Spring 2012 Newsletter

It was an honor for me to assume the Presidency of the Mid-Atlantic Section of the American Urological Association (MAAUA) during the 69th Annual Meeting at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida in November. At that time we had the pleasure of the first ever Joint Meeting with the New England Section of the American Urological Association (NEAUA).

The Joint Meeting with the NEAUA was a tremendous success. I would like to thank Dr. Adam Feldman, NEAUA Program Committee Chairman and Dr. Adam Klausner, MAAUA Program Committee Chairman for their cooperation in putting together such an excellent scientific program. The scientific program was diverse, well organized and gained high marks on the post-meeting survey.

Dr. Timothy Hopkins, President of the NEAUA, and Dr. Harry Koo, President of the MAAUA, welcomed us to Florida, and we were privileged to have Dr. Sushil Lacy, President of the American Urologic Association, address us at the start of our meeting.

In addition to the presentations, posters, and panel discussions, we were also treated with the inaugural Paul Schellhammer Lecture in Urologic Oncology presented by Dr. Paul Lange from Seattle entitled “Some Possibly Heretical Observations about Local Control and New Therapies in Prostate Cancer”. Dr. David Bloom enlightened us about the history of our specialty with the Hugh Hampton Young Lecture “The First Successful Orchidopexy: When, Where and Why”, and the MAAUA members attended their first NEAUA Wyland Leadbetter Lecture with Dr. Mani Menon discussing “Robotic Urologic Surgery at 10 years: Quo Vadis.”

The membership of the MAAUA and NEAUA witnessed the Young Urologists forum Jeopardy match between the New England and the Mid-Atlantic Section residents. Although the match was certainly competitive, all enjoyed the friendly game and it was great to see support from both Sections’ established urologists.

Special lectures during the meeting included the NEAUA Guest Speaker Mark Moyad, who spoke on “Fad Diets and Dietary Supplements: What Works and What is Worthless from A to Z?” We had an excellent update on health policy from Dr. Mark Edney.

Dr. Robert Older and Dr. Robert Young presided over a joint X-ray and Pathology Competition. The resident prize essay contest was made a little more interesting this year with the presence of both the Mid-Atlantic and New England Section residents. Congratulations to all of the participants for excellent presentations.

As one might imagine, the social events at Walt Disney World were excellent and a special thanks to Drs. Timothy Hopkins and Harry Koo for coordinating a social program which took full advantage of all there was to offer at Walt Disney World. I am sure all attendees will agree that the weather was great and we all had an enjoyable time. I believe special thanks should be given to PRRI management for their extra efforts to coordinate this successful joint meeting.

As I am sure most of you are aware, one of our members, Dr. Mark Edney, has been awarded the AUA Health Policy Fellowship Position for this year. We look forward to hearing from Dr. Edney at the upcoming 70th Annual Meeting of the Mid-Atlantic Section in Philadelphia October 2012.

We are currently preparing for the 70th Annual Meeting, marking our first return to Philadelphia in 18 years. We are looking forward to taking advantage of all that historic Philadelphia has to offer. Please set aside time in your schedule now, to join us at the Loews Hotel, Oct 11-14, 2012.

As we continue our preparations for the 70th Annual Meeting, if you have any thoughts or concerns regarding the meeting, please let me know.

Respectfully,

F. Michael Rommel, M.D.

I would like to the thank the MA-AUA Board and members for allowing me to serve as Secretary for our Section. I also would like to congratulate Dr. Mike Rommel on his election as President. As you probably know, we had the 69th Annual Meeting in Orlando, FL combined with the New England Section in November 2011, which was very successful. The attendance was impressive from both Sections, and the industry support was commendable. We had a total of 566 registrants, which included 77 Mid-Atlantic members, 86 New England members, 52 other AUA members and physicians, 90 resident and candidate members, 16 Allied Health professionals, 60 spouses and 185 industry supporters. The programs were excellent and well attended, and both Sections have agreed to periodic joint meetings together in the future, the next one likely in 2015.

Next year’s 70th Mid-Atlantic Annual Meeting will be in historic Philadelphia, PA in October 2012, and we hope you all will join us! We are planning an exciting program, and will welcome a short program from the Urological Association of Pennsylvania (UAP), which traditionally has its annual conference in Pennsylvania in October. The UAP session will likely be on Saturday afternoon and will be available and open to any attendee who wishes to participate. In concert with the national AUA, our Section has been proactive in reaching out to osteopathic urologists, and this will continue in the upcoming year. The Mid-Atlantic region is fortunate to have a large number of osteopathic training programs and practitioners, but unfortunately they have not traditionally had a large role in the Section. The MA-AUA is recruiting DO residents and attendings to join and participate in the Sectional meeting, so pass the word to your colleagues!

I would also like to congratulate the two newest Mid-Atlantic members of the AUA leadership class, who were elected in March. Dr. Jay Raman, academic attending at Penn State/Hershey, and Dr. Mark Fallick, who is in private practice in Southern New Jersey with Delaware Valley Urology, were selected from a very competitive field. They have both been involved in leadership and advocacy, and will represent our Section well.

At the Section Secretary’s meeting at the AUA headquarters in January, there was a significant discussion regarding the role of the AUA in allowing, teaching and supervising Advance Practice Practitioners (NP and PA) in the performance of urology procedures, primarily cystoscopy. The AUA has not taken a stance on this issue, but recognizes that APP in certain geographic areas and practices are already performing these procedures, and urologists have been involved in didactics and teaching APP for these procedures. This is obviously a controversial subject, and something we will likely be hearing more about in the near future.

Lastly, I would like to encourage everyone again to come to the City of Brotherly Love in October for the 70th Mid-Atlantic Section Annual Meeting.

Edouard J. Trabulsi, MD

The Section has faired relatively well during the 2011-2012 financial year. The 2011 Joint Meeting of the New England and Mid-Atlantic Sections produced a better than expected surplus divided equally between both Sections. In addition, both Sections enthusiastically support another Joint Meeting with the two groups. Future dates and venues are currently under discussion.

The Section’s portfolio managed by Allegheny Investments also faired reasonably well and paralleled gains and losses as reflected by the stock market. The Section has not made any changes to asset allocation and has chosen to stay the course in terms of its investments. Similarly, the national AUA’s financial portfolios have performed on par with our investments. They too, upon the advice of strategic planners, have chosen to stay the course in terms of their investments.

The Mid-Atlantic Section is an active participant in research and resident education missions. We annually contribute to funding a Research Scholar (process administered by the AUA) and support resident education through grants to residency programs to help offset costs of sending residents to the annual MAAUA conferences. Further, through the establishment of the Schellhammer Lectureship Fund, we have received monies from our generous membership and Dr. Schellhammer’s trainees and colleagues to support talks on urologic oncology in future years.

The Mid-Atlantic Board will meet again at the October MAAUA Annual Meeting all in Philadelphia and the AUA national Investment Committee will convene during the May AUA Meeting in Atlanta, GA. I look forward to sharing updates soon.

Respectfully submitted,
Stanley Zaslau, MD

Finance – Reserve Policy

The Board approved an Operating Reserve Requirement of Two Years Operating Expenditures. The Treasurer and Finance Department will develop a Reserve Policy to include the Operating Reserve requirement, and a Strategic/Special Projects Reserve to arrive at AUA’s total combined reserve requirement. These policies will be structured to bridge operations if any profit centers or major program areas suffer financially in a given time period.

Education – Technology Coordination Plan

The Board agreed to fund the Educational Technology Coordination Plan which focuses on how the AUA may best meet the increasing complexity of physician educational needs in CME, Maintenance of Certification and how OE can expand its capability of using digital technology. This concept is based on educational activity being managed using online planning documents, a CME dashboard and engaging the Enduring Materials & eLearning Committees in reviewing applications and making recommendations for online education. Members would benefit from a Life Long Learning Portal website for easy navigation to education resources & activities, using a combination of delivery methods for each educational activity and would be assessed with the use of more online exams to provide immediate feedback on knowledge/proficiency.

Education – Simulation Advisory Group

The Board agreed to provide support for a Simulation Advisory Group to report to the Education Council. Composed of experts from multiple subspecialties, the group will review proposals for simulation educational strategies, including new hands-on courses at the Annual Meeting, stand alone courses, and new educational concepts, will provide oversight of OE simulation activities and assist members in writing grants for simulation projects.

Education – Cystoscopy Privileges

The Board considered the SSMC recommendations that AUA establish educational and training guidelines, as well as a policy on supervision of NPPs performing cystoscopy. The Board agreed that the membership remains divided on the issue of cystoscopy. While some urologists have utilize NPs and PAs for an assortment of patient care duties (e.g., history taking, intake checklists or assistance with floor call), others are teaching cystoscopy to these caregivers. The Board recognizes it cannot stop the current practice of NP/PA’s performing cystoscopy in both private and academic practices, and the Board is aware of other organizations such as SUNA and AUGS providing courses in cystoscopy. The Board deliberated about perspectives from a majority of AUA membership noting that in mid-2011 survey data showed 75% of AUA urologists members disagreed that NPs and PAs should perform cystoscopy procedures. The Board contrasted these views with the fact that other AUA members are readily utilizing these members of the care team to perform cystoscopy in various practice environments, under varying degrees of supervision, and under varying state requirements. The Board concluded that AUA should not establish any criteria or standards for cystoscopy training or provide NPPs with cystoscopy education at this time. The Board recommended a follow up focused survey of membership on the cystoscopy issue.

Guidelines

The Board ratified prior approval of the following two AUA Guidelines: AHA Sexual Activity and Cardiovascular Disease Vote (approved in October 2011); AUA Policy Statements on the Use of Synthetic Mesh for Stress Urinary Incontinence, Pelvic Organ Prolapse (approved in November 2011).

Membership – Categories, Updates

Category Updates. The Directors approved the following membership category changes: 76 Candidates, 12 Fast Track Associates, 15Actives, 17 Associates, 62 Internationals, 15 International Residents-In-Training members, 47 Allied members, 10 Affiliate members, 2Membership transfers, 63 Membership transfers to Senior & 15 Transfers to International Special, 70 Reinstatements and 11 Resignations.

Medical Students. The Board approved the SSMC recommendation to create an AUA Medical Student membership category. The membership will be free to medical students for online/internet benefits.

Committees

Residents Committee. The Board approved the SSMC recommendation to place a Resident member from Mexico on the AUA Residents Committee.

International Membership Committee. The Board approved the SSMC recommendation to change the International Membership Committee term of service to two years, renewable with no limit on renewals.

Gold Cystoscope Award

The Board approved the Awards Committee’s recommendation to change the requirement for Gold Cystoscope Award to be no more than 10 years from completion of residency, versus the current 13 year requirement. Existing nominees with years graduating residency 2002-2005 will be grandfathered to allow them 13 years of eligibility.

Policy Statements

The Board reaffirmed the following AUA Policy Statements:

1. Policy Principles on CMS’s Coverage of New Devices
2. Use of the AUA Logo

Outreach Policy

The Board approved a new protocol for “AUA Philanthropic Outreach for Disasters Affecting AUA Members.” This plan provides a two tiered outline for public relations to AUA members and the urology community following a major crisis, as well as specific accommodations that may be provided.

Men’s Health Checklist

The Board approved the Men’s Health Checklist and agreed to move related educational activities under the purview of the Office of Education to advance strategic initiatives for Men’s Health.

In discussing the Men’s Health document and in light of the USPSTF’s recommendations regarding Testicular Cancer Screening, the Board agreed that the AUA should develop a position statement on Testicular Cancer Screening.

Office of Research

The Board affirmed the Mission Statement and approved the following overarching strategies for the Office of Research, as well as a revised Job Description for the Research Chair.

Mission: To encourage and enhance careers in Urological research.

Strategies:

1. Facilitation of research by young urologists/PhDs
2. Help initiate career pathway for surgeon scientists
3. Liaison with funding agencies to influence direction of research in urology and communicate information to the urology community
4. Assist in enhancing the research education program at AUA Annual Meeting
5. Liaison with Foundation, be available as a spokesperson for fundraising
6. Be a part of AUA’s data strategy

Southeastern Section Scholar

The Board approved 5:1 matching funding for a second Southeastern Section Research Scholar. Based on prior discussion with the Section, the total amount required for this endowment is \$1 million.

Minimum Endowment

The Board approved that the new minimum level of endowment for future research scholars be increased to \$1.5 million.

Health Policy – HP Council Vice Chair

The Board ratified its earlier approval (November 2011) of Dr. Christopher M. Gonzales as AUA’s Health Policy Vice-Chair, to serve a two-year renewal term effective June 1, 2012.

2012 Legislative Priorities

The Board approved AUA’s 2012 Legislative Priorities as recommended by the Health Policy Council:

AUA Lead Issues:

• Preservation of appropriate Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) testing
• Preservation of appropriate use of in-office ancillary services
• Workforce shortages in all urologic practice environments (i.e. community and academic practice)
• Urology bills [the Prostate Research, Outreach, Screening, Testing, Access, and Treatment Effectiveness (PROSTATE) Act (HR 2159/S1190) and urotrauma legislation (HR 1612)]

Coalition Lead Issues:

• Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR)
• Value-based purchasing for physician specific and broader system perspective
• Prevention of federal and state legislation that attempts to tie provider participation in public or private payment programs to licensure

Monitor:

• Scope of practice
• Medical liability reform
• ICD 10 Implementation

Sunday, May 20, 3:00–5:30 pm, Georgia World Congress Center, Room A 305.
Registration is FREE.

Designed to foster a spirit of competition and Section pride, this new AUA Annual Meeting event will match residents in an ultimate battle of the brains. The AUA National Residents Bowl will test residents’ knowledge in different urological subspecialties, the history of urology and important new research findings. Eight AUA Sections will send a team of residents—only one team will be champion. This is the not-to-be-missed event of AUA2012. Visit the Science & Technology Hall Saturday-Monday afternoons to cheer on the Mid-Atlantic Residents Bowl Team as they compete for the championship. The competition will run from Saturday, May 19 to Monday, May 21, 2012. Visit www.aua2012.org/program/residents-bowl.cfm to learn more.

2012 Mid-Atlantic Section Residents Bowl Team:
Francie James, MD – Eastern Virginia Medical School, 2012
Ashley King, MD – Virginia Commonwealth University, 2013
Jules Manger, MD – University of Virginia, 2014
Jeffrey Mullins, MD – Johns Hopkins University, 2014
Anup Vora, MD – Georgetown University Hospital, Washington Hospital Center, 2013
Jiakai Zhu, MD – University of Maryland, 2012

The Mid-Atlantic Section Board of Directors is pleased to announce it has selected the following Section members to participate in the AUA’s 2012-2013 Leadership Program.

The AUA recently announced that Dr. Thomas J. Rohner Jr. will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012 and Dr. Paul F. Schellhammer will receive a Distinguished Contribution Award in 2012. Both will be honored at the AUA Annual Meeting this May in Atlanta, Georgia.

The AUA recently announced that Dr. Thomas J. Rohner Jr. will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012 and Dr. Paul F. Schellhammer will receive a Distinguished Contribution Award in 2012. Both will be honored at the AUA Annual Meeting this May in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented annually to an individual who has been deemed to have made outstanding contributions to advance the mission and goals of the AUA. Thomas J. Rohner Jr., MD, MAAUA Member and Past President, will receive this award for devotion to urologic education and balanced thoughtful leadership of the Mid-Atlantic Section and AUA Board of Directors. 

The Distinguished Contribution Awards are presented annually to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the science and practice of urology, including, but not limited to, contributions made in a sub-specialty area, for military career service or for humanitarian efforts. Paul F. Schellhammer, MD, MAAUA Member and Past President of both the Section and National AUA, will receive a Distinguished Contribution Award for his outstanding contributions to the science and practice of urology and for clinical studies in the treatment of prostate cancer.

Please join the Mid-Atlantic Section in congratulating Drs. Rohner and Schellhammer!

Read the AUA Awards press release.

In 2011 with endorsement from the Mid-Atlantic Section membership, the Paul Schellhammer Lecture in Urologic Oncology Fund was created to support an annual lecture in honor of Dr. Paul Schellhammer and his many contributions to the region’s urologic community. Dr. Schellhammer is a devoted member and Past President of the Mid-Atlantic Section as well as a former President of the American Urological Association.

In 2011 with endorsement from the Mid-Atlantic Section membership, the Paul Schellhammer Lecture in Urologic Oncology Fund was created to support an annual lecture in honor of Dr. Paul Schellhammer and his many contributions to the region’s urologic community. Dr. Schellhammer is a devoted member and Past President of the Mid-Atlantic Section as well as a former President of the American Urological Association. The inaugural Schellhammer Lecture was given during the 2011 Joint Meeting of the Mid-Atlantic and New England Sections of the AUA by Dr. Paul H. Lange of the University of Washington School of Medicine.

Introduction of Schellhammer Lecture by B. Mayer Grob and Kurt McCammon, MD, EVMS Alumni, November 2011

A Message from Paul Schehllhammer, MD

The Section leadership hopes to receive contributions from the membership to endow the Schellhammer Lecture Fund and ensure future generations of urologists experience and benefit from oncology-based lectures from the most innovative professionals in the field. As a Section member, you are encouraged to contribute; donation forms may be accessed here. Please send all contributions to the MAAUA administrative office at 500 Cummings Center, Suite 4550, Beverly, MA 01915 or fax the form to 978-524-0461. Contributions to this fund are tax-deductible, and go directly to hosting future speakers for the Paul Schellhammer Lecture in Urologic Oncology.

Many thanks for you generous consideration.

Dr. Mark Edney, Mid-Atlantic Section member and new Section Representative to the AUA Health Policy Council will receive the 2012 AUA Gallagher Health Policy Scholarship. For more information, please visit the AUA Gallagher Health Policy Scholarship webpage.