The Spirit of CGAU: A Legacy of Friendship

Urology stands for a century-long history of continuous, sustainable medical innovation and progress. It is equally defined by a tradition of connecting physicians across continents and cultures. The foundation for one of these strong international bridges was laid on a summer evening in 2010, in the garden of Vito Pansadoro’s home outside Rome.

Xu Zhang, Vito Pansadoro and I reflected on the life and work of Wu Jieping (1917 - 2011), the father of modern urology in China. As a student of Nobel laureate Charles Huggins in Chicago, Wu understood that urologic excellence thrives in professional ecosystems without borders. Inspired in this way, he had initiated the Beijing International Symposium of Urology (BISU) - one of the pioneering efforts through which Chinese urology reached out to its international colleagues.

Xu Zhang, Vito Pansadoro, and I concluded that evening with a resolute decision: to honor the heritage of Wu Jieping by establishing the Chinese-German Association of Urology (CGAU). Two years later, all formalities were fulfilled, and the CGAU became an officially recognized society. More importantly, it has grown into a vibrant community, fueled by the dedication of its founders. Vito Pansadoro, who served as the nucleus of the CGAU, was named an honorary member in recognition of his invaluable and lasting support.

Over the last 15 years, a continuous exchange program has flourished between the Department of Urology at the PLA General Hospital in Beijing and the University Hospital in Heidelberg. Young urologists have been trained in research, surgery and academic affairs at both institutions, with several completing their doctoral theses as part of this journey. A series of joint scientific publications bears witness to the fact that the CGAU has successfully crossed the bridge from vision to reality.

Beyond these academic achievements, the CGAU has become a bridge of respect, trust, and deep academic friendship. Our annual meetings, alternating between Beijing and Heidelberg, have become an integral part of our society’s professional identity and spirit. This commitment has been officially recognized through prestigious grants, including the Sino-German Mobility Program for Joint Research in Medical and Life Sciences.

Meanwhile, the German (speaking) epicenter of the CGAU has shifted to the University departments of Urology in Nuremberg and Salzburg. With this ongoing commitment, the Chinese-German Association of Urology will continue to make a significant impact on the longevity and quality of life of those entrusted to us. We will keep connecting our societies and cultures through trust and friendship. After all, surgical empathy is a form of great diplomacy: the care we provide for our patients is perhaps the most powerful international language of mutual understanding.

 
Prof. Dr. Markus Hohenfellner, Prof. Dr. Xu Zhang