As I sit here, deeply humbled to have been chosen as a participant in the 2023-2024 AUA Leadership Class, I can’t help but think about how far I’ve come. From designing biomedical devices in Silicon Valley to performing surgery in the operating room, my journey has been anything but conventional.

Once upon a time, I was knee-deep in the world of engineering. With an MIT degree under my belt, I was riding the thrilling roller coaster ride of Silicon Valley in the late 1990s. The lessons learned from my time in engineering—the importance of precision, the beauty of innovation, and the value of a well-asked question—have continued to shape my approach to medicine.

Yet, as rewarding as my time in engineering was, I felt a pull towards a different kind of service, one that would allow for deeper connections with people. This led to a bold career switch into the world of medicine. Urology caught my attention with its unique blend of surgical and medical management, diverse surgical cases, and the dynamic personalities of those in the field. It felt like the perfect intersection where the world of engineering met the soul of medicine. Who could resist such an enticing blend?

As I moved through my training in urology, I found a new love: academic medicine. It was an opportunity to shape young minds, inspire the next generation of urologists, and contribute to the future of our field—a chance I gladly embraced.

Being selected for the AUA Leadership Class feels like a significant milestone of this journey, a validation of the path I’ve chosen. It is an opportunity to further grow, to learn from other leaders in the field, and to contribute to the future of urology. I am excited about refining my leadership skills, expanding my network, and learning new strategies to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of urology.

Leadership, to me, is not about being the loudest in the room, but about ensuring every voice in the room is heard. It’s about empathy, understanding, and guiding others to their full potential. I hope that this Leadership Class will provide me with the tools to better serve my patients, my students, my trainees, and my colleagues. I am eager to take my leadership abilities to the next level, fostering a culture of inclusivity, open dialogue, and continual learning.

Moreover, I am thrilled at the prospect of being part of a network of leaders who are as dedicated to the advancement of urological practice and education as I am. It is this shared passion, this common drive that fuels progress and shapes the ever-evolving landscape of our field.

Finally, as a mentor, I see this as a chance to become a better guide for my mentees, sharing the wisdom I’ll acquire. I hope to contribute to their journey with the values of compassion, curiosity, and perseverance that have shaped mine.

As I embark on this new chapter, I do so with a sense of excitement, a touch of nervous anticipation, and an immense feeling of gratitude. Being selected for the 2023-2024 AUA Leadership Class is an honor that I receive with deep gratitude and a sense of responsibility. It is an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to give back. May my story inspire others to pursue their passions, break barriers, and lead with joy. The future of our field is bright, and together, we can ensure that it is inclusive, innovative, and inspiring.