LINTHICUM, MD, December 10, 2015-The American Urological Association (AUA) has named Thomas H. Rechtschaffen, MD, FACS as its 2016-17 Gallagher Health Policy Scholar. This program is designed to train the next generation of urologists for leadership positions in health policy, and the selection process is highly competitive.

Gallagher scholars spend a full year engaged in critical seminars, conferences and meetings at the national level, receive mentoring from AUA physicians in senior roles and participate in a week-long health policy seminar for surgeons sponsored by the American College of Surgeons and held at Brandeis University. Scholars also engage in other educational activities that ensure their immersion in and understanding of health policy issues of importance to urology. The award was created in honor of former AUA Executive Director G. James Gallagher.

"The selection process was an extremely competitive one, many applicants had strong letters of recommendation and exceptional credentials," said AUA Public Policy Chair Dr. David Penson. "Dr. Rechtschaffen has a track record of advocating for the AUA and is actively engaged in public policy. He has experience at a large practice, strong volunteerism at the AUA, and has the passion to be a great leader within the AUA."

Dr. Rechtschaffen is a practicing urologist at the Advanced Urology Centers of New York. He is a graduate of Columbia University and the New York University School of Medicine. He is on staff at Montefiore Medical Center, St. John's Riverside Hospital,New York Presbyterian/Lawrence Hospital Center, White Plains Hospital Center and is a consulting urologist at Keller Army Community Hospital. Dr. Rechtschaffen is an active member of the American Urological Association and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.He is a 2013 graduate of the AUA Leadership Program, and he is currently a member of the AUA's Legislative Affairs Committee. Dr. Rechtschaffen lectures local physicians and community groups about better ways to recognize and treat urological issues.

For more information about the Gallagher Health Policy Scholar Program, or to request a headshot of Dr. Rechtschaffen, please contact Wendy Isett at 410-689-3789 or wisett@AUAnet.org.

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:
Wendy Waldsachs Isett, AUA
410-689-3789
wisett@AUAnet.org