As we approach the end of another remarkable year, I want to extend my gratitude to each of you for your ongoing commitment to our subspecialty and to AUGS. Your dedication as volunteers to the society, providing clinical excellence to our patients, promoting research efforts, serving as educators and leaders - continues to strengthen and elevate the field of urogynecology. Below are important updates I'd like to share.
Improving Usage of the existing URPS Taxonomy Code and pursuit of a Subspecialty code!
One important initiative this year has been our work on increasing the usage of the current taxonomy code for urogynecology and reconstructive pelvic surgery. This effort is essential to defining and protecting our identity as a subspecialty, improving quality (and data collection), understanding our workforce footprint, and ensuring appropriate recognition for the care we provide. Please join us in this effort by ensuring your taxonomy code is accurate.
This accurate designation is an important step in the process for us to pursue a subspecialty ("two-digit") code. We recently convened our Subspecialty Code Task Force to that effect, and I am excited with the prospect of presenting you with updates in the next year.
State of the Society & Presidential Address
Vancouver was a wonderful setting for our Annual Meeting this year. I feel strongly that while the meeting continues to be the home for outstanding science, it must also evolve to include the latest clinical innovations and best practices. In case you were unable to join us, or if you'd simply like to revisit our shared accomplishments, I'm pleased to share the State of the Society and Presidential Address video. This overview highlights our strategic priorities, our achievements over the past year, and the provocative goals we will be pursuing.
Exploring a Shift in the Fellowship Match Timeline
We have also begun thoughtful discussion regarding a potential adjustment to the fellowship match date to align with other OB/GYN specialties to optimize the space for our future workforce. As we consider what it means for urogynecology to truly "own our space," aligning the match timeline with the needs of our applicants, programs, and the specialty will be central to that conversation.
Gratitude for the Board and our AUGS staff
Finally, I want to thank the Board of Directors and AUGS staff. We purposely broke down barriers to have some difficult and provocative conversations with an aggressive agenda this past year. I am confident these efforts will benefit our members and our patients.
A special acknowledgment to Dr. Jennifer Wu (immediate past president) and Directors at Large Drs. Matt Barker, Heidi Brown and Naz Siddiqui. These members are rotating off the Board and we are a better society for their efforts.
As we look toward the coming year, I am inspired by what we have achieved and energized by what lies ahead. Together, we are shaping the future of urogynecology-strengthening our identity, expanding our impact, and supporting the next generation of specialists.
I wish you health and happiness in the New Year.
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