President's Jun 2020 Newsletter

12 June 2020 (Last updated: 23 Dec 2021 22:37)

I am sure you are probably thinking how different the last few months have been for us all, and how much our working, professional and personal lives have changed.

A lot of us would, ordinarily, be putting the finishing touches to our talks, poring over the programme, looking at the abstracts and deciding which sessions to attend in the upcoming Annual Meeting on Monday.  We would be looking forwards to networking, catching up with old friends, making new ones, celebrating 75 years of BAUS and excited about a central Birmingham venue and exploring a vibrant city that has much to offer.

This will happen but, as you are aware, BAUS has been postponed by a few months until 9 to 11 November 2020, so please make sure you keep this date in your diary.

I would like to reassure you that your events team have been working tirelessly and consistently to provide support to the entire organising committee to produce the best annual meeting yet.  It is our definite aim to work well within the regulations of the venue and the Government to keep all attendees as safe as possible, whilst maximizing the chance to provide an enjoyable educational event in which to reflect upon the past year and to gather and reconnect with all those involved in our tremendous specialty both within the British Isles and also further afield.

We are looking at enhancing the virtual component of the meeting for those who are unable to attend in personm, for whatever reason, and have commissioned a new and exciting media platform to deliver this.

I would like to remind you that on Monday 15 June 2020,  from 18:00 to 19:00hr UK time, there will be a joint BAUS/SIU webinar “Covid-19 and the Exponential Rise of Digital Medicine” which will explore new ways in consulting with patients, running our professional lives, meetings and Social Media.  I do hope that you will be able to join in.  It is free and there will be plenty of time for questions and answers. Please just click on this direct link: no registration needed, but a certificate will be provided by the SIU if you do.

To replace the traditional University Challenge usually held at the BAUS Annual Meeting, BSoT will be hosting the grand final of their virtual University Challenge on Wednesday 17 June 2020 at 20:00hr.  Details will be posted on the BSoT section of the BAUS website.

As always, I am hugely impressed by how urology has risen to the challenges of this year so far, and there is no doubt that these difficult times will continue. Now, more than ever, your BAUS Regional Representatives, Council, Trustees, and Officers are all here to help in whatever way we are able. Please keep the conversations and interaction going, and let’s all look forwards to a great meeting in November.

In the meantime, I wish you, your families and friends all the very best.

Duncan Summerton
President of BAUS

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