The Advanced Practice Provider (APP) program at the AUA was a full 2-day course on Saturday, April 29, and Sunday, April 30, in Chicago this year. With over 400 learners registered, it was packed full of APPs. Tricia Zubert and Dr Anne Lizardi-Calvaresi were the 2023 Course Directors. They kept us on time, focused, and helped facilitate discussion for each topic.

The first day offered discussion on hematuria (Dr Anne Lizardi-Calvaresi) and truly focused on a review of newly updated guidelines. We also learned the treatment of hypogonadism (Tricia Zubert) and treatment modalities for overactive bladder (Dr Victor Nitti). Certainly, I’ll now be tailoring my practice more to selective β3-agonists for overactive bladder. Dr Pamela Ellsworth discussed the importance of neonatal circumcision. Next, Dr Butcher discussed how to manage male factor infertility. Dr Casperson conducted a very dynamic lecture on Female Sexual Health, a topic that is often overlooked in urology. Personally, I don’t have much experience treating female patients when it comes to their sexual health and agree that women need a provider they can feel at ease with discussing this topic. It makes total sense that because we constantly speak to male patients about their sexual function that we would also talk to their partners. This discussion was followed by Kenneth Mitchell’s discussion on his coined term GUYnecology. The day was finished out with Urologic Care for the Transgender and Gender-diverse Patient by Dorian Scull. Overall, a busy, information-packed, great day!

The second day was started off with Dr Mikel Gray’s discussion on how to help care for ostomy patients and incontinence. Then, Dr Langston discussed practice management for APPs followed by a great panel discussion (Mary Dunn, Dr Mikel Gray, Heather Schultz, with moderator Dr Langston). These 3 APPs were the last 3 winners of the APP of Year awards, so definitely great role models. Currently, I’m about 9 years into my career; it was so healthy to hear about work life balance, how to manage your inbox, taking time off, discussing patient numbers, compensation, and collaboration with your supervising physician.

I was honored to present the APP of the Year award to Kenneth Mitchell, PA. Ken has 27 years of clinical experience in men’s health and is the coauthor of several publications on men’s health and APP utilization. He’s also a past chair of the AUA APP Membership Committee, where I know him from, and past president of the Urological Association of Physician Assistants. He’s such a great advocate for APPs and truly deserving of this award!

My colleague, Mary Dunn, presented a very in-depth review of management of advanced bladder cancer, and Heather Schultz discussed active surveillance of prostate cancer. We’re so lucky to have them both as great resources. Dr Wulff-Burchfield followed the oncology discussions with a lecture on how to master difficult communication. She spent time role-playing the “Ask Tell Ask” method of delivering challenging news to patients, and I implemented this immediately into my practice. The day ended with an oncologic panel regarding shared decision-making (Dr Lizardi-Calvaresi, Dr Makarov, and Dr Wulff-Burchfield). I also failed to include the many interesting podium presentations in-between the lectures.

Overall, I really appreciated the discussions. I thought they were a great mix of benign, oncology, urology practice, and communication. It’s always so rewarding to be able to network with colleagues around the country. I’ve made changes in my practice and look forward to seeing everyone in San Antonio in 2024.