AUA2024 sets high standards for urological education
Even if this isn’t your first rodeo, take a note from AUA Office of Education chair Jay Raman, MD, about putting together the perfect plan for navigating the largest event in urology.
New and updated clinical guidelines, groundbreaking research, skill training activities, hands-on sessions and instructional courses are what put the AUA Annual Meeting at the very top of educational excellence and professional development for urologists. Whether you are early career or have been practicing for decades, AUA2024 provides an unparalleled opportunity for learning.
Dr. Jay Raman, AUA Office of Education chair
With so much to see and do, putting a plan in place before heading to the meeting is key. Jay Raman, MD, FACS, FRCS, spoke to AUA Daily News to offer some pro tips for maximizing your schedule. He’s not only been attending the Annual Meeting for nearly 25 years, but he also chairs the AUA Office of Education.
“My first AUA Annual Meeting was in 2000, when I was a third-year medical student at Cornell University Medical College,” Dr. Raman said. “It was exciting and intimidating! From that moment, I knew I wanted to contribute in some way to our national organization. I am lucky to have had the privilege to do so.”
As AUA Office of Education chair, you have a great view of everything being offered at AUA2024. What are you most excited about this year?
Dr. Raman: I am admittedly biased, but I am always excited about increasing the diversity of courses we offer to highlight newer topics and speakers. This year we have 19 new courses spanning all areas of urology, including oncology, sexual dysfunction, integrative/complementary medicine and academic publishing. I am looking forward to joining some of these courses myself!
What do you see trending in education this year?
Dr. Raman: The expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) and applications to urological practice is one of the most dynamic topics in 2024. On Thursday, May 2, as part of the Leadership and Business Track, the impact of AI transforming health care and urological practices will be discussed. On Friday, May 3, a plenary panel will review AI in urology. Finally, on Sunday, May 5, an instructional course about practical aspects of AI for practicing urologists will be presented. So, there is certainly content throughout the meeting on this topic.
What is on tap for early career urologists?
Dr. Raman: The Young Urologists Forum is Saturday, May 4, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. I love this year’s theme, which is “Cultivating Passion for Urology—Ensuring Job Satisfaction for the Future.” It is a great program to keep early career urologists engaged and hungry to make contributions to our field.
What is the best way to plan out an entire day of education and networking at AUA2024?
Dr. Raman: The Swapcard Event Platform is really ideal for reviewing the program based on your best learning style. It allows persons to query by date, type of presentation, subject matter and format of the activity. This really allows someone to shape their experience based on their best learning style.
What session has the most potential to be practice changing?
Dr. Raman: The Hands-On Single Port Robotics Course is a full-day course on Thursday, May 2. It is a tremendously immersive experience to get acclimated to new frontiers in minimally invasive surgery.
What is something that is offered each year at the Annual Meeting because it is a critical part of the profession of urology?
Dr. Raman: Guidelines presentations at the plenary session are not to be missed! Guidelines are the foundation for evidence-based medicine. I think it is super that the newly released guidelines are presented to attendees at each Annual Meeting.
What is on your list of the top 5 things to do at AUA2024?
Dr. Raman:
- Attend the plenary sessions. These are always state of the art and are great for any level of urological practitioner.
- Take a hands-on skills training course. These span all domains of urology. Enhance your skills or take on a new challenge and learn from the experts.
- Get a Course Pass so you can seamlessly go in and out of instructional courses.
- Don’t miss the Video Abstract Theater.
- When in Texas … get some good barbecue.
