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Blog
Keep up with IVU’s work
RUN for IVU Virtual Challenge 2021
Join one of 15 teams for a 30-mile virtual challenge
How to Help COVID Patients in India
Given IVU’s longstanding partnership with medical providers and nonprofit organizations in India, we’re deeply concerned about the country’s medical capacity as it struggles to battle COVID-19. Fortunately, those of us in high-income countries are in a remarkable...
COVID-19 Update
We are very grateful for your continued support, volunteerism, and involvement with IVU through the COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to promote the safety of our volunteers and global partners, our in-person workshops are currently on hold. As soon as vaccines are...
IVU Celebrates 25 Years
As we look forward, we thought it would be a good time to reflect upon IVU’s mission, our impact, and the relationships we have made.
RUN for IVU Virtual Challenge
The Run for IVU is a 25 mile virtual challenge held in celebration of the 25th anniversary of International Volunteers in Urology (IVU). The challenge will take place over a 7 day period from October 24-31. Participants can run or walk as individuals or participate...
Message from IVU’s Interim Executive Director
As IVU’s new interim Executive Director, I am thrilled and honored to join the IVU team that has been providing quality urologic care and education worldwide for over 25 years. My first involvement with IVU was in 2008 when I went on a trip to Kumasi, Ghana as a...
Innovations Born out of COVID-19
IVU board member and volunteer Dr. Heidi Stephany was featured in the July 2020 edition of The Journal of Urology, the official journal of the American Urological Association. Dr. Stephany’s article, entitled “Trends in Medicine: Virtual Visits, Now and in the...
AUA News Features IVU’s Work
IVU board members Drs. Scott Eggener and Christina Ching wrote an article entitled "Urologists' Perspectives on Global Volunteerism" for AUA News. The pair began their work with IVU as Resident Scholars. Since then, they've led many workshops around the globe and...
IVU Supports & Fosters Equity
The core mission of IVU is grounded in respect for all people regardless of race, nationality, or beliefs. Humanitarian missions designed to teach one, reach many reflect efforts to help develop local capabilities to treat under-served populations and people in need....
IVU Volunteers’ Dedication to Service
IVU volunteers never cease to amaze us! Gwen & Tim Hutchings, who volunteered at an IVU female urology workshop in Senegal a couple years ago, have created and donated more than 1,100 face masks since the beginning of the pandemic! Their service has drawn national...
Update: COVID-19
Our work is international by nature. Our dedicated volunteers travel all over the world to provide expert surgical training. Due to the coronavirus outbreak, IVU has postponed all upcoming workshops. We are monitoring the situation and stay in regular contact with our...
Resident Scholar Dr. Hong Truong Volunteers in Rwanda
Thanks to the outstanding support of the Society of Urologic Oncology, Dr. Hong Truong served as an IVU Resident Scholar in Kigali, Rwanda under the mentorship of Dr. Kelvin Moses. Dr. Truong shares her experience: “Over the week of Thanksgiving, I had the privilege...
Sustainable Development
The generous support of the Southeast Section of the American Urological Association made it possible for Dr. Elizabeth Traore to serve as an IVU Resident Scholar in Dakar, Senegal under the mentorship of Dr. Susan Kalota. Dr. Traore shares her experience: "I had been...
Resident Scholar Re-Inspired During Two Weeks in Uganda
“My two weeks in Uganda flew by, and by the time I got to the airport, my mind was already spinning trying to plan a future trip! I was re-inspired in the field of urology and medicine, which is sometimes forgotten in the trenches of residency. I made lifelong friends and memories with this trip, and cannot thank IVU enough for sponsoring me as a resident scholar, and my program at Thomas Jefferson University for not only allowing but encouraging such an experience.”
Resident Scholar Experiences Surgery in its Purest Form
IVU trips are truly surgery in its purest form. As a participant, your framework is shifted, your perspectives are re-calibrated, and you’re reminded of what a surgeon’s life would be without hospital bureaucracy.
Resident Scholar Works With First and Only Female Urologist in Rwanda
The Western Section of the American Urological Association made it possible for Dr. Jullet Han to serve as an IVUmed Resident Scholar in Kigali, Rwanda under the mentorship of Dr. Frank Burks. Dr. Han shares her experience: “I fit as much as I could into my tiny...
Resident Scholar Fulfill’s Lifelong Dream
“Early in my career I always envisioned providing free medical care in an international setting to disadvantaged populations who need it most. It is my intention to continue to give back internationally in my career where I can provide quality urologic care to patients around the globe. I am deeply grateful to the Bhopal staff and volunteers, IVU Med and its donors, and most importantly the gracious patients I worked with, for giving me the opportunity to take part in something I will remember forever.”
Why Dr. Eric Richter Volunteers
“The one thing I’d like to help establish there is an effective, quality training program, where they can produce their own urologists and train themselves,” he said.
Resident Scholar Dr. Blair Townsend’s Thoughts From Zimbabwe
I believe we solidified a very strong working relationship going forward. I am in close contact with many of the Zimbabwean residents currently and trust these friendships will remain long into the future.
Get to Know Dr. Joe Costa
Dr. Joseph Costa has volunteered with IVUmed for almost ten years and has focused his service on teaching urologists in Haiti. Dr. Costa says that over the course of six years he watched surgeons in Haiti progress to skill levels equal to fellowship trained surgeons...
Countdown to Norfolk!
Our 4th Annual Norfolk Benefit is just around the corner! Have you RSVPed? We would love to see you on September 21st! What to Expect A charitable and fun evening complimented by dinner & drinks, a live auction, and a silent auction. Attire Business. How to Join...
Resident Scholar Dr. Ramphis Morales’s Eye-Opening Week in Jamaica
Thanks to the support of the Southeastern Section of the American Urological Association, Dr. Ramphis Morales-López enjoyed an eye-opening experience serving as a Resident Scholar under the guidance of Drs. Maxx Gallegos & Jonathan "Nick" Warner in Kingston,...
IVUmed Featured in Local Newspaper
A community newspaper, The Sandy Journal, recently published a focus piece on IVUmed. We are incredibly grateful for this coverage and appreciate the opportunity to share our work and the generous contributions of our volunteers and donors. You can read Heather...
Healthcare in its Purest Form
Today, we’re honoring Scott Eggener, MD. Dr. Eggener specializes in caring for patients with prostate, kidney, and testicular cancer. His research, focused on urologic cancers, has resulted in more than 200 publications. Beyond this, he’s a dedicated IVUmed volunteer...
Volunteer Spotlight: Susan Kalota, MD
IVUmed is proud to feature Susan Kalota, MD on our blog today. Dr. Kalota was the first woman to become a Board certified urologist in Arizona. Beyond being one of IVUmed’s most dedicated volunteers, Dr. Kalota currently serves as the organization’s Board Treasurer....
Dr. Natalia Hernandez’s Eye-Opening Workshop in Cote d’Ivoire
Thanks to the generous support of the South Central Section of the American Urological Association, Dr. Natalia Hernandez had a phenomenal experience in Cote d’Ivoire, where she volunteered at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Cocody in Abidjan and attended the...
Volunteer Spotlight: Dr. Kurt McCammon
Today, we are featuring Dr. Kurt McCammon, who has volunteered with IVUmed for nearly 15 years and currently serves as our Board Chair. Dr. McCammon is a reconstructive urologist at Urology of Virginia. He was appointed Chairman of the Department of Urology of Eastern...
Dr. Jeremy Myers Leads Recon Workshop in Rwanda
An enthusiastic IVUmed team conducted a reconstructive urology workshop in Kigali, Rwanda from June 1-8, 2019. Dr. Jeremy Myers, former IVUmed Board Member and committed volunteer, led the workshop and was joined by Drs. Hadley Wood, Philip Cheng, & Yooni Ann Yi....
Volunteer Spotlight: Dr. Jeremy Myers
Dr. Jeremy Myers, a reconstructive urologist and long-time IVUmed volunteer, is leading a workshop in Kigali, Rwanda this June. Dr. Myers is dedicated to IVUmed’s mission of increasing access to quality urological care. Dr. Myers served on IVUmed’s Board for a number...
Resident Scholar Dr. Tristan Juvet Reports on Workshop in Mongolia
“Thank you again to the entire staff at IVUmed for the scholarship and for the excellent organization. I was very impressed with everything overall and again I look forward to being involved with IVUmed in the future.”
Resident Scholar Kathryn Scott’s Experience in Senegal
The week taught me many things and left me wanting to learn even more! I was moved by the extreme gratefulness of not just the patients, but the hospital staff and doctors as well. This is an area in which you can easily see the huge difference being made in the lives of many by just volunteering your time and skills…
IVUmed Resident Scholar Dr. Joel Hancock Reflects on His Workshop in India
I will always reflect back on my time in India with the fondest of memories. I worked with many people who I would consider to be good friends now. I would love to go back and work at Sadbhavana Trust Hospital to give back to the people who gave me so much.
Dr. Maggie Lovin Shares Her Experience in Mongolia
Thanks to the generous support of the Southeastern Section of the American Urological Association, Dr. Maggie Lovin had an outstanding experience in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, where she worked with local urologists and patients at the National Center for Maternal...
“Amazing Opportunity” in Uganda
Drs. Eric Richter (urologist) and Edward Cobb (anesthesiologist) led general urology workshops at Fort Portal Government Regional Hospital and Mount Elgon Hospital in Uganda from October 26-November 10, 2018. Dr. Richter has led several IVUmed teams before and served...
Resident Scholar Report: Dr. Heckman in Vietnam
IVUmed Traveling Resident Scholar Report Jennifer Heckman, MD University of Wisconsin Hue, Vietnam March 11 – 19, 2016 Mentor: Steven Kahan, MD Sponsored by: North Central Section of the AUA Hue is a city in central Vietnam on the banks of the Perfume River, where I...
Resident Report: Dr. Geolani Dy in Ghana
IVUmed Traveling Resident Scholar Report Geolani Dy, MD University of Washington Kumasi, Ghana February 27 – March 6, 2016 Mentor: Venkata Rama Jayanthi, MD Sponsored by: Allergan Foundation Allergan Foundation’s generous support made possible Dr. Geolani Dy’s...
Dr. Temitope Rude, IVUmed Resident Scholar, Travels to Uganda
Resident Scholar: Temitope Rude, MD; New York University Location/Date: Mbale, Uganda; December 5-12, 2015 Mentor: Eric Richter, MD Sponsored by: The New York Section of the AUA Extract from Dr. Temitope Rude's Report: "This trip would focus on teaching endoscopic...
Dr. Kovell Reports on Resident Scholarship Experiences in Vietnam and Mozambique
In December 2014 and May 2015, Dr. Caleb Kovell participated in IVUmed’s Resident Scholar program, traveling to Vietnam and Mozambique. Dr. Kovell’s experience was made possible by the generous support of the Mid-Atlantic Section of the American Urological...
Resident Scholar Dr. Tan Travels to Senegal
Dr. James Tan’s IVUmed scholarship experience in Dakar, Senegal was made possible by the generous support of the South Central Section of the AUA. During his time in Senegal, Dr. Tan was accompanied by mentor, Francis Schneck, MD. Dr. Tan, reflecting on his...
The Latest from Rwanda
As our IVUmed team wrapped up their week in Rwanda, Dr. Alli Greening reported, "I'm now finishing up about 40 hours of air travel in a little over a week, am confused as to what time it is, and exhausted from a busy OR and teaching schedlue. I am also really excited...
Reporting from Rwanda
Dr. Alli Greening reported the following regarding work by the IVUmed currently in Rwanda for a week-long pediatric workshop: "Where to start... the first day in the theater at the military hospital in Kigali was today. Rather than a hospital for military personell...
IVUmed Resident Scholar Dr. Michael Amirian Travels to Ghana
Dr. Michael Amirian’s IVUmed scholarship experience in Kumasi, Ghana was made possible by the general support of the Mid-Atlantic Section of the American Urological Association. During his time in Ghana, Dr. Amirian was accompanied by mentor, Carlos Angel, MD....
IVUmed Resident Scholar Dr. Liam Macleod Reports from Mozambique
Dr. Liam Macleod’s IVUmed scholarship experience in Mozambique was made possible by the generous support of Verathon. During his time there, Dr. Macleod was accompanied by mentor, Ryan Terlecki, MD. The visit occurred in parallel with a conference arranged for...
Dr. Timothy Brown, IVUmed Resident Scholar, Travels to Bhopal, India
Dr. Timothy Brown’s IVUmed scholarship experience in Bhopal, India was made possible by the support of the Resident Scholar Alumni Fund. During his time in India, Dr. Brown was accompanied by mentor, Sakti Das, MD, another IVUmed Resident Scholar, Kerri Brown, MD, and...
IVUmed Resident Scholar Omar Soto-Aviles, MD — Trinidad
In March 2015, Dr. Omar Soto-Aviles traveled to Trinidad and Tobago as an IVUmed Resident Scholar. He was accompanied by mentor, Kurt McCammon, MD, a reconstructive urologist at Urology of Virginia. This opportunity was made possible by the generous support of the...
IVUmed Resident Scholar Nathan Hale, MD — Deschapelles, Haiti
The generous support of the Latin American Perpetual Education Fund made possible Dr. Nathan Hale’s IVUmed scholarship experience in Deschapelles, Haiti. During his time with mentor Robert Edelstein, MD, Dr. Hale participated in a surgical workshop focusing on general...
IVUmed’s Work Helps Combat Global Poverty
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 2 billion people lack access to basic surgical care. Access to specialized care like urology is even more restricted with critical shortages of trained personnel. The United Nations cites the unavailability of...
The Year Was 1995…Look How Far We’ve Come!
Twenty years ago, IVUmed was incorporated by its award-winning founder, Catherine deVries, MD, to address the enormous need for patient care and professional training in urology in resource-poor areas of the world. From common congenital malformations to pelvic floor...