We are delighted to announce Dr Juan Gómez Rivas as a touchONCOLOGY Future Leader 2026, selected by his peers as a rising star poised to shape the future of genitourinary oncology.
Dr Gómez Rivas is a urologist at Hospital Clínico San Carlos in Madrid and Associate Professor of Urology at the Complutense University of Madrid, specializing in uro-oncology and minimally invasive surgery. Trained internationally in advanced laparoscopic and robotic techniques, he is actively involved in European research and education. He currently serves as Scientific Director of the Spanish Association of Urology (AEU) and sits on the Uro-Oncology Section board of the European Association of Urology (EAU).
An accomplished researcher, Dr Gómez Rivas has authored more than 300 peer-reviewed publications and plays a key role in major European initiatives, including serving as Academic Coordinator of the PIONEER project and contributing to PRAISE-U, which aims to advance prostate cancer screening and early detection across Europe.
In this Future Leaders interview, Dr Gómez Rivas discusses the mentors who shaped his career, the values that sustain a life in surgery and research, and the importance of mentorship, teamwork and resilience for the next generation of urologists.
“In difficult moments, remember why you chose this path. If you stay dedicated, the light always comes back.”
Q: Can you tell us about a mentor who significantly impacted your career, and the most valuable lesson they have shared with you?
I have been fortunate to have many mentors throughout my career. From a surgical perspective, I learned from Dr Jesús Cisneros, Dr Ángel Tabernero, Dr Richard Gaston and Dr Fernando Gómez Sancha. From an academic standpoint, I have also benefited from the guidance of my colleagues and friends from the Young Academic group of the European Association of Urology (EAU). Also, a special mention to Prof Mark Emberton, who helped me understand the importance of research, scientific rigor and collaboration.
One mentor in particular, Prof Joan Palou, shared a lesson that has deeply influenced me: never lose your credibility and always be consistent in your actions and values. Technical skills and achievements are important, but credibility is what sustains a career. Being coherent in what you say, what you do, and what you stand for is essential.
I would also like to make a special mention of my current Chair, Prof Moreno Sierra, who believed in me early on and has consistently supported me with meaningful career development opportunities. His trust and encouragement have been fundamental to my growth.
I apologize if, in these few lines, I cannot mention everyone who has supported me. Many people have left a lasting mark on my career, and I am deeply grateful to all of them.
Q: What aspects of your work do you find the most fulfilling?
What I find most fulfilling is the combination of patient care, surgery, teaching and teamwork. Caring for patients is a profound responsibility and privilege. Being able to guide them through complex decisions and see the impact of our work on their outcomes is meaningful. I also find great satisfaction in being in the operating room. Surgery demands precision, focus and coordination, and it is incredibly rewarding to work alongside a skilled and motivated team toward a shared goal. A strong, cohesive work environment makes a tremendous difference not only in results but in daily motivation.
Teaching and mentoring the next generation is another major source of fulfillment. Supporting young colleagues as they grow, helping them gain confidence and watching them develop their own careers are among the most gratifying aspects of my profession.
For me, motivation is everywhere in patients, in students, in colleagues and in the constant opportunity to improve.
Q: What advice would you offer to those just beginning their journey in your specialty?
First, find a mentor who can truly guide you. Having someone experienced who challenges you, supports you and helps you navigate difficult decisions is invaluable. Medicine, and particularly a demanding specialty, can feel overwhelming at times, and good mentorship provides direction and perspective.
Second, stay focused and be consistent. Set clear goals, work steadily toward them and be coherent in your actions and values. Progress in our field requires discipline, patience and long-term commitment. Quick success is rare; meaningful careers are built step by step.
It is also essential to seek and value the support of your family and colleagues. No one builds a career alone. The encouragement of those around you, both personally and professionally, makes a profound difference, especially during challenging periods.
Finally, understand that there will be difficult moments. Doubt, setbacks and fatigue are part of the journey. In those darker times, remember why you chose this path. If you remain honest, dedicated, and patient, the light always comes back.
Disclosures: This short article was prepared by touchONCOLOGY in collaboration with Dr Juan Gómez Rivas. No fees or funding were associated with its publication.
Citation: Dr Juan Gómez Rivas on credibility, mentorship and building a meaningful surgical career: touchONCOLOGY Future Leaders 2026. touchONCOLOGY. 14th April 2026.
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