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.” I joined IUGA to become a member of this vibrant research community to broaden my knowledge base and interact with other clinician scientists (especially basic scientists!)

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

I loved the recent IUGA meeting! It was my first one and I learned so much and met lots of people even though I really wish it had been in person rather than virtual!

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

Harold McGee’s On Food and Cooking! It’s everything you ever wanted to know about the biochemistry of cooking. I definitely recommend it.

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

Hobbies… does chasing my kids on the beach count? It’s definitely something I enjoy doing in my spare time. I also love to cook, sail, and read.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

My sister is a fashion designer so I’ve been to Fashion Week in New York multiple times!

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

I moved to Rochester, New York, USA in 2018 to join the faculty after graduating from Fellowship.

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 the University of Rochester as an Assistant Professor in 2018, and I'm also currently the Assistant Program Director of our FPMRS Fellowship.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I first joined IUGA in 2017 during my FPMRS Fellowship at Mayo Clinic. I enjoy learning from a diverse, international community of pelvic floor experts to provide high quality, evidence based patient care.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

As a Fellow, I attended the 42nd Annual Meeting in Vancouver, and my co-fellows and I assisted John Gebhart, MD on a Vaginal Uterosacral Suspension during a Cadaveric Live Surgery Session.

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

I have a 17 month old daughter, so it's been a while since I've seen a movie! My husband and I snuck away to see the Hamilton musical when it toured in Rochester, NY and we loved it!

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

I enjoy running, hiking, and traveling.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

My husband and I are learning American Sign Language with our 17 month old daughter.

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

I am from Porto Alegre, Brazil. I was born here and just left to do my master in pelvic floor rehabilitation in Spain.

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 pelvic floor PT and I have 11 years experience in the field. I am a Professor and Coordinator at the Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Post Graduation program here in my city and I have my clinic (Pelvic Floor World). I am also finishing my doctor degree.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

Some years ago after being some lectures of IUGA here in Brazil I decided to join and be an active member of this amazing society.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

No doubt was going to Ghana for FIUGA. I will never forget it. It was a life changing moment.

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

The book is: Women who Run with the Wolves and the movie: A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

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

I am learning how to play the guitar and I love to ride horses.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

I love birds but I am very afraid of them flying.

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

London, UK. In 1976 I obtained a clinical research registrar's post in incontinence at St. George's Hospital in South East London and one job led to another and I have lived in London ever 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.

Professor Urogynaecology, King's College Hospital, London. Since I became a research fellow in 1976 I have worked mostly in urogynaecology athough I did do some general obstetrics and gynaecology during my training and for the first 10 years I was a consultant at King's College Hospital where I remain as Professor of Urogynaecology. I head up a multidisciplinary team of 13 doctors, nurses and physiotherapists who are all devoted to the care of women with pelvic floor disorders. We most commonly deal with urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, recurrent urinary tract infections and pelvic organ prolapse.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I joined IUGA because my former mentor was Stuart Stanton who became a member of IUGA in its very early years and encouraged me to do the same.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

Becoming the recipient of the IUGA Lifetime Achievement Award in Dublin in 2013.

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

The President is Missing by James Patterson and Bill Clinton, its alright but nothing to write home about. I don't go to the cinema very often because I fidget and my husband gets cross with me, however the last film I saw on a plane was I, Daniel Blake which was very good but rather sad.

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

Eating and drinking, playing bridge, skiing, swimming and being outdoors in the sunshine.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

When I was 26 I got my private pilots license and flew aerobatics for 13 years.

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

I live in Montevideo. I was born in this city.

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 gynecologist. I have worked in urogynecology and pelvic floor dysfunctions since 1999. Currently I am working at the Hospital de Clinicas de Montevideo. Our lines of research are fundamentally based on the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic floor dysfunctions.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I decided to join IUGA in 2015. Always consider IUGA an important institution in this subject.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

I was at IUGA 2016 in Cape Town. It was a good academic and social experience.

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

The book Salvese quien pueda written by Andres Oppenheimer. The movie Once Upon a Time in Hollywood by Quentin Tarantino.

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

I like to practice sports like swimming and cycling. In my free time I like to practice kayaking.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

Laughing at myself has always been fun.

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

Australia. How can anyone say no the beautiful beach and weather here?

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 a Urogynaecology Fellow in the middle of my training. Life is a wonderful balance of surgical exposure and translational science research!

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

Joined as a junior resident for more international views on urogynacology and never looked back!

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

Receiving the scientific research grant from IUGA was a definite highlight. I'm sure there will be more memorable times to come!

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

Taichung Taiwan (Republic of China)

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.

Professor of Urogynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chung Shan Medical University. Focus on Neurophysiology of Pelvic Organ and Pelvic Dysfunction for 27 years.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

1993

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

presented preliminary study of perineal sonography for detecting bladder neck hypermobility in 1993

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

Urogynecology, Edited by Linda Cardozo

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

kendo- martial art of Japan, Sixth-dan

What is one "fun fact" about you?

karaoke singing

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

I live in Hong Kong since I was born. I received all my undergraduate, specialty and sub-specialty training in The Chinese University of Hong Kong. This is not boring, but this is the place that I love and the best I know of.

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 working as the Consultant in Department of O&G, Prince of Wales Hospital. At the same time, I am the Clinical Associate Professor (Honorary) of The Chinese University of Hong Kong. I have been working in urogynaecology for more than 10 years. My research interest include QoL questionnaires, pelvic floor imaging, vaginal pessary, vaginal and laparoscopic surgery. Above all, I enjoyed most when spending time with my patients, they are lovely.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

1x years ago when I knew I would have discount to join IUGA annual conference if I am a member.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

My first presentation and invited talk were all happened in IUGA.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

Many patients ask me at what age I graduated from medical school.

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

I currently work and live in Portland, Oregon.

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 at Oregon Health Sciences University.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I joined IUGA to become part of the broader world-wide FPMRS community.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

I'm enjoying working on the IUC chapter on patient reported outcomes with an international community.

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.

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.

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

I was born and grew up in the eastern Nepal now relocated to the capital. I finished my MBBS from IOM, TU in 1996. Then I worked as a physician in pheripheral areas. I did my MD in OBS/GYN from IOM. Currently I am working as a senior consultant in Kathmandu Model Hospital,in the capital city of Nepal

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 work as Professor at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Institutional Review Committee (IRC) of phect-NEPAL, Kathmandu Model Hospital. I also work as editor of several biomedical journals. My current project is 'Sacrospinous fixation for prevention of vault prolapse for POP repair cases ' and Managing Obstetric Fistula in Nepal.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I was associated with IUGA since 2015. I joined IUGA out of my interest in Urogynecology.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

When I was invited to join in the IUGA Board Meeting in Cape Town, South Africa few years back.

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

Anne Frank- The Diary of a Young Girl, Yes I recommend

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

Read and write, watch reality shows. I love to travel with my family.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

If I start a work I never leave it incomplete.

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

I live in Fort Lauderdale, Florida - just north of Miami - and came here in 1999 when the Cleveland Clinic recruited me to help set up their hospital here in South Florida.

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 now practice as a Urogynecologist and Doctor of Women and Children's Services at Holy Cross Medical Group, a large multi-specialty physician group which is part of a community health care system here in Florida. My practice is limited to Urogynecology with a focus on reconstructive surgery.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I joined IUGA very early in my career - after attending my first IUGA meeting in Sydney, Australia, then I co-hosted the joint meeting with ICS in Denver in 1999. The friendships created through IUGA are life-long, and once you belong, it is impossible to leave.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

I served as Secretary-Treasurer and subsequent positions on the IUGA Board so was able to - over a period of a few years - with a number of our colleagues and a dynamic office staff, bring IUGA from a group of colleagues with little funds to being the largest international society focused on the female pelvic floor with millions of dollars in operations budget and reserves. In addition, helping IUGA acquire its "baby" - the IUJ - from Don and Oscar was a defining moment in my commitment to IUGA. Now, onto Nepal...

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

Pete the Cat books with my son Christian. I strongly recommend the series.

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

I am a runner, and of course enjoy traveling.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

I make a killer paella, with friends.

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

I currently live in Auckland, New Zealand.

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 work as a consultant with a special interest in urogynaecology in a public and private setting. I am interested in causative factors for prolapse.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

A few years back due t my interest in the field.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

The possibility to set up and host the IUGA podcast.

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

I tend to read a lot of books at the same time.

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

My hobbies are reading, traveling, sports and enjoying my friends and family.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

As a teenager I once was offered a contract to become a professional snowboarder. I believe I made the right choice in continuing medical school.

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."

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

I currently work in Nîmes, a medium size Roman city in the South East of France. I was originally trained in Paris and moved to Nîmes 15 years ago. I have spent one year for research at St. George's Hospital in South East London in 1997.

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.

Professor in Obstetrics and Gynecology, with a special interest in Urogyneacology for 20 years. Since I finished my initial training in Obstetrics and Gynecology in Paris in 1999, I have worked mostly in urogynaecology. I head up a department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, which include a small team of two consultants, two junior surgeons, one nurse and two physiotherapists who are all devoted to the care of women with pelvic floor disorders. We most commonly deal with surgical treatment of urinary incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse. We have focused our experimental and clinical researches on mesh surgeries.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I joined IUGA since 2000 because of my strong interest in urogynecology and sharing knowledge with international colleagues.

What has been your most rewarding or more memorable IUGA experience?

The congress dinner organized by Bernard Jacquetin in Le Château de Versailles during the IUGA/ICS joint congress in Paris in 2004!

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

I have recently read the history of Ambroise Paré, who was the first surgeon of the French King François 1er, during the 16th Century. This book describes well how surgery took its nobility.

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

Scuba diving and motorcycling.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

My father and my grandfather were surgeons, and my daughter is currently entering her first year in medicine.

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

I have recently returned to Auckland, New Zealand, having completed my Urogynecology training in Auckland and Melbourne, Australia. I grew up in Auckland and having lived away from home for the majority of my training and career to date, I was excited to have the opportunity to return home to be closer to my 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.

This year I completed the clinical component of my Urogynecology Fellowship training, and have commenced a Consultant Urogynecology position at North Shore Hospital in Auckland.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

During my training I was mentored by Dr. Lynsey Hayward, the IUGA president at the time. She encouraged me to join IUGA to develop connections within the International Urogynecology community.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

Attending conferences and meeting other colleagues has led to a better understanding of how other Urogynecology units practice and what research is being performed internationally. Being a member of the Fellows Committee has been a rewarding experience and I have enjoyed getting to know the other Fellows who are at a similar stage in their careers.

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!

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

Cincinnati, Ohio USA I completed FPMRS fellowship in Cincinnati and then accepted a position at a nearby practice.

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.

Urogynecologist, Kettering Network Dayton, OH I have worked at Kettering for 7 years, focusing on prolapse and incontinence repairs. Additionally, I am faculty for our residency program which has 12 residents and am involved in the educational programs and several resident research projects. Currently, we have several clinical research projects with the aims of improving postoperative pain.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I joined IUGA in 2010 due to a strong interest in international medicine and research across the boundries of borders.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

I have done several rewarding presentations and have participated in Fellows Day on a regular basis.

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

Last book: Talking with Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell. Would absolutely recommend all of his books, however this one in particular really tackles communication barriers amongst individuals.

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

Cooking, making hot sauce, gardening Kayaking, Running, Biking, Fishing Travel for fun and missions. Women's health advocacy through lobbying and regional education

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!

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.

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

I live in Morgantown West Virginia - USA (about 1 hr south from Pittsburgh). I came here as the first fellowship trained urogynecologist in the whole state. One of my friends invited me to come and we fall in love with the Wild and Wonderful state.

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 assistant professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology working for West Virginia University. I provide clinical care of complex pelvic floor disorders and minimally invasive procedures.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

In my last two years of residency. It offered a lot of information and resources to my patients. Those pamphlets in multiple languages were life saver during my residency in NYC.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

My first IUGA meeting was in Cancun in 2007, it was an amazing experience to finally meet in person all those names behind the studies and textbooks!!

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

Smarter, Faster, Better: The Secrets of Being Productive in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg

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

I love traveling with my wife and kids and taking tons of pictures. Learning new things, coding, podcasting, cooking

What is one "fun fact" about you?

My kids and I practice taekwondo

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

I came to Cleveland, OH to do a Female Urology fellowship in 1997. I got stuck there. I initially worked at Case Western Reserve University but was recruited to the Cleveland Clinic in 2004. My wife and kids were happy in Cleveland and we are still here over 20 years later.

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 Professor and Vice Chairman of the Glickman Urologic and Kidney Institute within the Lerner College of Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic. I spend about 80% of my time in clinical practice working with fellows and residents focusing on female pelvic reconstruction, lower urinary tract dysfunction and neurourology. Practically we do many prolapse repairs, incontinence surgeries, neuromodulation procedures and repair complications from other surgeries that are referred to us. About 10 % of my time is research/academic and another 10% is administrative within our department with a focus on quality and patient safety. Much of my research has focused on pelvic organ prolapse and slings - improving efficiency of care and neuromodulation.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I have been an IUGA member for almost 20 years. I enjoy the opportunity to meet with and learn from others who may come to the specialty with a slightly different perspective from mine.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

Learning from my peers at the Annual Meeting. Gaining new collaborators at such meetings.

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

1917. Great movie - not only the story but the entire cinematic experience.

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

Travel, taking care of my garden, seeing my grandchildren

What is one "fun fact" about you?

Was a Hollywood movie star in second grade. Grew up on Los Angeles and picked for a movie role. My film career has been downhill since age 7.

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😊

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

I am originally from Mumbai, India but currently live and work in Chicago, USA. After medical school in India, I moved to Boston for public health training and stayed through residency in Philadelphia, fellowship in Louisville and now my first FPMRS job.

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 at Mercy Hospital and Medical Center, Chicago’s oldest teaching institution. I provide FPMRS and complex GYN care to a diverse community in Chicago and work with ObGyn residents on their research. Combining my background in public health and surgery, my interests lie in improving surgical access and health care disparities.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I decided to join IUGA after the AUGS-IUGA combined meeting in 2019. I was impressed by the scope and diversity of the organization and enjoyed meeting people from across the globe who share my interests.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

Since joining IUGA, I have been involved in several committees and have had the chance to know other IUGA members and learn from their experiences. The interactions have been the most valuable part of my IUGA experience!

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

I live in São Paulo, Brazil, where I was born.

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 the Chair of the Urogynecology and Pelvic Floor Division at Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo for 15 years. My Doctoral Thesis and Livre Docencia Thesis were in the treatment of SUI and pelvic floor anatomy respectively. I am the current Vice President of IUGA and President of the Brazilian Society of Urogynecology and Pelvic Floor

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I became an IUGA member more than 10 years ago, because for me, it is the most important World Society of Urogynecology

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

The most memorable experience was when I saw FIUGA's wonderful job in a video presented during the gala dinner at the Annual Meeting in Como.

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

I really recommend The Rocket Man

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

My favorite hobby is playing tennis

What is one "fun fact" about you?

when I got the call from Lynsey about the election for vice president of IUGA and I was inside the cinema

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

I live in Austin, Texas, USA. I'm in my last year of fellowship in Temple, Texas nearby.

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 Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery clinical fellow at Baylor Scott & White. I'm in my 3rd year of a 3 year fellowship which I started after residency in Obstetrics & Gynecology. My research focuses on overactive bladder and urinary incontinence.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I joined as a first year fellow. My mentors are all members and I was using the IUGA website for learning resources.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

Attending the IUGA conference in Vienna 2018 where I met many great people.

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

Bern, Switzerland

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.

Assistant Medical Director Women’s Center Bern

Focus of research: Pelvic floor anatomy Epidemiology of pelvic floor disorders Pelvic floor disorders and pregnancy/childbirth Evaluation of surgical therapy options

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I joined IUGA more than 10 years ago, because for me IUGA is the most important international association dealing with pelvic floor disorders.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

The joint meetings of AUGS and IUGA

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

I currently live in London, UK. I moved here to start my training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and have stayed to undertake further research in the field of Urogynaecology.

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 a clinical research fellow at University College London Hospital's Urogynaecology and Pelvic Floor Unit. I started this post after five years of general O+G training and I am registered as a doctoral student at University College London where I am completing an MD thesis looking at the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic mesh sacrohysteropexy.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I joined IUGA in 2015 when I was working for Professor Linda Cardozo at King's College Hospital. She hugely inspired me to take interest in the field and IUGA offered an opportunity to do this on an international level with exposure to the frontiers of pelvic floor medicine and surgery.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

Nice, France, IUGA meeting 2015. My first IUGA exposure, lucky enough to present some work and I met lots of wonderful people while enjoying some great food and socializing.

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

The Universe in Your Hand by Christophe Galfard. An exceptionally humbling read.

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

Travelling, cooking, and eating.

Tell us about where you currently live (city/country) and how you ended up in this location?
I currently live in Utrecht, the Netherlands. I moved here to attend medical school and started my residency pogram here as well.
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 sixth (final) year OBGYN resident and decided to dedicate this year to urogynecology. I mainly work in a specialized urogynecology department at the Bergman Clinics, which is a tertiary referral center for urogynecology. I have been interested in urogynecology since my rotations in medical school, which I finished in 2010. After medschool I started working as a resident and urogynecology research fellow in Utrecht and in Cleveland Ohio and started my OBGYN training program in 2015.
When and why did you decide to join IUGA?
I joined IUGA during residency. I was inspired by a few urogynecologists who have been a real role models for me and decided to persue my carreer in urogynecology.
What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?
IUGA 2010 in Toronto, which I joined as a medical student was definitely a highlight. It was my first international conference and I got to know many colleagues in the field. It was a warm welcome in the world of urogynecology. I attended many annual meetings after that.
What is the last book you read or movie you saw? Would you recommend it?
The last movie I saw was ‘Knives Out’, a surprising plot and would for sure recommend it.
What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
After work I enjoy going to modern dance workouts and Pilates classes.
Besides, I love traveling, the outdoors, cooking and eating.

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

Melbourne, Australia. Came here to do a Urogynaecology fellowship and never went back!

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.

Consultant Obstetrician Gynaecologist and Pelvic floor surgeon. Mercy Health, Melbourne, Victoria. Worked here for the last 3.5 years. Areas of focus and research are pelvic floor dysfunction.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I was looking for resources and training opportunities in Urogynaecology and IUGA is the perfect platform for this!

What has been your most rewarding and memorable IUGA experience?

Getting the IUGA clinical fellowship grant for 2013 which gave me the opportunity to do a year of Urogynaecology fellowship in the UK. Also getting the best abstract prize for Physician in training at the annual conference in Vienna 2018.

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

Last book: Sapiens. Last movie: documentary called 'First Footprints' which tells the stories of the indigenous Australian settlers. Highly recommend both.

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

Hobbies are: Staying fit, travelling, and reading.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

I am big time into weightlifting (Olympic style weightlifting). I love the sport and compete too.

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

Currently I live in Gaziantep in southeastern Turkey. Since my family lived here, I started working as an assistant professor at Gaziantep University 6 years ago.

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 an assistant professor in Gaziantep University Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic for the last 6 years. I recently applied for associate professorship. My interests are endoscopic surgery, pelvic floor disorders, urogynecology. I am doing the surgical and medical treatments of all urogynecology patients who apply to our clinic for the last 2 years. I attend congresses and courses on urogynecology. After my associate professorship has been approved, I plan to be fully involved in this field.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

IUGA was a community I wanted to be a part of for a long time. I was following the scientific activities of this association with enthusiasm. I did a video presentation at a meeting of IUGA in 2019. I wanted the happiness and sense of belonging I felt there to continue increasingly. It was a community I wanted to be a part of for a long time.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

I did a video presentation at a meeting of IUGA in 2019 in Istanbul. It was amazing and enthusiastic.

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

The last book I read is Animal Farm-George Orwell. It was a creative and questioning book. The last movie I saw is '12 Angry Man'. I was a classic and cult film.

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

I love outdoor sports. In my spare time I play tennis or hike. We go to different places for snow ski for 1-2 weeks in winter.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

I sneeze when I am excited:)

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

Basically Sydney born and bred other than a few years in Malaysia as a child and my time as a fellow in the UK. My old boss was heading into retirement when I completed my subspecialty training so I stepped into his position. You can be in the right place at the right time!

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 head of the department of urogynaecology and director of the Pelvic Floor Unit at a large teaching hospital in western Sydney. We have almost 1,000 beds and 5,000 deliveries a year so plenty to keep us busy.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I joined IUGA in 1994 when I was a fellow for Mr. Bob Freeman in Plymouth, UK. I knew urogynaecology was going to be my lifetime's work and it was natural to become involved in our international organization. My first IUGA meeting was in Sydney in 1991 when I was responsible for the slide projector! No data projectors and memory sticks in those days.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

Over the last few years I have been involved with the Education Committee mainly working on regional symposia. These meetings were really exciting and I felt I was contributing to our core purpose.

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

The last memorable movie would have to be Hunt for the Wilderpeople, a New Zealand movie directed by Taika Waititi who also directed Thor: Ragnarok. It is a funny, tragic, and beautiful movie which is also full of hope.

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

I like to make things so my house (much to my husband's irritation) is filled with sewing machines and fabrics and beads and my latest projects. Part of every IUGA meeting is checking out fabric and bead shops. I am also a cricket tragic.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

And I have a passion for bull terrier dogs - not very beautiful but such character and strength.

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

I am practicing in Buffalo, New York

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 at General Physician, PC

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

Joined 5-6 yrs ago. Love the networking and online education provided by IUGA

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

Meeting in Vienna, Austria

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

Not much time currently. Doing MBA at Kellogg School of Management and Schulich business school in Toronto

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…

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.

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

I live and work in Vienna (Austria) which is also my home town. Besides temporary stays abroad in France, Switzerland and Tunisia, I completed my medical studies and training at the Medical University of Vienna.

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 clinical resident at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Medical University of Vienna. I acquired a PhD in the field of urogynecology where I researched the etiology of stress urinary incontinence by applying proteomic and genetic analyses.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I joined IUGA in the first year of my PhD curriculum in 2014 in order to be able to network on an international level, to learn from others and to present and re-evaluate my own research.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

Every IUGA International Meeting is a memorable experience for me.

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

Glasgow, United Kingdom

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.

Dr Priyanka Krishnaswamy, MRCOG Subspecialty Registrar in Urogynaecology Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow & Honorary Clinical Lecturer, University of Glasgow

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I decided to join IUGA in 2018 as I was doing my advanced training in Urogynaecology then and wished to access online learning, speak with people around the world in urogynaecology and be involved in IUGA Committees.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

The IUGA Academy has been most useful. Joining discussions and hearing from other members has been very interesting too.

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

I find the books by Christopher Brookmyre quite interesting and fun. I would highly recommend it.

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

I enjoy swimming, reading, indoor and outdoor climbing.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

I am quite adventurous and like to try new types of food and outdoor adventure sports.

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

Birmingham, UK

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.

Consultant urogynaecology at Birmingham women's and children's NHS Foundation trust since January 2008 Areas of research- overactive bladder, pelvic organ prolaose

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

As a trainee, I decided to join IUGA in 2005 because I had planned to do subspecialist training in the field and wanted to be versed with the international trends in the field

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

Getting the best scientific abstract prize in 2007 Annual meeting in Mexico

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

The power of positive deviance by Richard pascale, Jerry and Monique sternum Definitely recommend it

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

Road cycling is what I like to do on my weekends

What is one "fun fact" about you?

I cannot pronounce v and w distinctly and get them mixed up😜

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

Taipei, Taiwan.

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 Urogynecologist and worked at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for past 20 years. Chang Gung Memorial Hospital is the 1st institution to include the Urogynecology as a sub-specialty department in Asia. I am honored to be trained here. I was the Head of the Urogynecology department from 2007 to 2014 before my present post as the Director of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taiwan. And, I am a Professor at the School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taiwan.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I joined IUGA since 1997.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

The 33th IUGA annual meeting at Taipei is my most unforgettable IUGA experience. The meeting was great. Why it was great because, we hold a successful meeting without the fear of a strong Typhoon hit.

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

San Diego, California, USA. My husband was stationed here in 1995 and I came to do my residency. Fell in love with the location and the work environment and stayed for fellowship training and as faculty.

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.

Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences. I am Division Director and Fellowship Program Director for Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery at UC San Diego. I began my residency in OB/GYN here at UC San Diego in 1996 and fellowship training in 2000.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I have been a member for over 15 years and attended my first meeting in Florence, Italy. I enjoy meeting other members and hearing the science and practice patterns around the country.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

Working with the Fellows Research Program as an advisor and mentor.

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

Moonlight - Fantastic

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

Cooking, travel, and spending time with friends.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

I love fantasy football (American football)

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

Christchurch, New Zealand I am currently studying medicine at the University of Otago and am based in Christchurch for my 3 clinical 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.

Medical Student

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I have previously attended a couple of conferences as a tag along and helped out with FIUGA activities. I am now joining as a student rep.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

Vienna conference

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

Music

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

I'm originally from Barbados but currently reside in Atlanta, Georgia where I run a small pelvic floor physical therapy practice. We, my husband and I, moved here 11 years ago from NYC.

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 pelvic floor physical therapist and have been practicing for over 13 years. While I see both adults and children with pelvic floor conditions, I specialize in working with those individuals dealing with chronic pelvic pain.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I joined IUGA in 2020 because I love learning and connecting with others in the field. There is so much we continue to learn about the body, about prevention and treatment of physiologic and medical issues and I believed that this group was a great way for me to do so.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

The educational support and the communities within the group.

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

The last book I read was Invisible Women by Carlline Perez (well worth the read) and the last movie was Disney's "Godmothered" with my kids.

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

I have always been an athlete, competing internationally as a member of the Barbados National Volleyball team for a span of about 8 years. I currently coach youth volleyball and enjoy pouring into the next generation of athletes. Outside of that, spending time with my family, being outdoors and cooking.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

I LOVE to talk about food.

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

I live in Winston Salem, North Carolina- I moved here after I met my now-husband while living in Chapel Hill. He is in the furniture business.

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 Professor of Urology and Gynecology and I serve as the Fellowship Director for Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. I also Co-Direct our multidisciplinary pelvic health center. We have a very busy clinical unit that focuses on surgical clinical trials and outcomes. In addition, I am part of a multidisciplinary team that is working to develop a neovagina through the Regenerative Medicine Institute at Wake Forest University.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I joined IUGA about 10 years ago as I have a curiosity to learn how people around the world care for their patients. I love to travel and meet new colleagues around the world. I am also passionate about education which is a major mission of IUGA.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

Participating in several IUGA regional symposia- particularly loved meetings in Colombia and Bali.

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

The Door, By Magda Szabo- quite an incredible read. Highly recommend it!

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

Yoga, running, reading, cooking, and traveling.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

My cousin is a famous US rock star.

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

I live in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. I was born and raised here and its a beutiful countryside city from Brazil.

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 graduated at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in 2008 and completed my residence in OBGY at the same institution. Completed my master degree in 2015 at the same University an currently I'm in the last year of my PhD. I practice urogynecology since 2012 and currently work in a public hospital in Belo Horizonte.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I joined IUGA since 2017, because I realized that is the best way to keep updated and make good networking.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

My most memorable experience was when the IUJ published my first article.

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

I reccomend Michelle Obama's biography.... excellent book!

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

My favorite hobby is ballet, I real mindful experience to me.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

Sometimes I fell that I'm the only person that likes urogynecology in my city. Physicians don't like to adress this subject with patients.

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

I live in Boston, MA. I moved here with my family in 2011 because it is a great cosmopolitan city, and Massachusetts has the second largest Armenian community in America.

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 the chief of Urogynecology at the Brigham and Women's Hospital. I have held this position since 2011. I am interested in clinical and epidemiologic research in our field.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I have been a member of IUGA for about 18 years now.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

The IUGA meeting in Buenos Aires, Argentina in early 2000's.

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

Book: Russka, by Edward Rutherford.

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

Family, swimming, Armenia, friends.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

Meeting and getting to know people from different backgrounds and cultures.

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

Polokwane, South Africa - I was born in Limpopo Province "Africa's Eden" and after completing Urogynecology training in University Cape Town I decided to go back home to serve my community in this wonderful province - home to the big fives in their natural habitat.

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.

Head of a newly established Urogynecology Unit in Polokwane/Mankweng Hospital complex and also a senior lecture in University of Limpopo. I also run a successful private practice in two of the biggest private hospitals in Limpopo Province (Limpopo Mediclinic and Netcare Pholoso) focusing on minimum invasive surgery and pelvic floor reconstructive surgery.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I joined IUGA while I was training as a fellow in Urogynecology in UCT in 2017. Since then IUGA has been like my extended family where just like a typical family we meet once a year (IUGA annual meetings) and frequency communicated via multiple media to keep up to date with the happenings and recent trends in urogynecology.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

43rd IUGA Annual Meeting in Vienna, Austria in 2018. It was my first trip outside my country (South Africa). I got to rub shoulders with "izija ze game" translated from isiZulu meaning the leaders of the industry such as Professor Linda Cardozo, Ranee Thakar, Abdul Sultan, Lynsey Hayward and many more izija ze game. I also became an IUGA education committee member in the same meeting. Fondest memories!!!!

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

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. I think the subject matter Mr. Carnegie talks about in the book must be a compulsory subject in every school. I strongly recommend everyone to read it and give it to a friend.

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

Motivational Speaker. I go around rural schools in my province encouraging pupils to dream big in order to unshackle the chain of poverty they are born into. I also speak on local radio stations on medical issues, in particular Urogynecology conditions.

What is one "fun fact about you?

I secretly believe that if I was not a Urogynecologist I was going to be a world famous comedian - a great South African export even more than our Trevor Noah ahahaha!!

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.

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

I currently live in Salisbury, UK and work in Hampshire.

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 final year of Obstetrics and Gynaecology training, specializing in Vaginal Surgery and Urogynaecology.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I joined IUGA 4 years ago when my interest in Urogynaecology was sparked. Initially I joined prior to attending the AGM but am now involved in the Fellows, Trainees, and Early Career Professionals Committee.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

Meeting people at the IUGA meeting in Vienna and being part of the first Fellow's webinar.

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

I enjoy baking, sewing, paddle boarding, and walking with my family and dog.

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

I live and work in South West England.

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 NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer and Subspecialty Trainee in Urogynaecology. I work in the University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, and I've been an Obstetrics and Gynaecology trainee for 7 years now. My main area of research is in the Bladder Pain Syndrome as well as birth outcomes and it's impact on the pelvic floor.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I joined IUGA in 2012 following the annual conference in Brisbane Australia. Membership has given me the opportunity for networking and expanding my research contacts, and I have subsequently formed some very beneficial collaborations.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

IUGA Nashville was the most memorable. The city was beautiful and the music culture was excellent. In addition, it was at this conference that I started to believe that I belonged to the urogynaecology society.

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

Last book I read was Emma. I love the classics, but this was a difficult book to read. I would recommend watching the movie instead.

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

I like to keep fit and am currently training for a marathon.

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

I currently live in London. I moved here in 2015 to start my training after obtaining my medical degree at the University of Birmingham.

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 a Urogynaecology Clinical Research Fellow at Croydon University Hospital, London. My areas of interest are endoanal and pelvic floor ultrasound. At present I am registered as a postgraduate student at St George's, University of London, completing an MD thesis on obstetric anal sphincter injuries and perineal wound infection.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

After starting my clinical research fellow post. I felt it was a great way to connect with other fellows and specialists! Also a way to develop my knowledge surrounding Urogynaecology, keeping me up to date with the most up to date research.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

Attending and presenting at the IUGA 45th Virtual Annual Meeting

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

Playing netball!

What is one "fun fact" about you?

I'm very interested in the use of social media in healthcare and have presented on a number of popular podcasts and social media platforms to discuss topics such as pelvic floor health.

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

I currently live in Durham, North Carolina. Fellowship training brought me this way!

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 a first-year Urogynecology fellow at Duke University. I have been here for just under a year. My research interests include global health as it pertains to improving research and access to care of pelvic floor disorders, as well as optimizing patient outcomes after prolapse surgery.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I joined in 2018 given the unique opportunity the organization presents to collaborate with individuals sharing the same passion on a global scale.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

Attending the combined AUGS/IUGA meeting in 2019. It was powerful to know that I'm part of a large international network of committed colleagues, all working together tirelessly to advocate for women and the care of pelvic floor disorders worldwide.

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

I read the book "Know My Name" by Chanel Miller. It is a powerful testimony that reflects the unspoken experiences and strength of many women worldwide, including many of the patients that we serve.

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

I enjoy traveling, running, trying new foods, and learning new languages.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

I have hiked down-and-up the Grand canyon in one day......twice.

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.

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

I live in Kolkata, India. After completion of my MD (O&G) I worked 3 years as Senior Resident at Ramakrishna Mission Seva Pratishthan, Kolkata. That time I decided to settled at Kolkata. But after that I went to Rajahmundry, Andhrapradesh where I worked as Assistant Professor at GSL Medical College. Stayed there for 5 years - I had a nice time there. Following I got an opportunity to shift to Kolkata - so we moved and settled here.

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.

Presently working as Professor, Obs & Gyn, at College of Medicine & JNM Hospital, WBUHS, Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal, India. I joined here as Associate Professor and then promoted to Professor. I am in this institution for last 10 years. My focus is on finding out operative technique for better pelvic reconstruction as well as finding out relief from overactive bladder.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I have joined IUGA in 2008 most probably. Prof Rajamaheswari, the eminent Urogynecologist of India was instrumental in this. Since then I have renewed membership every year and enjoyed the different features of IUGA.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

Faculty of Animal lab hands-on workshop on “Repair of bladder injuries” at IUGA Regional Symposium & URPS 2018 held at Chennai 06.09.2018

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

Mohenjo Daro (A historical movie on old civilization of Mohenjodaro) Hindi with some ancient languages. It's a wonderful movie - everybody can see it.

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

Hobby - reading PMA books (Positive mental attitude) Spending time with my family during spare hours.

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

I live in Chennai, India for the past 5 years after spending a decade and a half in the UK. My family moved back to my ancestral home after a long stint away to experience working in India. A new system and a complete eye-opener to thinking outside the box!

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 an Obstetrician and Urogynecologist at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, India. It is a JCI accredited, super-specialty private hospital. I've been a specialist for a decade now and my focus is prevention of perineal injuries during natural birth. I'm part of a core group in India that leads hands-on training in OASIs for obstetricians.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I've been a member since I was a trainee 11 years ago. It has been a good platform to foster my interest in education, research, leadership and showcasing my work in the annual meetings too.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

Leading the 'Meet the Expert' session on postnatal injuries at the annual meeting at Vienna in 2018. Lot of social memories with friends and colleagues at each IUGA meeting are the ones to treasure.

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

Movie - Shawshank Redemption - an all time favorite. If at all you feel low, this is the movie to watch.

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

Baking and napping. If at all I find the spare time...

What is one "fun fact" about you?

A wry sense of humor

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!

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

I live with my family in Pittsburgh, PA, USA. I moved to this city for residency 8 years ago and was fortunate enough to stay in the area for fellowship and now as faculty.

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 recent fellowship graduate from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. I began my position as Faculty in the Division of Urogynecology at West Penn Hospital of Allegheny Health Network in the fall of 2020. I have an interest in clinical outcomes research and cost effectiveness analyses.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I joined IUGA to gain a broader perspective of global urogynecology practice.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

My first manuscript as a fellow was published in IUJ. It was the first time I felt that I could be successful as a clinical researcher.

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

Oh! All time favorite book is "Beartown" by Fredrik Backman and the last book I read was "The Heart's Invisible Furies" by John Boyne - I definitely recommend both!

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

I have two wonderful and crazy young boys that keep me very busy at home but I love to read and ride my Peloton in my spare time.

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

I returned to Edmonton, Canada to start my academic practice in 1999 as we have family in Edmonton.

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.

Interim Chair, Professor Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Urogynecologist at the Lois Hole Hospital for Women, University of Alberta, Edmonton.  Active educator in Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Univ of Alberta, Clinical Researcher with focus on epidemiology, clinical innovation, pessary care, conservative management, and long-term surgical outcomes.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

As a resident due to interest in Urogynecology in 1996.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

Being the North American Representative to the international advisory committee. Networking and reconnecting with colleagues and friends at annual meetings. Serving on the publications committee.

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

Avatar (rewatched with my teenager). Enjoyed it! Brian on Fire - great book.

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

Swimming, travel, activities (walks/meals) with family and friends.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

It's always time for a cuppa (especially if it is PG tips)!

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

Houston , Tx . I moved to Houston for my job after finishing my fellowship. I am at University of Texas , Houston and enjoy living in Houston

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.

Associate Professor Urogynecology, I have been at University of Texas , Houston for 16 years and started the division of Urogynecology . My area of interest in Pelvic organ prolapse and I am involved in clinical research in Prolapse and incontinence

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I joined IUGA more than 10 years and have really enjoyed the journal and meetings.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

The joint AUGs/ IUGA meetings , love the international flavor and what physicians do in other countries and learn from each other.

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

The little things

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

Travelling Reading Cooking

What is one "fun fact" about you?

I am trained in India & US and appreciate my training at both places

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

Hyderabad/ India I was born here

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.

My basic degree is MBBS, MS OBGYN, and further specialization in endoscopy - ISGE Bachelor of MIGS. I have undergone training in urogynaecology under my mentor, Professor Ajay Rane. I have work experience of 8 years.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I joined IUGA in 2015. Being a part of the local society, UPIA under the leadership of Dr. Anuradha Koduri ( of which I am an Executive Member ), I developed a greater interest in research and found IUGA to broaden my knowledge to help women in my clinic.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

My involvement in the TVT/ TOT workshop as organiser in AIGU, affliated with IUGA has been the most rewarding experience. The best way to learn is by teaching.

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!

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.

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

I live in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA where I came in 2012 for my fellowship in Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery and then 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 am an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Michigan Medicine with board certification in FPMRS. I have been at Michigan Medicine since 2012. I am currently NIH funded and my main research interests are in the biomechanics of pelvic organ prolapse. I also have an interested in postpartum pelvic floor disorders and pelvic floor aging.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I joined IUGA as a fellow and have greatly enjoyed the international community IUGA brings together with the common goal of education and improving the scientific understanding of pelvic floor disorders.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

I think the annual scientific meetings offer such a unique opportunity to learn from, and engage with, experts from all over the world. This year, I particularly enjoyed the keynote lecture by Nobel Prize laureate Dr. Mukwege.

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

I am reading all of the Harry Potter books with my 10 year old son and we are watching the movies after we read them. We have just finished the 5th book.

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

I enjoy playing music, baking, running, gardening, spending time with friends and family, and knitting.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

I am left handed but operate right handed.

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

Charleston, South Carolina. I moved there to do my Ob/Gyn residency and fell in love with the city. Probably never to leave.

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.

Division director of Urogyn and pelvic surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina. I have been there as faculty for 26 years. Currently working on epidemiology of prolapse.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I joined after 1993, to work on the terminology committee.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

All of the friendships I have made.

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

I collect and drink wine. I build furniture and enjoy gardening.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

I got in a cage to see great white sharks up close off the coast of South Africa with Peter Dwyer's children.

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

Born and bred in London, UK

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 obstetric and gynecology trainee in London with an interest in urogynaecology. Currently, I have been working as a urogynaecology clinical research fellow for the last year and a half focusing on a microbiome project at Imperial College London.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I joined 2 years ago as thought it would be a great way to meet like minded trainees, develop my knowledge of urogynaecology and be exposed to the most up to date research and training.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

The Fellows stream and social at IUGA 2018 Vienna really motivated me with my own research project. It was a great place to get practical advice that I was able to use straight away.

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

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Yes, a wonderfully written series of books!

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

I love to dance, whether its prancing around my front room or attending classical Indian dance classes. I relax to music and every now and again need to lose myself to a good thriller of a book.

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

South London, England.

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 a trainee, having recently completed a clinical research fellowship with Miss. Thakar and Mr. Sultan. My areas of interest are endoanal and pelvic floor scanning.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

Having attended my first IUGA conference in Nice, I realized what a wonderful family IUGA was. I have been provided with opportunities to meet fellow peers and a platform to discuss and learn all things necessary.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

Being part of the team hosting the first IUGA Allied Professionals Symposium earlier this year. It was a resounding success. It was exciting to hear topics discussed amongst such varied professionals, emphasizing one of the amazing things about urogynaecology being it's multidisciplinary nature.

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

I enjoy anything outdoors from skiing and snowboarding, hiking or netball to playing in the park with my son.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

I have done audiobook narration for over 20 children's books.

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

I live in the Gold Coast, Australia and moved here to complete my Urogynecology fellowship.

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 2nd year Urogynecology Fellow at Gold Coast Hospital and an obstetrician gynecologist. I am completing a 3 year Urogynecology subspecialty training program.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I joined IUGA about 3 years ago when I decided to subspecialize in Urogynecology as I felt it was a great platform to connect with specialists and peers with similar specialty interests and to be more involved in research and education.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

Being part of the IUGA Fellows and Trainees committee!

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

Dark Sacred Night by Michael Connelly - great detective novel; would definitely recommend it.

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

Reading, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

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!

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

My motherland is Lithuania, but the last 15 years I have been living in Denmark. Here I have finished my medical education including my residency.

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 finished my residency in 2015. Since I have been working in an urogynaecological team. In 2017 I have started subspecialist training programme in urogynaecology, which lasts 3 years. So I am almost done with that.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I joined IUGA in 2016, because my mentor invited my to join her to attend the Annual IUGA meeting.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

The most memorable IUGA experience - my first podium oral presentation to hundreds of people :)

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

Netherlands - Wamel. A very small town in The Netherlands, chosen as it is nice and peaceful. The location is ideal for commuting between hospitals.

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 medical school I worked for a year in Obs&Gynae, after which I started a great PhD project on levator avulaion following delivery in Croydon University Hospital (UK). I obtained my PhD in collaboration with the Radboud University (The Netherlands). Following my PhD I started my O&G residency, with special interest in Urogynaecology.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

During my research period I wanted to know more about the other parts of Urogynaecology. And I wanted to get to know more research fellows to exchange ideas and have fun during the meetings.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

Presenting my own research and so much fun during the annual meetings!

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

A Dutch novel during my holidays.

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

Playing hockey, tennis, skiing, enjoying time with my children, family and friends.

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

I live in Canton, NY, USA. It is the most northern part of new York near the Canadian border. We moved here to be closer to my in laws and I fell in love with the natural beauty. The lakes, mountains, forests, rivers etc.

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 Urogynecologist and have been in the field almost 20 yrs. I currently work in a combined venture with the military and local referral center. I take care of women with pelvic prolapse and urinary incontinence, but receive most of the patients with pelvic pain/IC.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I decided to join IUGA about 5yrs ago. I love to have references, latest research, and cohorts to communicate with about urogynecology issues. IUGA offered this but also many other views from other countries. This is important to me, since I believe we can all learn from each other.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

I truly enjoy working on the PR committee!

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

I just read To Err is Human. It has interesting points about safety and our culture.

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

I love the outdoors! We snow ski and water ski. We hike daily and sometimes kayak.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

You dont want me in the kitchen! I have tried to learn how to cook with no success. My last trial the kitchen caught on fire.

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

Cork, Republic of Ireland. I came to Ireland to work as a physiotherapist, found myself a nice Irish man and stayed on. After living here for 18 years, Ireland is 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.

Experienced clinician for sixteen years in pelvic, obstetrics and uro-gynaecology physiotherapy in the public and private service. I have worked as a Senior Physiotherapist in Women’s Health at the Cork University Maternity Hospital, Ireland from March 2007 to December 2019. I am also the Clinical-lead Physiotherapist in Women’s Health at the Cork Women’s Clinic from April 2009 to date. My clinical area of focus are pelvic floor dysfunctions from bump to menopause. I have completed a physiotherapy clinical trial for the MSc by Research degree. I also provide physiotherapy-based lectures for the MSc OBGYN module and the midwivery module at the University College Cork.

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

The reason I wanted to be part of the public relations committee is to increase awareness about physiotherapy and pelvic health. The role of pelvic physiotherapy goes beyond just pelvic floor exercises.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

Meet the Experts (chronic pelvic pain) - IUGA conference, Dublin, 2013.

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

Last book- American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins. Definitely worth a read! After reading this book, I would recommend watching the youtube clip on 'la bestia train journey' to truly understand human endurance and tenacity.

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

I adore art, love visiting art galleries and enjoy sea swimming (along the shore line) and the beach. I try and indulge in any of the above in my spare time.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

Well, you do need to meet me to know if I am fun.

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

Country of Himalays and Temples- Nepal

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.

Urogynaecologist and Laparoscopic surgeon. My research focus on pelvic floor injury

When and why did you decide to join IUGA?

I joined IUGA in 2018. It's a great platform to expand networking, access educational material and promoting knowledge in the area of pelvic floor medicine.

What has been your most rewarding or memorable IUGA experience?

Receiving IUGA observership grant 2020, becoming the member of IUC committee...and lots more to come.

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

Cooking, Watching romantic and thriller series. I love to travel with my family.

What is one "fun fact" about you?

I always scream for ice cream 😊