AUGS Advocacy Priorities
As the leading voice for urogynecology and reconstructive pelvic surgery, AUGS is the only organization solely dedicated to advancing the interests of urogynecologists and the patients they serve. Our advocacy efforts focus on securing fair reimbursement for urogynecologists, increasing investment in urogynecologic research, and shaping policies that support optimal urogynecologic patient care. We are committed to raising the visibility of our urogynecologists and advanced practice providers, and creating awareness of urogynecologic conditions among policymakers, funding agencies, and the broader health care community.
1. Protecting the Urogynecology Scope of Practice
AUGS recognizes the critical need to protect the urogynecology scope of practice while distinguishing the quality of care provided by urogynecologists. We will:
- Pursue a two-digit subspecialty code for urogynecology
- Elevate recognition of urogynecologists as distinct from other specialty and subspecialty clinicians
2. Advocating for Access to Care and Improved Physician Reimbursement
AUGS will continue to leverage relationships with the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American College of Surgeons (ACS) to fight reimbursement cuts and improve access to care. We recognize that these are not mutually exclusive. AUGS will:
- Advocate for Medicare reimbursement stability and meaningful reform in alignment with the AMA.
- Monitor and engage in discussions around medical liability reform that impact surgical subspecialists.
- Continue active collaboration with the ACS on aligned priorities that directly benefit urogynecologists and women’s health.
3. Promoting Physician Autonomy and Practice Flexibility
- Support Federal Trade Commission (FTC) actions limiting non-compete clauses and align efforts with the AMA to protect physician mobility and career autonomy.
4. Strengthening the Pipeline of Physician-Scientists Dedicated to Women’s Health Research
AUGS recognizes the need to invest in the future of women’s health research by addressing the shrinking pipeline of physician-scientists. We will:
- Advocate for increased federal and institutional funding to support early-career physician-scientists.
- Champion funding mechanisms that provide for dedicated time for research and mentorship.
- Elevate the critical need for structured training opportunities that bridge clinical practice and research innovation.
5. Advancing Federal Research Funding Priorities
As the only organization solely focused on women’s pelvic floor disorders, AUGS will continue targeted advocacy to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Congress by:
- Continuing to promote the AUGS’ National Urogynecology Research Agenda while aligning our research priorities with current Federal health policy priorities (i.e., Chronic diseases).
- Targeting NIH institutes and agencies with aligned missions and advocating for increased cross-institute collaboration on relevant conditions.
- Securing congressional champions and increasing AUGS’ visibility in the federal appropriations process.
6. Expanding and Diversifying Funding Sources
Recognizing shifts in federal funding priorities, AUGS will broaden its advocacy to include:
- Engaging in strategic outreach to industry partners, philanthropic foundations, and non-federal agencies.
- Increasing member education on funding opportunities beyond NIH, including private sector and multi-disciplinary research collaborations.
- Positioning women’s health—especially quality-of-life conditions—as a compelling investment with broad social and economic impact.
7. Cultivating a Culture of Advocacy
AUGS will actively engage its membership and build a sustained advocacy infrastructure by:
- Developing AUGS’ advocates and empowering members through training, resources, and opportunities for direct engagement.
- Hosting congressional “Hill Days” and briefings to amplify member voices.
- Promoting advocacy as a core professional responsibility, particularly for early-career physicians, researchers and clinician-scientists.
