Devang Desai1, Jin Ye Yeo2
1University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia; 2AMJ Editorial Office, AME Publishing Company
Correspondence to: Jin Ye Yeo. AMJ Editorial Office, AME Publishing Company. Email: amj@amegroups.com
This interview can be cited as: Desai D, Yeo JY. Meeting the Editorial Board Member of AMJ: Dr. Devang Desai. AME Med J. 2024. Available from: https://amj.amegroups.org/post/view/meeting-the-editorial-board-member-of-amj-dr-devang-desai.
Expert introduction
Dr. Devang Desai (Figure 1) is a consultant urologist with special interests in reconstructive urology and minimally invasive uro-oncology. Having finished his urological training in Australia, Dr. Desai went on to undertake a year in minimally invasive urology with special emphasis on robotic surgery and, thereafter, a GURS- and AUA-approved fellowship in reconstructive urology. Dr. Desai is based in Toowoomba and his practice involves a mix of uro-oncology and reconstructive urology alongside endourological procedures for stone disease. Dr. Desai has completed a Masters in Urology and is a keen researcher. He holds an Associate Professor position with the University of Queensland and Griffith University and is a reviewer for Urological journals. Dr. Desai is undertaking a PhD course in inflammatory urethral stricture disease with the University of Antwerp, Belgium. He has published several peer-reviewed papers and book chapters.
Currently Dr. Desai is enjoying a patient-centric diverse practice in regional Australia servicing a population spreading over 100,000 square kilometers.
Figure 1 Dr. Devang Desai
Interview
AMJ: What inspired you to pursue a career in reconstructive urology and minimally invasive uro-oncology?
Dr. Desai: My mentors and teachers were instrumental in inspiring me to pursue a career in uro-oncology and reconstructive urology.
AMJ: Could you share what are some of the most challenging yet rewarding cases you have encountered? What takeaways did you have from these cases?
Dr. Desai: Treating cancer patients with minimally invasive techniques can help patients recover quickly and return to work, which is very rewarding. Pushing the boundaries can help to achieve the best functional outcomes.
AMJ: Robotic surgery has revolutionized many areas in urology. How do you see the future of minimally invasive uro-oncology and reconstructive urology evolving, especially with the advances in robotics?
Dr. Desai: Robotics have assisted in performing complex surgery using small incisions resulting in quicker recovery for patients. The future lies in using robotics to amalgamate different facets of urological care to achieve the best functional outcomes for patients.
AMJ: Currently, you have a patient-centric diverse practice in regional Australia servicing a dispersed population. What are some challenges of providing care over such a geographically dispersed population, and how do you overcome these challenges?
Dr. Desai: Diverse populations over a large geographic area are a challenge for healthcare providers. The use of teleconferencing, involving local healthcare teams and outreach programs, helps deliver the best standard of care to patients.
AMJ: What advice would you give to young doctors or medical students interested in pursuing a career in urology, particularly those who may want to focus on reconstructive uro-oncology?
Dr. Desai: Junior doctors wanting to pursue a career in reconstructive and uro-oncology would benefit from work attachment with units specializing in this subspeciality to gain experience and further their insight in this field.
AMJ: How has your experience been as an Editorial Board Member of AMJ?
Dr. Desai: As an editorial board member, I have been able to assist with the workings of the journal and have been able to improve the scientific content of the journal.
AMJ: As an Editorial Board Member, what are your expectations and aspirations for AMJ?
Dr. Desai: We expect AMJ to increase its scientific content and make this an exceptional journal promoting leading scientific knowledge.