In its commitment to advance urology around the world, the American Urological Association believes strong leadership is critical to the future of our specialty. The AUA is dedicated to providing programs, training and resources to support leadership development within the urology community. These programs foster leadership skills and help to nurture and promote future leaders within our specialty.

AUA Leadership Development Opportunities

AUA Leadership Program

As the most venerated and longstanding of AUA’s leadership initiatives, the AUA Leadership Program was designed for urologists who have demonstrated leadership skills within organized medicine and who wish to further develop these skills to become the AUA leaders of tomorrow. This highly competitive program selects applicants from each AUA Section to participate in the year-long program that includes a leadership training weekend, group projects with mentors, participation in the Annual Urology Advocacy Summit, networking events at the AUA Annual Meeting, and more. The 2023-2024 Leadership Program application period will open summer 2022.
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Gallagher Health Policy Scholar

Established in 2007, the Gallagher Health Policy Scholar program is designed to prepare the next generation of urologists to assume key roles in the health policy arena and help lead urology’s health policy agenda. Participants in this annual program complete the Executive Leadership Program in Health Policy and Management at Brandeis University, receive intensive training on a wide variety of health policy issues and mentoring from seasoned physician volunteers; and participate in key conferences, including the Annual Urology Advocacy Summit and other relevant meetings with agencies and lawmakers.
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Academic Exchange and Scholar Programs

The AUA's Academic Exchange and Scholar Programs provide junior faculty and residents an opportunity to gain a global perspective in urology and connect with (and learn from) colleagues in different regions of the world. These funded fellowship programs encourage the exchange of urological skills, expertise and knowledge, which are critical to the continued success of urology worldwide. In addition to a unique educational and cultural experience, academic exchange programs offer scholars the opportunity to interact with—and learn from—leadership of the AUA and other international urological associations.

The AUA's Academic Exchange Programs are reciprocal programs that include a 2-4 week educational experience at an academic institution(s) and attendance at the national society's annual meeting. During the exchange, participants observe urologic surgeries/procedures, attend clinics, present lectures and take part in staff activities. The AUA currently offers exchange programs in Brazil, Europe and Japan.
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The AUA's Visiting Scholar Programs offer young international urologists a unique educational experience at an academic institution(s) in the United States and attendance at the AUA Annual Meeting. During the 2-3 week visit, participants observe urologic surgeries/procedures, attend clinics, present lectures and take part in staff activities. Current visiting scholar countries are China, Brazil, India, Japan, Korea, Germany as well as the Confederacion Americana de Urologia (CAU).
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Urology Specific Mentoring and Research Training (USMART) Academy: The Urology Scientific Mentoring and Research Training (USMART) Academy was launched in 2018 with a mission to foster creative and impactful mentorship by pairing experienced, highly-accomplished physician-scientists and researchers with early-career investigators to provide scientific and career guidance. The Academy is guided by an advisory group of highly accomplished scientists with strong mentoring credentials of their own, and this program has already seen measurable success by way of career advancement, scientific accomplishments and new research funding.
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AUA Meet the AUA Leaders: Sponsored by the AUA Young Urologists Committee, this Annual Meeting program is designed to connect early-career urologists with AUA leaders in a small-group setting. Designed for urologists who have been in practice for 10 or fewer years, this event fosters candid discussions about leadership opportunities at the AUA and career advancement strategies. Participating leaders include current and former AUA Board Members, AUA Section Secretaries, AUA Committee/Council Chairs and AUA Leadership Program graduates. This program is open to young urologists attending the Annual Meeting, but registration is required and limited to 40 participants. Check back in early 2022 for details and registration for the 2022 Annual Meeting in New Orleans.

Leadership Development Opportunities for Residents & Fellows

Holtgrewe Legislative Fellow Program

Established in 2015, the Holtgrewe Legislative Fellow program prepares and educates urology residents and fellows in the legislative aspect of health policy. As part of the program, the Holtgrewe Fellow completes the Executive Leadership Program in Health Policy and Management at Brandeis University, participates in a variety of AUA policy-oriented activities (including the AUA Summit and the Alliance of Specialty Medicine annual fly-in), and attends meetings of the LAC and Public Policy Council. As a capstone activity, the Holtgrewe Fellow also completes a four-to-six week fellowship with a legislative office in Washington, DC.
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Science & Quality Fellow Program: Established in 2018, the AUA’s Science & Quality Fellow program helps residents and fellows develop insight into how the AUA develops and promotes the advancement of evidence-based science. As part of the program, the Science & Quality Fellow completes the Executive Leadership Program in Health Policy and Management at Brandeis University, participates in the AUA Quality Improvement Summit, attends a variety of AUA meetings (including S&Q Council and committee meetings), and attends the Epidemiology and Population Health Summer Institute at Columbia University (online course).
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Global Residents Leadership Retreat (Coming in 2023): In its commitment to advance urology around the world, the American Urological Association believes strong leadership is critical to the future of our specialty. To cultivate the next generation of leaders in urology, and foster a connection between residents and trainees around the world, the AUA is launching the Global Residents Leadership Retreat. This invitation-only event will welcome 40 residents from across the globe for a unique one-day program dedicated to leadership training and development.

AUA Speed Mentoring

Launched in 2018, this popular Annual Meeting program allows residents and fellows to connect with young urologists who serve as mentors on topics such as contract negotiation, finding a job, surgical education and leadership skills. This program is open to residents attending the Annual Meeting, but reservations are required and limited to 25 participants. Check back in early 2022 for details and registration for the 2022 Annual Meeting in New Orleans.