I did not fully realize all the AUA does for urologists and urology patients until recently. For the longest time, I equated the AUA to the annual meeting and The Journal of Urology^®. I felt like involvement in the AUA was reserved for seasoned urological superstars and difficult to access.

I could not have been more wrong. My involvement with the AUA has increased over the course of my career. The AUA is a dynamic and nimble organization that works tirelessly to promote the best care for our patients and the well-being of urologists, handling the ever more complex world which we navigate. The extent and responsibility are massive—from contemporary education of trainees and practicing urologists, maintenance of physician well-being, global outreach, and workplace diversity to provider and patient advocacy, the AUA is working diligently to benefit us and our patients. I also find the AUA is a welcoming organization that wants to hear from the membership and involve us in the activities that affect our lives and the care of our patients.

I have benefited tremendously from the AUA in a multitude of ways. I had the good fortune of going to Brazil as a part of the AUA International Exchange Program and participating in conference planning, journal editing, session moderating, and curriculum creation, to name just a few. As I progress in my career, I want to do more as a leader and give back to the AUA.

Selection into the AUA Leadership Program provides the perfect environment (with big shoes to fill) for me to give back. I am humbled to be a part of the 2023–2024 AUA Leadership Program. It is a tried-and-true program that produces many of the leaders in the field who have truly moved the needle forward for the betterment of our profession and our patients. I hope to gain insight on the processes and skill sets that are required to take ideas and turn them into meaningful change within the context of organized medicine. I look forward to world-class mentorship, didactics, and practical implementation education that I can use not only within the AUA, but also within my roles at University of California San Diego, my home institution.

I have big ideas on education, physician health, and patient care that I am excited about. I am thrilled to work with engaged AUA leadership teams to explore and further refine these ideas. The AUA Leadership Program has a formula that works—I am confident that the supportive and nurturing environment will help turn these ideas into realities that benefit our patients, us, and our profession.