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ΣΥΝΕΝΤΕΥΞΗ
F.N.: How do you feel about training international fellows?
Prof. S.T.: It's wonderful. We are extremely proud of Dr. Vasileios Tatanis. I am delighted that we had the opportunity to work with Vasileios. I also had some Middle Eastern colleagues. It can be challenging, as language can sometimes be a barrier. However, Vasileios has been able to handle this very well. He was able to effectively communicate with all the patients in our busy outpatient department, despite the language differences. This Greek individual was able to interact with all the Turkish patients in the clinic seamlessly. I believe that international colleagues are always valuable. Currently, I don't believe there is a need to train more pediatric urologists in Turkey as we already have a sufficient number. Instead, I think we should focus on transferring our expertise to those in other countries who require training in Pediatric Urology. I have developed connections with countries in Asia, such as India and Pakistan. We collaborate by traveling to each other's countries to perform surgeries and conduct distance teaching in Pediatric Urology. It is always an enjoyable experience and is a part of our efforts to make Pediatric Urology a global field. Our aim is to train more individuals from all over the world.
T.S.: Since 2004, you were elected to the World Health Organization (WHO) Advisory Board
on World Incontinence (urinary incontinence), and in 2008 you became the Chairman of the Committee on children in this board. How has WHO helped in raising awareness regarding pediatric incontinence?
Prof. S.T.: Well, this was not just Pediatrics. It was a consultation on incontinence, and it was a significant consultation. At the end of the consultation, around 20 chapters were produced, covering various areas of incontinence. Pediatric incontinence was a major topic, along with stress incontinence, neurogenic bladder, vesicovaginal fistula, and other pathologies leading to incontinence. It's a major issue, as incontinence is a social problem that greatly impacts one's mental and physical well-being. Dealing with incontinence is not always easy and requires multidisciplinary management. The goal was to involve different disciplines, including nurses, physiotherapists, family doctors, and surgeons, in understanding and treating the issue. To create awareness, one should not just think as a doctor, but as a healthcare professional
overall. It's important to consider the role of family doctors, as they are often the first to encounter incontinence issues and refer patients for further treatment. Nurses and physiotherapists should also be included, as they play a crucial role in non-surgical management. Managing a multidisciplinary group can give you professional and academic power in addressing these complex pathologies.
F.N.: Have you ever visited Greece? Could you name your favorite place? Are you planning to visit Greece again?
Prof. S.Τ.: I have visited Greece many times. I have been to Athens many times, maybe as much as 10 times. I have also been to Thessaloniki and I really like it. It reminds me of Izmir, they are very similar. I have also visited many Greek islands. I prefer Greek islands over any other part of Greece. I have also been to Rhodes and attended a Hellenic Urological Association meeting there some time ago. I have visited Kos, Kalymnos, Leros, and Simi, so I am quite familiar with those islands. I want to explore more islands in the future. Maybe one day I will visit Patras with my boat. I prefer visiting Greek islands more than cities, but I do want to visit Patras someday to see Vasileios.I want to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to interview, It was a pleasure. I appreciate the time you took.
Tεύχος 28 | Mάρτιος - Απρίλιος 2024
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