The transition from training to independent practice is a time of great opportunity but also trepidation. The AUA has recognized this for some decades. Back in 1991, the first “Young Urologist group” gathered for a luncheon at the AUA annual meeting. From that point forward, the group has evolved into an active committee, directly advising the Board of Directors. Since its official founding in 1994, it has provided wonderfully popular programming for members at large. It produces the Transitioning from Residency to Practice manual and always engages a crowd at the AUA meeting for the annual speed-mentoring activity. With this success, AUA sections quickly emulated by creating parallel committees on a regional level. Moreover, societies such as the Society of Urologic Oncology have established their own successful versions of a young urologists’ committee.

Recently, the Board of the Society of Genitourinary Reconstructive Surgeons (GURS; led by Dr Jeremy Myers as Secretary) realized the benefits of harnessing young members’ leadership potential and energy and has launched its own Young Reconstructive Urologists’ Committee. This effort has invigorated up-and-coming international reconstructive surgeons to become more involved in the society and more connected. As we emerge from this period of physical isolation, this is more important than ever. Perhaps more than in other disciplines of urology, reconstructive urologists are more likely to join a practice where their partners have no experience nor interest in reconstructive cases. When starting out, having a network of like-minded individuals facing similar clinical challenges is 1 pillar of success. The young committee can help fill that gap for these individuals and provide a pathway to success. Often patients seeking out a reconstructive urologist have seen many clinicians unable to solve their problem and may have had multiple prior failed surgeries–a helpful and encouraging colleague facing similar circumstances can provide a needed anchor in troubled seas.

The debut of the committee’s first 6 months of work had a well-received international audience at the recent GURS Congress in beautiful Montreal. This recent meeting hosted a half-day session specifically tailored for young urologists within GURS. This included: a session on complications for new attendings moderated by Dr Humberto Villarreal, an eye-opening summary of Medical Coding for Reconstruction by Dr Cooper Benson, Incorporating Science into Practice moderated by Dr Elaine Redmond, Transition to Practice panel hosted by Dr Uzoma Anele, and a well-received mentoring event corralled by Dr Daniel Liberman (see Figure). Finally, the inaugural invited lecture of the Young Reconstructive Urologists’ Committee was a truly outstanding talk on innovation from Dr Lee Zhao. Ultimately, young reconstructive urologists enabled these events to be hugely successful because of their engagement. The continued support of leadership and staff allowed these events to reach their full potential. Finally, the dedication of the talented collection of speakers, panelists, and peer mentors is much appreciated. We hope this program becomes a long-standing annual tradition of the GURS academic congress.

Looking to the future, there are other opportunities for this committee to make an impact outside of society meetings. Our society has interfaced with a tech platform, DocMatters, to provide a private, living, ongoing discussion regarding cases, fundamental surgical questions, and general life advice for which the young committee is extremely active and engaged. Moreover, we run journal club Zoom activities for former and current GURS fellows to provide opportunity for the group to meet and engage intellectually. We are also excited to see efforts to invigorate new research collaboratives among young investigators take flight. Ultimately, the development and growth of individuals on the Committee and those it reaches will provide shared success. We are grateful for the long track record of success of the AUA Young Urologists Committee and hope to mirror those successes within our niche of urology.