Each of us chose urology as a specialty for our own reasons and there are as many diverse reasons as there are urologists. However, we share the enthusiasm with respect to the opportunities urology presents to practice both diagnostic and procedural medicine, treat patients medically as well as surgically, and help patients of all ages, genders, races/ethnicities, abilities, and backgrounds. Thus, while the individual clinical practice of any urologist may appear unique, these differences are superficial. All urologists share a common training background and exposure to a multitude of conditions that often require novel and creative approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Not surprisingly, urologists are among the most entrepreneurial problem solvers in all of medicine.

Consequently, innovation in urology can be found everywhere, from rural single practices to urban academic research hospitals. Despite this, there is a certain degree of separation in the urology specialty, particularly between independent practices and large-scale hospitals. As we narrow our individual practice and research focus, we may lose a degree of collaborative energy. This hampers our opportunities for patient advocacy, leadership in the medical community, and especially for innovation and advancement of our specialty. As a specialty, urology finds itself lagging behind other surgical disciplines in key research metrics such as NIH funding. Although the reasons for this are multifactorial, it highlights the need for the discipline to unite and find ways to collaborate and innovate across practice and research settings.

The overarching goal of the AUA Office of Research is to increase the population of and support to urology researchers and facilitate the work of urological innovators. This work is accomplished in concert with the AUA Research Council, its supporting committees and work groups, and the AUA Innovation Nexus. The Office of Research recognizes the contributions to urological research and clinical discoveries occurring in independent practices, particularly as these practices have coalesced into regional and national entities.

One of the major goals of the 2021-2025 Office of Research Strategic Plans is to “increase capacity and opportunities for independent practice researchers in the urology community through AUA and [Urology Care Foundation] research programs and organization-wide programming.” The AUA, as the “big tent” organization in our specialty, is working to expand discovery opportunities for independent practitioners, as well as to foster collaboration between urological researchers, regardless of venue. To this end, we have formed a partnership that brings together the resources of the AUA with the combined experience of nationally recognized researchers in the independent practice setting to form an Independent Practice Research Work Group committed to the expansion of research and discovery in our specialty.

The first endeavor of this working group is the Independent Practice Research Symposium, which will be held at the 2023 AUA Annual Meeting in Chicago, Illinois. The symposium, moderated by the Independent Practice Work Group members, will bring together speakers who are thought leaders in independent practice and academic medicine. Topics will include discussions on the benefits to choosing an independent practice setting, how to establish a successful research program, developing relationships with academic partners and industry, and how to submit independent practice research to AUA journals for publication. This 4-hour session will include presentations, round table discussion panels, and live Questions & Answers with experts currently working in independent practice research and innovation.

We hope that you will join us for the first of what we hope will be the launch point for continued collaborative programs that leverage the diverse strengths, interests, and talents within our specialty to celebrate the spirit of exploration in urology. Registration is now open for the AUA Annual Meeting! See you in Chicago at the inaugural Independent Practice Research Symposium, Saturday April 29, 2023, 7:30-11:30 am Central time!