The AUA Advanced Practice Provider (APP) of the Year Award was established by the 2019-2020 AUA APP Committee led by Chair, Tricia Zubert, APRN, CNP. This prestigious award celebrates the remarkable achievements and invaluable contributions of APPs in urology. Each year, the APP Committee proudly selects a deserving recipient to receive this honor, highlighting the exceptional impact these professionals have in the field.

Building upon this tradition of recognizing excellence, the AUA established the APP Excellence in Early Practice Award in 2026 through the leadership of APP Membership Committee Team Lead, Taylor Brewer, MSM, PA-C. This award recognizes Advanced Practice Providers within the first five years of practice who demonstrate exceptional contributions to urology through clinical excellence, leadership, innovation, and service. Created to address a gap in formal recognition for APPs in the early stages of their careers, the award highlights emerging leaders whose dedication and impact are helping to shape the future of urologic care.

The 2027 APP Recognition Awards are Now Open!

NEW this cycle! Nominations will now be collected through the ProposalCentral platform. If you have not previously signed in to ProposalCentral, you will need to create an account before starting the application.

Eligibility

New! APP Excellence in Early Practice Award

Criteria

• Be within five (5) years or less of practicing in the field of urology at the time of nomination.
• Demonstrates strong early clinical development and a commitment to delivering high-quality, evidence-based patient care appropriate to their career stage.
• Shows initiative and innovation in early practice, including contributions to quality improvement, patient care enhancements, or practice-based initiatives.
• Demonstrates emerging leadership and professional engagement, including participation in institutional, local, or regional activities that support the advancement of urologic care and the APP role.
• Actively supports the visibility, value, and advancement of APPs in urology through collaboration, advocacy, education, or mentorship.
• An AUA Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Member in good standing who does not currently serve on the AUA APP Committee.

The winner will receive a $500 stipend to attend the 2027 AUA Annual Meeting in San Diego and will be formally recognized during the onsite APP Program.

APP of the Year

Criteria

• Demonstrates strong leadership skills in urology while advancing the APP role and enhancing APP visibility both regionally and nationally.
• Delivers outstanding patient care by driving change through the implementation of evidence-based practices and innovative practice models.
• Significantly contributes to the APP program at their respective Section/Society meeting and/or shows leadership in coordinating other APP activities/initiatives
• An AUA Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Member in good standing who does not currently serve on the AUA APP Committee.

The winner will receive a $1,000 stipend to attend the 2027 AUA Annual Meeting in San Diego and will be formally recognized during the onsite APP Program.

Questions? Contact Jordan Malloy at appmembership@AUAnet.org.

2026 AWARD WINNER

Natalie Barganski, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, RNFA
Driscoll Children’s Hospital

2025 AWARD WINNER

Susanne Quallich, PhD, ANP-BC, NP-C, CUNP, CMHE, FAUNA, FAANP
University of Michigan

2024 AWARD WINNER

Vivian Williams, MSN, RN, CPNP
Boston Children’s Hospital

2023 AWARD WINNER

Kenneth A Mitchell, MPAS, PA-C,
Arkansas Urology

2022 AWARD WINNER

Mikel Gray, PhD, FNP, PNP, CUNP, CCCN, FAANP, FAAN
Department of Urology, University of Virginia

2021 AWARD WINNER

Mary Dunn, RN, MSN, OCN, NP-C
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

2020 AWARD WINNER

Heather Schultz, NP
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill