The AUA stands as a beacon of excellence in the realm of health care and urology. Its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity in leadership not only fosters a rich range of ideas and innovations but also serves as a crucial element in inspiring the next generation of leaders from minority backgrounds. This paper highlights the significance of diverse leadership within the South Central Section (SCS) AUA, underscoring how it enriches the health care landscape and enhances patient care across varied cultural, religious, and geographical spectrums.¹

The Importance of Diverse Leadership

Diverse leadership within the AUA ensures that a broad spectrum of voices is heard, promoting policies and practices that are inclusive and equitable. Such leadership is instrumental in guiding the organization towards a future where health care equity is not just an ideal but a reality. Moreover, it serves as an inspirational model for aspiring urologists from minority backgrounds, showcasing the possibility of achieving significant leadership positions regardless of one’s ethnic, cultural, or religious background.

Trailblazers in SCSAUA Leadership

Fernando J. Kim, MD, MBA, FACS

As the first Korean, Brazilian American president of the SCSAUA, Dr Kim brings a unique Latin American–Asian flavor to his leadership, symbolizing the Association’s embrace of cultural diversity. His presidency not only marks a significant milestone in the AUA’s history but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for urologists from diverse backgrounds.

After dedicating 23 years to caring for the underserved and vulnerable patient population in Denver, Colorado, Dr Kim retired as the chief emeritus of urology at Denver Health Medical Center and professor of surgery/urology at the University of Colorado at Denver. Also, he is the associate editor of JU Open Plus and Patient Safety in Surgery.

Dr Kim earned his medical degree from the prestigious University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine in 1989, followed by a trauma fellowship at Denver Health Medical Center. He further honed his surgical skills finishing his general surgery and urology residency at Loyola Medical School, then an endourology and laparoscopy fellowship at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and received a master’s degree in business administration in health care from the University of Colorado School of Business.

Dr Kim, an alumnus of the AUA Leadership Program class of 2006 and honorary member of the Korean Urological Association and Sociedade Brasileira de Urologia, significantly contributed to international collaboration as AUA’s Host Country Liaison from 2008 to 2023, culminating with the AUA’s Presidential Citation for his international relations and contributions to minimally invasive urological surgery. His expertise garnered consistent national and international recognition. He’s been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Presidential Juscelino Kubitschek Medal from the Society of Brazilian Urology, the Ernest E. Moore Trauma Award, and the Societá Italiana di Urologia International Guest Recognition during their centenary anniversary.

Dr Kim was the recipient of several research grants from the annual fundraising event, John Elway’s Hot Rocks Challenge, and from notable individuals and groups, including Nene Hilario (first Brazilian NBA player) and the family of Dr John Hall (Physics Nobel Laureate). With an impressive portfolio of over 200 published articles, book chapters, and monographs, Dr Kim’s contributions have been substantial.

Dr Kim’s impact on urological resident rotations was nothing short of transformative, notably as the site residency director, where he played a pivotal role in their enhancement. His influence, however, transcends local boundaries, as he has globally mentored more than 12 international fellows who have since ascended to leadership roles in their respective home countries. This stands as a testament to Dr Kim’s enduring mentorship and guidance, showcasing his profound impact on the field.

Furthermore, Dr Kim’s dedication to mentorship and education will be recognized in April 2024, as he is set to receive the esteemed Robert Donahue Teaching Award from the Rocky Mountain Urological Society, underscoring his exemplary contributions to the advancement of medical education.

While his retirement from Denver Health Medical Center marks the end of an era, it also signifies the continuation of his mission to ensure quality treatment for patients in need. Dr Kim’s unwavering commitment to service extends to various rural communities across the US, where he will provide much-needed urological care by supporting critical access hospitals domestically and globally.

Outside of medicine, Dr Kim’s passion for music is only rivaled by his love for his family (Ana, Paula, and Gigi), which includes Oscar, their beloved “COVID” dog and Toby, a tiny Havanese. The Kims don’t wait for a reason to throw a fantastic Samba bash, where spontaneous Korean-style karaoke erupts, filling the air with laughter and dance.

Lenaine O. Wesley, MD

Breaking barriers as the first African American female president-elect of an AUA chapter, Dr Wesley’s achievement is a testament to the AUA’s commitment to fostering female leadership and empowering underrepresented groups in medicine.

Dr Wesley is a professor in the Department of Urology, medical director of the Genitourinary Center, and fellowship director of the Urinary Tract and Pelvic Reconstruction Fellowship Program at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Her areas of clinical expertise are postprostatectomy incontinence, neurogenic voiding dysfunction, postradiation urinary tract reconstruction, and urinary diversion. In her role as the lead urologic reconstructive surgeon in the department, she has emphasized clinical and research collaborations with colorectal, gynecologic oncology, neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, and plastic surgery to improve the management, quality of care, and outcomes of urinary tract structural and functional disorders in patients with pelvic malignancy.

Dr Wesley’s family is originally from Jamaica but made their American home in the Maryland–Washington, DC, area where she was born. She attended Howard University as an undergraduate and received her medical degree from The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Her urology residency was completed at the University of Texas McGovern Medical School, followed by a fellowship in urodynamics and voiding dysfunction at the same institution under the tutelage of Dr Edward McGuire. She progressed into a faculty appointment at the University of Texas, becoming the division and residency program director. In 2009, she transitioned into a primary position at MD Anderson Cancer Center, focusing exclusively on managing incontinence and voiding dysfunction in high-risk oncology patients.

She is an active member of her primary specialty societies—the Society of Genitourinary Surgeons and Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine, and Urogenital Reconstruction. Regionally, Dr Wesley has been highly integrated with the Texas Urology Society as a member and then as an officer. She served as president of the Society from 2019 to 2021. Subsequently, she transitioned to the South Central AUA Board as the Texas state representative and program committee member. She is now the president-elect of the SCS. She participates in the AUA as a course instructor, abstract reviewer, and moderator. As an expert in male incontinence, she has been a member of specialty society and AUA guidelines focused on the artificial urinary sphincter and male incontinence.

She further participates in surgical education and international surgical teaching at institutions worldwide. Outside of work, she spends time with her family and enjoys cooking and hosting parties at home.

Julie Ryley, MD, FACS

Known for her pioneering work as a female endourologist and her adventurous spirit as a skydiver with more than 1000 jumps, Dr Ryley’s role as the first secretary of an AUA chapter exemplifies the Association’s recognition of diverse talents and interests.

Dr Ryley is a professor of urology and Hal Reed Black endowed chair at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. She is the urology residency program director and vice chair of the department at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and leads the department in nephrolithiasis and endourology as well as in renal transplantation and Holep procedures. She currently serves as the SCS secretary and is beginning her term on the Business and Leadership Education Committee for the AUA in 2024. She has previously been a member of the AUA State Advocacy Committee, on the board for the Rocky Mountain Urologic Society, and on the planning committee for both the Rocky Mountain Urologic Society and the SCS. She completed the AUA Leadership Program in 2019. She was previously at the University of New Mexico for 8 years. She was the director of endourology and urologic research there. She also was appointed the Executive Surgeon Director of Surgical Services, leading the operating room through the challenges of COVID. Currently she is expected to complete an executive MBA in 2025 with a focus in health care leadership at the University of Texas Dallas Alliance for Physician Leadership program.

She completed a fellowship in endourology and robotic/laparoscopic surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and urology residency at the University of Missouri–Columbia. Areas of urologic interest include medical and surgical management of urolithiasis, ureteral reconstruction, renal and ureteral cancer, robotic surgery, and renal transplantation. Outside of urology, areas of interest are operating room efficiency, physician ease of practice, and process improvement.

Dr Ryley’s accomplishments in medicine are just the beginning of her victories. Outside of work, she has completed the Ultraman Arizona triathlon, 4 full-distance Ironman triathlons, and numerous half Ironman triathlons. She enjoys long-distance challenges in swimming, triathlon, and running in addition to spending time with family and her Labrador retriever, Izzy.

Ajay Nangia, MD

With a background that spans across India, Great Britain, and Brazil, Dr Nangia’s experiences bring a valuable perspective to the AUA leadership. As a Hindu who has lived in diverse cultures, he embodies the global approach the AUA strives to achieve in its leadership and outreach.

Dr Nangia is vice chair and tenured professor of urology at the University of Kansas Medical Center and the recipient of the J. Brantley and Laurie Thrasher Endowed Chair. He earned his medical degree from the United Medical School of St Thomas’s and Guy’s Hospital, University of London, England. He spent 2 years doing general surgery and urology research at Yale. His urology residency was at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pennsylvania; and his fellowship training, which focused on male infertility, andrology, and microsurgery, at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Dr Nangia was on faculty at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center for 6 years, and at the University of Kansa Medical Center since 2007.

Dr Nangia has been a member of the AUA since 1995 and was recipient of the AUA Junior Investigator Grant in 1997. He was in the AUA Leadership Program 2010-2011 and has served on numerous AUA committees over the years; as section editor of AUANews, and on the AUA Education Council. He is past chair of the Men’s Health section of the Urology Care Foundation™ and has served on the American Board of Urology Written and Oral Exam Committee. He is treasurer of the SCS of the AUA and will be president in 2026.

Dr Nangia is the past president of the Society for the Study of Male Reproduction (a branch of the AUA) and past president of the Society for Male Reproduction and Urology, subsociety of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine. He has served on the executive committee of the American Society of Andrology and as chair of the Ethics Committee. He has been a liaison with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for male reproduction and worked with the US Surgeon General on the effects of smoking on male reproduction.

In addition to his numerous original research publications, he has funded research with the 2 NIH grants: as a member of the Male Contraceptive Clinical Trials Network and as co–principal investigator in a basic science translational project developing a male contraceptive.

Dr Nangia, an aficionado of movies and Formula 1, completed his education in England while also engaging in rugby and cricket. Alongside his academic pursuits, he cherishes his role as a devoted husband and father to 4 wonderful children. Interestingly, he holds a distaste for horror movies, green peppers, and parsley.

Impact on Health Care Landscape

The leadership diversity within the AUA significantly impacts the health care landscape by improving communication and treatment for patients from different cultures, religions, and geographic locations.² This inclusivity ensures that patient care is not only effective but also culturally sensitive, leading to better health outcomes and patient satisfaction.

In conclusion, the AUA’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity in its leadership is a critical step toward enriching the health care landscape. The AUA sets a precedent for other health care organizations, demonstrating that diverse leadership is not only beneficial for improving patient care but also essential for inspiring future generations of health care leaders from minority backgrounds. As the AUA continues to champion these values, it paves the way for a more inclusive, equitable, and culturally competent health care system.