Joseph Crivelli, M.D., assistant professor in the UAB Department of Urology, recently participated in the AUA/SBU Academic Exchange Program in São Paulo, Brazil, benefiting from shared knowledge and experiences with colleagues in Brazil and supporting the program's goals to foster a closer alliance between the AUA and SBU (Sociedade Brasileira de Urologia).
Program participants spend two to three weeks at academic centers in Brazil, where they observe urologic surgeries and procedures, attend clinics, present lectures, and participate in staff activities. It includes attendance at an SBU urology meeting.
Learn more about Dr. Crivelli's experience and what he took away from it.
What initially inspired you to pursue the AUA/SBU Exchange Program?
Crivelli: The American Urological Association's commitment to fostering international collaboration has always resonated deeply with me. When colleagues and mentors who had participated in the AUA's international exchange programs spoke enthusiastically about their experiences, I knew I wanted to be part of this global network. The opportunity to learn from and work alongside urologists in Brazil was too compelling to pass up.
Give a brief overview as to how the experience was structured (i.e., what events/activities you participated in)
Crivelli: Over two-to-three weeks, I was fully integrated into the endourology division of the Urology Department at the University of São Paulo (USP). Given that kidney stone disease is my specialty, I had the privilege of working alongside their exceptional faculty who focus exclusively on this area. My days were spent participating in clinical case discussions, research conferences, operating room observations, and outpatient clinics. Midway through my visit, I attended the Congresso Brasileiro de Urologia in Florianópolis, the third-largest urology conference in the world, where I participated in a debate and clinical case discussions.
What was a highlight of your experience?
Crivelli: Witnessing the innovative spirit and research culture at USP's endourology group was truly inspiring. This team has been at the forefront of surgical clinical trials for kidney stone treatment for years. What impressed me most was their systematic approach: most of their surgical patients participate in trials evaluating treatment effectiveness. I know how challenging surgical trials are to execute well. Observing their rigorous methodology firsthand and seeing how they've successfully integrated research into routine surgical practice was very valuable.
What were your goals for the program, and how were those achieved?
Crivelli: Beyond the observership and congress participation, my primary goal was to establish sustainable research and educational collaborations between the urology departments at UAB and USP. I'm excited to share that we've laid a strong foundation for both. These partnerships will enable knowledge exchange, joint research projects, and opportunities for trainees from both institutions to learn from each other's expertise.
Anything else you would like to add?
Crivelli: São Paulo is the largest city in the Western Hemisphere, and even as a New Yorker, the sheer scale is breathtaking. Yet despite (or perhaps because of) its size, the warmth and hospitality I encountered made it feel like home.