From September 8 to 12, 2025, at the 42nd World Congress of Endourology and Uro-Technology (WCET 2025) in Phoenix, USA, Professor Guohua Zeng, Vice President of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, was honored with the prestigious Ralph Clayman Mentor Award, one of the highest distinctions conferred by the Endourological Society. This marks the first time the award has been presented to a Chinese physician, symbolizing the international recognition of China’s urological excellence. Professor Zeng’s outstanding contributions in promoting minimally invasive urological techniques, training international talent, and setting global standards in clinical practice have earned worldwide acclaim.
01. A Historic Breakthrough for Chinese Urology
The Ralph Clayman Mentor Award is one of the top honors in the field of urology, recognizing individuals who have made lasting and profound contributions to academic research, technological innovation, and talent cultivation. Professor Zeng’s recognition represents a historic milestone, as it marks the first time a Chinese physician has received this prestigious award.
As one of the founders of the International Alliance of Urolithiasis (IAU), Professor Zeng has, over the past decade, led his team in organizing 76 advanced training courses and 21 international workshops on endourology. These initiatives have trained 434 international doctors from 59 countries and over 11,000 domestic urologists, significantly elevating China’s global influence in the field.
02. The “Chinese Model” Resonates on the Global Stage
At the main session, Professor Zeng was invited to deliver a keynote presentation titled “Is Mini PCNL the New ‘Standard’?”, providing a systematic overview of the standardized protocol for miniaturized percutaneous nephrolithotomy (Mini-PCNL). Drawing from over 46,000 clinical cases, this technique—pioneered by the Chinese team—has become an internationally recognized benchmark for minimally invasive urologic surgery.
Meanwhile, the International Alliance of Urolithiasis (IAU) and the Endourological Society jointly hosted a thematic academic session for the first time, signifying a historic collaboration and highlighting the growing recognition of China’s academic leadership in global urology.
03. Leading Technology and Innovation from China
The urology team from the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University showcased world-class technological innovation throughout the conference. Associate Professor Di Gu shared the team’s experience in extraperitoneal single-site robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) using a domestic robotic system, emphasizing its precision in confined anatomical spaces.
Associate Professor Wei Zhu introduced the use of a pressure-measurable, flexible suction sheath for intra-renal pressure (IRP) monitoring and regulation, demonstrating China’s growing strength in medical device innovation.
04. Global Impact: From Technique to Standard
Professor Zeng’s team has not only achieved excellence in innovation and education but also contributed to the formulation of international standards. The group has led the development of six global clinical guidelines and three international expert consensuses, translated into eight languages including Russian, Spanish, French, and Greek. This represents a transformative leap from “technology adoption” to “standard leadership,” affirming China’s emerging role as a global contributor to urological advancement.
From technological innovation to standard setting, from international collaboration to academic leadership, Chinese urologists are now at the forefront of shaping global medical progress—continuing to share China’s wisdom and solutions with the world.
