United States
On October 29th, urological surgeon Betrand Guillonneau will be setting sail in the Transat Jacques Vabre alongside skipper Kito de Pavant. The duo will carry Movember’s colors and messages to raise awareness of men’s diseases. As expert of prostate care, Koelis is proud to be associated with this project.
Let’s meet Bertrand Guillonneau.
Bertrand Guillonneau: urologist and navigator?!
“Indeed, I have been an urological surgeon and a navigation enthusiast for over 20 years. I am passionate about innovation and modern techniques for treating prostate cancer. It was this quest of innovation that led me to develop laparoscopic surgery for urological cancers, particularly of the prostate and kidney, and gave my career an international dimension. Today, I head the surgery oncology program at the Urology department of Berlin’s Charité University Hospital. ”
What is your relationship with sailing?
“My job is very demanding, I am confronted with illness on a daily basis. So sometimes, I need to literally take to the open seas, and that is why sailing suits me perfectly. Since I was 16, part of my life has been spent on a boat, and I always try to find time to go out to sea and take a breather. Little by little, I became interested in racing, with its ups and downs, and I’ve always remained faithful to this passion. Its allows me to take breaks, an also to keep in shape. ”
What’s the parallel between your job and sailing?
“The link is mainly with surgery. Whether at sea or in an operating room, we can’t do any mistake. The slightest error has an impact on someone (yourself or the patient). During surgery, in the operating room, I have to navigate through the organ to reach the area I want to treat, with accuracy and sometimes without any visibility. On a boat, we are nothing against the elements (wind, sail weight…), everything is in the anticipation and planning. We must not put ourselves in dangerous situations and it is totally part of my culture. ”
Why wearing Movember’s colors and messages?
“The Australian association Movember promotes prevention of male diseases: depression (there is more men than women commit suicide), prostate and testicular cancers. I am not a specialist in mental illness, but I do have things to say about urological diseases, especially prostate cancer. It is an association that speaks to me, I feel I have a right to carry its colors and messages, and to raise awareness of urological diseases among the general public. Of course, I am also planning to grow my mustache all the way to Fort-de-France. ”
How does the partnership with Koelis make sense?
“I am constantly on the lookout for innovative technologies and equipment to advance my surgical practice. It was in this context that I met Koelis and Antoine Leroy, its founder. The company, which specializes in needle guidance for prostate biopsies and focal treatments, enables accuracy “navigation” of the organ. I find the parallel with sailing interesting, and it fits in with my culture. I have always had a good relationship with and respect for Antoine Leroy. When he suggested me to take part of the project, I did not hesitate a second.”
What are your ambitions for this race?
“I am an amateur, accompanied by a professional skipper, but that’s not my job. We estimate that the crossing will take 16-17 days. First of all, we want to get there, because there could be unforeseen circumstances (accidents, whales, bad weather…). The level is high and I am going to learn a lot from Kito de Pavant, who has a lot of experience. We will do our best to run as fast as we can.”
Who is Bertrand Guillonneau?
Bertrand Guillonneau is a French urologist specialized in surgery for genitourinary cancers, particularly prostate cancer. He is a world-renowned pioneer of complex laparoscopic surgery in urology. His name is also associated with radical prostatectomy techniques for prostate cancer.
About Movember
Since 2003, the Australian association Movember puts the spotlight on male diseases such as prostate and testicular cancer, depression and mental health. Its aims is to contribute to a happier, healthier and longer life for men worldwide.
