San Diego, CA, May, 7, 2016- During its Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA, the American Urological Association (AUA) officially launched the AUA Leadership Program's seventh class by announcing the 20 urologists who will be taking part in the program over the next year.

The year-long program is designed to enable urologists who have demonstrated effective leadership skills within organized medicine or through community involvement, to participate in strategic leadership events, network with peers, gain an inside look into the AUA structure and have an opportunity to serve the urologic community in a leadership capacity early in their careers.

The 20 participants were selected from 80 American Board of Urology (or equivalent) certified urologistsand AUA member nomineeswho completed training within the last 15 years.

A welcome reception was held in San Diego, CA to formally announce the incoming Leadership Class. Past graduates, mentors and other AUA leadership were in attendance for this evening of celebration and camaraderie. The program officially kicks off this summer with a two-day Leadership Training session, which includes orientation and training. Following the kickoff session, the program will continue in an online learning and networking environment between mentors, mentees and project group members for ten months, culminating in a presentation with the 2016-2017 Leaders showcasing the results of their group project to members of the AUA Board of Directors and AUA Section Representatives. Participants commit to taking part in all aspects of the program and upon completion of the program, have an opportunity to actively participate in AUA or AUA Section activities and initiatives as well as serve on AUA or AUA Section committees and workgroups.

"This program has enabled a number of extremely talented young urologists to assume leadership positions in the AUA at an earlier career stage, said AUA President William F. Gee, MD, FACS. I look forward to the many innovative ideas and approaches they will bring to the Association."

Thanks to the joint sponsorship of the eight AUA Sections and the American Urological Association, all incoming class participants have also received sponsorships, which will defray the costs associated with their attendance and/or participation in the following Leadership Program events and activities:

• Two-day Leadership Training meeting
• In person meetings with group or mentor
• Joint Advocacy Conference
• 2017 AUA Annual Meeting

"I am very pleased to welcome the 2016-2017 class of the AUA Leadership Program," said AUA president-elect and past leadership program class mentor, Richard K. Babayan, MD. The success of past participants attest to the value of the program as many are now in leadership positions in the AUA and its Sections. I am gratified to know the AUA Leadership Program remains a valued and strong program."

Read the complete list of 2016-2017 AUA Leadership Program Participants.

About the American Urological Association: Founded in 1902 and headquartered near Baltimore, Maryland, the American Urological Association is a leading advocate for the specialty of urology, and has more than 20,000 members throughout the world. The AUA is a premier urologic association, providing invaluable support to the urologic community as it pursues its mission of fostering the highest standards of urologic care through education, research and the formulation of health policy.

Contact:
Christine Frey, AUA
443-909-0839
cfrey@auanet.org