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ΑΦΙΕΡΩΜΑ
BEGONA BALLESTA
MARTINEZ
GENERAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL OF PATRAS (ΠΑΤΡΑ, ΕΛΛΑΔΑ)
Dr. Begoña Ballesta Martínez
Urologist
Fellow at the General University Hospital of Patras
INFO
1. In which hospital and when did you start your fellowship?
I was in the General University Hospital of Patras. I started in January 2021.
2. What were your criteria choosing this training center / fellowship?
I intended to complete my fellowship alongside experts in laparoscopy and endourology, and I also wanted to be part of a team with a solid academic profile.
3. What is the object of specialization?
Endourology and laparoscopy.
5. What difficulties have you encountered?
The pandemic- related restrictions made traveling to Patras very challenging. The number of some surgical procedures has dropped due to COVID-19-related restrictions as well.
4. Can you describe the program?
The program consists in observing, assisting in and completing some steps in a large number of laparoscopic procedures, such as extra- peritoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, laparoscopic partial nephrectomy or laparoscopic nephroureterectomy, and endoscopic surgeries, mostly based on urinary-stones treatment and BPH management. Additionally, the program includes collaborating with a research team in the University of Patras, under the guidance of Prof. Liatsikos and Prof. Kallidonis, which conducts important basic and clinical-research projects.
6. Are you happy with
your choice / would you recommend it?
I could not be happier with my choice. The team is outstanding in everything, surgically and academically. They are nothing but a game-changing group of experts in the urological world. I think that this is one of the best programs to do a fellowship in laparoscopy
and endourology on the planet.
7. Was there any financial support for your fellowship?
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I was financed by the European Association of Urology (EAU), in particular by the EUSP and the EULIS section.