A note from the IUGA Linda Cardozo grant recipient, Dr. Carlos A Zapata-Caballero

Hello! I’m Dr. Carlos A. Zapata-Caballero, a urogynecology fellow from Mexico, currently in my last year of training. I was born in Hermosillo, Sonora close to the USA-México border but grew up in Cancun, Mexico. I studied medicine in Mérida in the Yúcatan peninsula, after which I moved to Mexico City for my obstetrics and gynecology residency and Urogynecology fellowship, as well as a postgraduate training in Sexual Medicine.

Throughout my career, I have pursued further education and observerships internationally. I am actively engaged in global initiatives and have been honored with awards, such as the John Bursch Award from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), the Carlos Slim Award for Advancing Health Research, the Linda Cardozo Scholarship from the International Urogynecology Association (IUGA), and the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Award from the International Pelvic Pain Society (IPPS). I have also received the ACOG Pat Miller DEI-Centered Award, the International Continence Society (ICS) Observership Scholarship, the ISSM Scholarship to the ESSM School of Sexual Medicine, and a diploma for Academic Excellence from the Medical Association for Health (AMSA) and the Open Medical Institute (OMI). All of these experiences have fueled my commitment to global health outreach and advancing knowledge in urogynecology, especially in underserved areas.

My Journey with IUGA and the Linda Cardozo Grant: I first learned about the IUGA Linda Cardozo Grant during my obstetrics and gynecology training, when I began to delve into urogynecology and exploring global opportunities to deepen my expertise. This grant aligned with my desire to broaden my understanding by observing international best practices. After receiving the grant, I was thrilled to embark on a month-long observership in Australia, where I had the privilege of learning from some of the leading experts in pelvic floor medicine.

Observership in Australia: During my time in Australia, I split my experience between Sydney and Melbourne. In Sydney, I was fortunate to observe and learn from Professor Hans Peter Dietz, one of the foremost experts in imaging for pelvic floor dysfunction. I also had an incredible opportunity to spend time with Professor Peter Petros, whose contribuitions to the field are longstanding. In Melbourne, I observed Dr. Anna Rosamilia (incoming IUGA president) and her colleagues Dr. Mugdha Kulkarni and Dr. Payam Nikpoor. This experience was particularly valuable as it included learning methods for managing pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence in scenarios where mesh is either unavailable or not permitted. While mesh is still allowed in Mexico, having a broader set of surgical tools has enhanced my ability to adapt to different clinical environments and deliver optimal patient care.

Reflecting on the Experience: My time in Australia wasn't just about clinical learning; it was an immersion into a different healthcare system and culture, as well as developing personal connections. It was eye-opening to see how pelvic floor disorder care is addressed in different contexts. It reinforced my desire to not only improve clinical care for my patients but also to advocate for better pelvic health education and resources in my country.

Future Goals: Looking ahead, I plan to leverage the knowledge I’ve gained through this observership to enhance the care I provide to my patients in Mexico. I’m particularly motivated to address pelvic pain, a condition that is often neglected, and I hope to create more awareness and develop better resources for patients. Additionally, I am excited to continue collaborating with international colleagues and contributing to the global urogynecology community. IUGA has been instrumental in my professional growth, and I am grateful for the opportunities it has provided. I hope my experience can inspire others to seek out international learning opportunities and expand their horizons in this ever-evolving field.

Thank you for reading, and I look forward to contributing further to the urogynecology community!