Global Urology
GLOBAL UROLOGY INITIATIVES
The University of Utah has always had a very close relationship with the International Volunteers in Urology (IVUMed). The founder of IVUMed, Dr. Catherine deVries, worked as a pediatric urologist and professor of surgery at University of Utah and the Primary Children’s Medical Center for most of her career. She received numerous very prestigious awards for her vision and work through the American Urologic Association and the American College of Surgeons. Dr. deVries is retired from clinical practice but remains active in the Center for Global Surgery at University of Utah. Because of this relationship many faculty, fellows, and residents have availed themselves of teaching and training opportunities over the years.
The Global Urology Initiative and Multinational Partnership for Advancing Capacity and Training in Surgery (GU-IMPACTS) is a multi-institutional program that provides needs-based support to low and middle-income countries to increase capacity in urology.
Our goal is to improve patient access to high-quality urologic care by transferring subspeciality surgical knowledge and skills across borders, enhancing access to standard of care technology and equipment, and supporting local provider-driven research.
GU-IMPACTS is dedicated to empowering local surgeons and improving patient outcomes in a way that is measurable, safe and sustainable.
The Association for the Bladder Exstrophy Community (A-BE-C) leads the African Exstrophy Outreach Initiative to expand access to specialized care for children in Uganda and East Africa with bladder exstrophy and epispadias. University of Utah pediatric urologic surgeon, Dr. Anthony Schaeffer and team is helping support this program that focuses on surgical treatment, provider training, and long-term care, with the goal of building a sustainable, locally led medical system. Through partnerships with Ugandan hospitals and international specialists, the initiative includes annual surgical missions, clinical education, and family support to address both the medical and social challenges of this condition.