The AUA is a robust and forward-thinking organization whose leadership is wholeheartedly dedicated to supporting the future of urology and the development of prospective leaders in the field. One of a number of examples of the AUA’s progressiveness is the AUA Leadership Program, an innovative program that was established to identify and foster the growth of potential leaders in urology, expose them to all that the AUA offers to its membership, and engage them to contribute in ways that are meaningful not only to each of them as individuals, but also importantly to our urological community.

The inaugural year of the AUA Leadership Program was 2004, and I am always grateful that I had the privilege of participating in the first class that graduated at the annual AUA meeting in May 2005 in San Antonio, Texas. I often reflect on how valuable that experience was, as it introduced me to the tremendous work that the AUA and its staff does behind the scenes and unquestionably opened doors for my class to meet established leaders in urology and explore opportunities to learn and discover new challenges and ways to contribute to our great field. I met friends that year who I value to this day, and who I never would have met were it not for the AUA Leadership Program. From the outset, the AUA recruited a class that was comprised of individuals who spanned all aspects of urology. The fact that the AUA endeavored to draw urologists with interests that included everything from academics and education to private practice, advocacy, and health policy (to name a few) resulted in a diverse compendium of individuals, each of whom were enriched by the others.

Fast forward to 2023, and I have now had the immense privilege of being a part of an amazing group of colleagues who serve as mentors for the same AUA Leadership Program. I have been witness to the AUA’s enduring dedication to the evolution of the program such that it has continued to improve every year. In addition to allowing for invaluable networking, the yearlong curriculum provides a formal course that teaches leadership skills and personal insight. The leaders also work in small groups on impactful Capstone projects that facilitate teamwork, require strong organizational skills, and allow the teams to pursue efforts that contribute meaningful work that supports the vision of the AUA.

Perhaps one unintended but wonderful consequence of the Leadership Program has been the creation of the opportunity for “mature” urologists to work with our more youthful colleagues. Not only has it has been immensely gratifying (and often amusing!) to be part of this delightful faculty, but it has also been a joy and pleasure to meet and learn from the new “hipper” leaders in our field. Thanks, AUA!