In a time defined by social disparities and a commitment to promoting diversity, the AUA has a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) plan to address health inequalities, foster inclusivity, and build a fairer health care environment for all. I am happy to report that, under the guidance of the empowered AUA DEI Committee, the AUA is making objective progress via various educational and pipeline programs.

FUTURE in Urology (Future Urology Talent from Under-Represented Entities) is an incubator program for preclinical and third-year underrepresented in medicine, underrepresented in urology medical students from all demographic backgrounds who are dedicated to increasing representation and more equitable health care. A component of this comprehensive initiative involves individual mentorship using our online virtual mentoring platform, UpSquad, along with live FUTURE events at AUA’s Annual Meeting, the annual Advocacy Summit, and AUA Section meetings. The goal of the program is to enhance the urology pipeline by furnishing students with resources to help achieve their professional aspirations by offering them comprehensive urological exposure and a centralized resource library.

The DEI Committee has also been engaged with AUA Sections and other subspecialty societies on projects aimed at broadening the urology pipeline. The goal is to foster a urologic community that is diverse and representative. To identify areas of alignment and synergy, a virtual summit for the Pipeline/Pathway Programs took place in February.

Data play a crucial role in understanding and addressing health care disparities. The Office of Research and the DEI Committee have established a collaborative workgroup focused on health equity in urological care entitled HealtheMe (Health Equity Metrics). This initiative supports health equity by identifying inequities and providing data for evidence-based solutions.

The AUA supports laws that advance DEI in urology. This includes supporting legislation that focuses on the socioeconomic determinants of health, promoting diverse participation in leadership roles, and endorsing measures that reduce obstacles to health care access for underserved populations.

Acknowledging the importance of education in fostering a diverse urology workforce, the AUA has been offering specific educational resources since 2017. These include webinars, podcasts, and specific curricula for medical students and inclusion of core topics. These opportunities are also available at our Annual Meeting through different courses, lectures, and abstracts. In the upcoming 2024 Annual Meeting, we are introducing the inaugural DEI Forum with a primary focus on promoting health equity. Additionally, we have reinforced our dedication to this cause by featuring it in scholarly publications and AUANews coverage.

Our DEI strategy demonstrates a multidimensional approach to building a fairer health care environment. Our goal is to promote a urologic community that is representative of the diverse populations it serves, while working toward achieving health care accessibility for all. We recognize the complexity of the truths in this particular space, and our goal is to communicate our efforts and opportunities effectively and accurately. It is the hope of the AUA that in time, we can facilitate true change in DEI in urology.

Acknowledgment: I am grateful to Sharon Stover, AUA EVP and Chief Human Resources Officer, for her substantive contributions to this article.