• Drink your beer out of a glass.
• We should all still be using a Blackberry as our smartphone.
• It’s always a good day to ride your ATV on the lower forty.

No, but seriously, I have learned that John Denstedt epitomizes innovation, education, and leadership. Since completing his Fellowship at Washington University, St Louis, in 1990, Dr Denstedt has exemplified these attributes. During his time as Chief of Urology at Western University, London, Ontario, his innovative research in biomaterials, urinary tract infection, and surgical simulation further enhanced the urology training program and its top-rated fellowship in endourology. In addition to his publications on these topics, he also developed innovative techniques to facilitate percutaneous surgery and ureteroscopic stone removal. In addition, Dr Denstedt supported urological education while at Western University as he ascended to become Chair of the Department of Surgery, where he oversaw residency and fellowship programs in all surgical disciplines. Not only did his educational focus include surgical training, but all aspects of urology as evidenced by his serving on the editorial boards of 8 urology journals, including as Managing Editor of Journal of Endourology for over 10 years.

As many of you know, both of John’s daughters are veterinarians. Consequently, Dr Denstedt continued his own educational endeavors and has shared his knowledge about managing stone disease in animals (see Figure).

Figure. Drs Denstedt, Thomas, and Preminger on safari in South Africa.

Dr Denstedt’s leadership capabilities included more than his time in the Division of Urology and Department of Surgery at Western University. He also served as Treasurer of the Endourological Society for 10 years, during which time he further strengthened the financial status and educational offerings of that society. As he completes his 4-year term as Secretary of the American Urological Association, it is obvious that innovation, education, and leadership again defined his tenure as Editor of AUANews. He oversaw the tripling of the content of this newsmagazine, while doubling the number of issues. In addition, he oversaw the consolidation of the family of AUA publications including The Journal of Urology^®, Urology Practice^®, and JU Open Plus, which now enables trainees and practicing urologists the opportunity to efficiently obtain information on new, innovative, and established treatments to manage their patients with urological diseases.

What I learned from Dr Denstedt is the importance of continuing innovative research, urological education, and leadership throughout your career. John’s time as AUA Secretary demonstrated all of these qualities, as evidenced by the informative and exciting programs he put together for the Annual Meeting, Postgraduate Courses, and other educational opportunities. His ability to think outside the box played a major role during the pandemic when the AUA had to pivot at the last minute to a series of educational courses, and subsequently a virtual Annual Meeting. He further exhibited his leadership capabilities while coordinating, with the entire AUA staff, the in-person AUA Annual Meeting last year in New Orleans, after a 2-year hiatus.

As colleagues for the past 34 years, I have observed that John’s steadfast demeanor, wisdom, and dry wit have enabled him to be a successful innovator, educator, and leader. Congratulations, John, on helping to lead the AUA during these last 4 years.