On May 3, 2024, the AUA FUTURE in Urology (Future Urology Talent from Under-Represented Entities) held its annual mentor-mentee session at the Henry B. Gonzalez Center in San Antonio, TX. Led by Dr Larissa Bresler and Dr Denise Asafu-Adjei and organized by Dr Khair Maab, the session kickstarted the AUA weekend by introducing and connecting registered mentors and mentees with each other. Irene Choi, Kayla Meyer, Manuel Cabrera, Amir Pishva (Seyedamirhossein Pishva), Nishit Garg, Sasha Vereecken, Lauren Hekman, and Muhammad Hamza were among the mentees in attendance. The following is each mentee’s perspective on the event (Figure).

“As a third-year medical student from a school lacking a home urology program, AUA FUTURE connected me with mentors who fostered a sense of belonging from day one. Dr Larissa Bresler and Dr Denise Asafu-Adjei notably supported me. Their guidance enabled me to attend key events like the Sexual Medicine Society of North America’s Annual Meeting and the Urology Care Foundation’s benefit bash. I also connected with Korean-Americans like myself-urologists Dr Eugene Rhee and Dr Kellen Choi, expanding my network to include the Korean American Urologists in the US community and researchers from Korea. AUA, initially daunting, became a warm introduction to the global urology community. I highly recommend the FUTURE program to any aspiring urologist. I aim to contribute to the growing number of female urologists in the United States and hope to mentor future FUTURE participants.”

Kayla G. Meyer, BS, M4
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine–Philadelphia Campus

“The AUA FUTURE program was a wonderful experience for me as one third-year medical student attending this conference. The program helped give structure to our day and allowed us to network with students and mentors. The FUTURE program director (and also my mentor!) Dr Larissa Bresler gave us the opportunity to get involved with research, get feedback on our CVs, and answer any questions we had throughout the day. I would definitely recommend this program to any medical student interested in urology who wants to attend the annual AUA conference.”

Manuel Cabrera, BS, MS, M3
St George’s University School of Medicine

“I attended the AUA conference because I want to be a urologist and joined the FUTURE in Urology program because it takes a village. At first, I feared that I might not belong in the field because I had minimal exposure. However, my experience at the conference was the most inspiring since I started medical school. I attended the Medical Student Forum, moderated by Dr Marisa Clifton, where a panelist described urology as a ‘collaborative collegial field,’ resonating deeply with me, as it aligned with my own experiences in the conference. This program solidified my sense of belonging among like-minded professionals.”

Amir Pishva (Seyedamirhossein Pishva), BS, M4
Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine

“Despite my involvement in various conferences throughout my academic journey, the AUA FUTURE program stands out as an unparalleled experience. From the outset, engaging with Dr Kovell provided invaluable insights and guidance tailored to my journey. Subsequent interactions with Dr Bresler and my mentor, Dr Asafu-Adjei, proved equally enriching. Immersed in events like the Sexual Medicine Society of North America’s Annual Meeting and the annual diversity, equity, and inclusion forum, I gained exposure to cutting-edge technologies and delved into crucial social and equality aspects concerning Urology patients. Walking between events, Dr Bresler and Dr Asafu-Adjei graciously introduced us to esteemed experts in the field such as Dr McVary, Dr Carrion, and Dr Flanigan, from whom we gleaned invaluable advice.

Participating in the AUA FUTURE program not only reaffirmed my dedication to Urology but also further ignited my desire to contribute to its accessibility and equity in the future. Consequently, I wholeheartedly recommend the AUA FUTURE program to any student contemplating a career in Urology, recognizing it as an invaluable opportunity that paves the way for our collective success in the field.”

Muhammad Hamza, MBBS
Masters Candidate in Urologic Surgery, Dalian Medical University

“Thank you so much to the AUA FUTURE in Urology program for not only the encouragement but also the opportunities presented to me, an aspiring urologist originally from Pakistan. As an international medical graduate from Pakistan now working toward a Master in Urologic Surgery in China, I am extremely appreciative of all the mentors who signed up to offer advice, direction, and general inspiration in this career path. This program is definitely creating significant bridges connecting all parts of the international urologic community together—I am very proud to be a part of the bridge and hope that I can give back to it in the future.”

Nishit Garg, BS, M4
University of Oklahoma College of Medicine

“The FUTURE in Urology program further solidified my resolve to become a Urologist. The incredible sense of community and free discourse of knowledge unique to Urology is exemplified by this program through its mentorship for medical students. Dr Larissa Bresler and my assigned mentors offered themselves as a bridge to connect us medical students to the field of Urology, an effort I am eternally grateful for. Even days following the conference, my mentors guided me on my next steps for the application cycle and were responsive to my questions going forward. I duly appreciate the continued mentorship through regular meetings through UpSquad and webinars guiding us through different aspects of the Urology match.

During the conference, I encountered a diverse set of medical students from across the world participating in the FUTURE in Urology. Along with new lifelong friendships, this aspect also introduced me to the perspectives of people from different walks of life on how they embarked on the journey of being a urologist. Furthermore, the program’s motivating environment helped strengthen my networking confidence. I foresee myself looking back at the contributions of the FUTURE program leadership with immense gratitude.”

Sasha Vereecken, BCsN, M4
Saint James School of Medicine

“Attending the AUA for the second time and joining the FUTURE Program for the first has been transformative. Despite a fantastic prior experience, FUTURE elevated it further. Meeting Dr Sorenson and bonding over skiing set a positive tone for the weekend ahead. We spoke about our reflections and discussed our perspectives. In the afternoon, we gathered for lunch, providing an opportunity to engage with all the other pairs of mentors and mentees. The room was filled with magnetic energy with conversations at each table.

Following lunch, we had the pleasure of attending the diversity, equity, and inclusion forum. Dr McNeil’s sentiments on diversity resonated deeply, leaving me with wisdom that I will keep with me forever. His analogy, “We are not taking away a piece of the pie, we are just making it bigger,” encapsulates our shared aim to enrich our field collaboratively. The FUTURE is exciting, holds promise, fosters unity, and looks bright.”

Lauren Hekman, BS, M4
Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine

“The FUTURE program was transformative. Being paired with Dr Kelvin Moses opened doors to an invaluable insider’s perspective into urology. Throughout the day, he graciously involved me in activities like attending lectures and networking, providing insights beyond clinical practice. I even witnessed a meeting with industry representatives, seeing physicians’ diverse contributions.

Most significant was the mentor-mentee relationship developed with Dr Moses. Spending the full day together allowed us to cultivate a genuine connection. His guidance, support, and willingness to share his journey left an indelible impact on my aspirations. The knowledge gained and connections forged further fueled my determination to excel in urology. I’m deeply grateful for this opportunity to spend quality time with an exceptional mentor.”