University of Helsinki Urology Residents Visit UMN
Last week, the University of Minnesota Department of Urology had the privilege of hosting four senior urology residents from the University of Helsinki, Finland. Part of an ongoing exchange program designed to foster international academic partnerships and enhance urological education, this program–started during the pandemic–has broadened the perspectives of residents at both institutions.
During their visit, the Helsinki residents toured the Bakken Medical Devices Center, M Simulation, Cancer and Cardiovascular Research Building, and Center for Magnetic Resonance Research. They also observed advanced surgical procedures, participated in multidisciplinary conferences, and discussions with our faculty. A highlight of the visit was the grand rounds presentation given by Drs. Veera Ilkka and Terhi Haglund titled, “Healthcare in the Happiest Country in the World.”
The visit by the Helsinki residents is a continuation of an existing program originally founded during the height of the pandemic. Drs. Joseph Zabell and Hamed Ahmadi visited Helsinki last year with fourth year University of Minnesota urology residents Drs. Pooja Srikanth, Lane Shish, and Jonathan Sussman. While at the University of Helsinki, they enjoyed group dinners and participated in a departmental retreat. In addition, they spent time with faculty and residents, observed clinics, and spent time in the OR, where Dr. Srikanth scrubbed in on several cases. These annual visits lay the groundwork for ongoing research partnerships and academic collaborations.
