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Urology Scientific Mentoring and Research Training (USMART) Program
The USMART program pairs early-career urologists and researchers with the leading urologic clinician-investigators and scientists to engage in a structured, longitudinal mentoring experience customized by sub-specialty career interest and research expertise.
With renowned mentors in academic, community practice, and industry settings whose combined expertise spans across the Basic, Translational, Clinical, and Outcomes research fields, the comprehensive nature of the USMART program ensures that every mentee is set up for success and able to obtain their goals.
Applications for the 2027 program will be accepted until Friday, December 11, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Program Highlights
In addition to individualized mentorship, the USMART program provides selected participants with the opportunity to receive exclusive access to timely information related to research career development, as well as updates from AUA Leaders on research support opportunities and new scholarly initiatives.
Benefits and Features:
- Enhanced Peer-to-Peer Interaction Opportunities Between USMART Mentees
- Cross-Mentor Exposure
- Fast-Tracked Guidance to Exclusive AUA Research Resources
- Invitation-only participation in the USMART Research Mentorship Roundtable at the AUA Annual Meeting alongside USMART mentee peers, mentors, and other leaders in urologic research
Alumni Accomplishments Post-USMART Participation:
18
Academic Promotions
17
Research Leadership Appointments
1,573
Unique Original Peer-Reviewed Publications
11
Lead Independent Urologic Research Laboratories
Data inclusive of program history (2018-2025) amongst 56 Participants
Eligibility Requirements
The USMART program is seeking 15 exceptional candidates who meet the below eligibility criteria:
- Be an AUA-member in good standing.
- Be affiliated with an institution located within the within the boundaries of the AUA Sections.
- Be able to commit 1-2 hours per month for one year (via phone, video conference, or in-person interactions) to participate in the program.
- MD (or equivalent) Degree Candidate Eligibility:
Applicants must be within eight (8) years of completing ACGME (or equivalent) residency training. Thus, current ACGME residents are not eligible, while current ACGME and non-ACGME clinical fellows are eligible.
- PhD (or equivalent) Degree Candidate Eligibility:
Applicants must be within ten (10) years of completing terminal degree.
- Other Important Eligibility Criteria:
For applicants holding dual MD and PhD degrees, the above eligibility criteria most applicable to the applicant is permissible for consideration.
- Have a strong, demonstrable commitment to a future career as a urology physician, physician-scientist, or researcher.
The AUA Office of Research does not provide administrative scheduling services between mentors and mentees.
This is not a travel award. The AUA does not provide any travel funding for this program.
For questions, please contact Marielle Marktanner, Research Education Coordinator at mmarktanner@auanet.org.
View the USMART Past Participants.