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 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.

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.

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 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/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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 😊