The University Diploma in the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction. Feedback after 5 years

Erectile dysfunction affects 30% of the male population worldwide. Given the
multifactorial nature of the etiology of this condition, which is both a symptom and a
disease, it seemed essential to create a specific course covering all aspects of this
complex function, which involves vascular, neurological, and hormonal factors in a
psycho-affective environment whose influence is well established. In 2019, under the
auspices of the vascular surgery department at La Pitié (Prof. Koskas, then Prof. L.
Chiche), we created a university diploma program (DU) designed to teach interested
colleagues and peers how to provide practical care for these patients, whether single
or in couples. The lack of diagnostic research and therapeutic uncertainty, despite
the availability of highly effective and varied tools, were our two main reasons for
developing this university diploma. Around 40 students, at a rate of around 10 per
year, have taken the university diploma: 34 have validated their diploma after
completing four seminars comprising courses, internships, exams, and thesis writing.
The majority of graduates come from the vascular field: doctors, surgeons,
cardiologists, followed by urologists and internists. Twenty-five percent come from
abroad. Many of the diploma projects have been turned into articles published in
peer-reviewed journals. Dedicated centers are beginning to develop in Caen, Alpes
Provence Côte d'Azur, and Greece. The university diploma is a necessary step for
the further development of dedicated networks with rigorous standards.
Thank you to all the teachers, all of whom are world experts in their respective fields,
with a special mention to Professor Albert-Claude Benhamou.
Ronald Virag and Hélène Sussman (Paris)