Medical students, residents and fellows are plugged into a system where they often do not have many choices. Rotation schedules, cases to cover, and time and duration of clinics are often assigned. In fact, for 5 to 8 years urologists in training are limited in their choices of practice in order to allow for a wide exposure to urology. Then suddenly, on completion of training, there are numerous choices to be made. Where do I practice? What type of practice fits my goals best? How involved do I want to be in my local and national urological societies, and how do I get involved? Should I buy a house or fancy car? The glut of choices can often be overwhelming, and successfully navigating many of these choices can mean the difference between dissatisfaction and burnout vs career bliss.

The American Urological Association (AUA) defines young urologists as practicing urologists who are within 10 years of completing residency or fellowship. Formed nearly 15 years ago, the AUA Young Urologists Committee (YUC) represents the voice of early-career urologist members. Voting members include a Chair, one member from each of the eight AUA sections, one Doctor of Osteopathy representative, and one active duty military urologist appointed by the Society of Government Service Urologists. The Committee also consists of several non-voting members including the Immediate Past-Chair, a Residents and Fellows Committee liaison, an Advanced Practice Provider Membership Committee liaison, an American College of Surgeons liaison, as well as a representative to the AMA Young Physicians section. Over the last year, the YUC has been hard at work to further the educational and engagement opportunities for this nascent group of urologists, including:

1. Young Urologists Online Community AUAnet.org/YUCommunity
   This is a peer-to-peer discussion board for early-career urologist members of the AUA, and topics discussed range from career advice to clinical questions. In fact, such discussions are often informative not only to participants, but can also help inform future YUC activity plans. Over the past year, a robust discussion on navigating the transition from training to practice in the online community led to the AUA Young Urologists Virtual Panel held as part of the AUA2021 May Kickoff Weekend. The “First Year Dilemmas” webinar was well attended and is available for streaming online for AUA2021 registrants at AUA2021.org.
2. Transitioning from Residency to Practice Manual
   Currently in its 5th edition (6th edition to be published soon), this guide offers young urologists (and savvy residents and fellows) insight into numerous considerations regarding transitioning from training to practice (first year dilemmas, early-career job change, getting involved in the AUA, financial considerations both personal and for urological business, developing a niche and practice, utilization of advanced practice providers, etc). Available at AUAnet.org/YoungUrologists, the manual has been accessed more than 1,000 times since its release. We consider this a must read for all trainees.
3. AUA Inside Tract and the AUAUniversity Podcast Episodes
   More than 10 podcasts relevant to young urologists were released throughout 2020 (eg transition into practice, coding/billing and wellness). In 2021-2022, the committee continues to identify opportunities and highlight topics related to early-career urologists. You can listen to episodes of Inside Tract at AUAnet.org/podcast and episodes of the AUAUniversity podcast at AUAnet.org/university.
4. Young Urologist of the Year Award
   The 2021 AUA Young Urologist of the Year Award recipients were announced on March 8. The award is presented annually to select early-career AUA members in recognition of their efforts and commitment to advancing the development of fellow young urologists. Read more about the 2021 recipients at AUAnet.org/YoungUrologists.
5. Programming AUA2021
   Programming planned by the YUC at the AUA Annual Meeting provides a great opportunity for young urologists to hear keynote presentations and engage with colleagues in many ways. This year’s Young Urologist Forum, “Top 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Practicing: Finding Purpose, Combating Burnout, & Leading Boldly,” will be held on Saturday, September 11, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm in Las Vegas. Sponsored by FUJIFILM Medical Systems, the program will feature a panel presentation and question-and-answer session with speakers in the early, mid, and late phases of their urologic career. Kyle A. Richards, MD, FACS, and Sarah McAchran, MD, FACS, will provide insight on finding purpose and balance and how to combat burnout and resiliency. Keynote speaker Stephen Y. Nakada, MD, FACS, will address what it takes to lead boldly. Dr. Nakada is a well-accomplished urologist, known for his contributions to endourology as well as for his leadership roles within his institution, the Endourological Society, American Board of Urology, and the AUA. Dr. Nakada has been known to give inspirational talks based on his experience and we’re certain this is a session you won’t want to miss. AUA2021 registrants can RSVP to attend the program at AUA2021.org/YoungUro.

If you’ve ever wondered, “what does it take to become a leader within the AUA?” or perhaps even, “who are the leaders of the AUA?” then the inaugural Meet the AUA Leaders program on Sunday, September 12, from 10:00 am-11:00 am is for you. This session will provide young urologists who want to get more involved in the AUA the opportunity to “meet the AUA leaders” in a small-group, structured networking session. Seating is limited and AUA2021 registrants can RSVP at AUA2021.org/YoungUro.

The YUC will also sponsor a Speed Mentoring workshop in Las Vegas. This workshop will allow residents and fellows to meet with an esteemed group of practicing young urologists for five 10-minute interactions to discuss a variety of topics including negotiating a contract, finding a job, surgical education, leadership skills, and more. It will be held on Sunday, September 12, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm More information about the program can be found at AUA2021.org/Residents.