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AUA Residents and Fellows Committee Teaching Award
The AUA Residents and Fellows Committee Teaching Award annually recognizes an outstanding urology educator or program director who has dedicated a portion of their career to teaching residents.
2026 Teaching Award Winner
Melissa R. Kaufman, MD, PhD, FACS
Patricia and Rodes Hart Professor of Urologic Surgery
Chief of Division of Reconstructive Urology and Pelvic Health
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Dr. Melissa R. Kaufman is Professor, Patricia and Rodes Hart Endowed Chair of Urologic Surgery, and Chief of the Division of Reconstructive Urology and Pelvic Health at Vanderbilt Medical Center. Her practice focuses on female and male voiding dysfunction and incontinence, cancer survivorship, pelvic organ prolapse, neurourology, transitional care for congenital urologic conditions, urologic prosthetics, transgender surgery, as well as reconstructive surgery for urethral stricture, fistula, and trauma. Dr. Kaufman was recently honored with a Distinguished Mid-Career Award by the American Urological Association and the F. Brantley Scott Innovation Award for her contributions in urologic prosthetics. Her most impactful awards have been endowed by her trainees, including the Department of Urology Resident Teaching Award and the Vanderbilt Section of Surgical Sciences McCleery Master Teacher Award.
“Dr. Kaufman’s dedication to teaching, her innovative methods of feedback, and her unwavering commitment to excellence make her the ideal candidate for this award. We are endlessly grateful for her time and attention and know that our future patients will be as well.”
-Kate Dwyer, MD, JD; Will Furuyama, MD; Lan Anh Galloway, MD; and Bryn Lautner, MD
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
“She models excellence at all times across the spectrum of her exceedingly busy and complex clinical practice. She exhibits patience and honesty in each encounter with her patients, colleagues, and trainees. Despite ever-present clinical and research demands, she remains patient, honest, and thoughtful. Our trainees universally feel supported by her, personally and professionally.”
-Kristen R. Scarpato, MD
Associate Professor of Urology, Residency Program Director, Vice-Chair of Education Department of Urology
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Eligibility
Eligible nominees must meet the following requirements:
- Participation as a program director of and/or faculty member in an accredited urology residency program within AUA Section boundaries.
- Evidence of dedication and effectiveness in teaching residents.
- Behaviors which are value-based and highly principled.
- An exemplary role model.
The winner will be presented with their award during the Residents Forum program at the 2026 Annual Meeting in Washington, DC.
The Teaching Award nomination cycle is now closed. Please check back in Fall 2026 for the 2027 submissions guidelines.
Questions? Please contact ResCommittee@AUAnet.org.
Past Year Winners
See a list of past Resident and Fellows Committee Teaching Award winners.
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