Charting our course for a better CUA

Abstract

The new year offers us the opportunity to reflect on the past year and to chart our course for the future. This past year was an important one for the Association. We started implementing the recommendations from our Strategic Plan, which was unanimously accepted by members at the CUA 2009 meeting in Toronto. The Executive has responded by embracing an aspirational and inspirational vision, as illustrated by the CUA’s mission statement: “The CUA exists to promote the highest standard of urologic care for Canadians and the advancement of the art and science of urology.” A clear statement of the business of the Association has also been developed, as follows: The CUA is a national member-based organization dedicated to enabling the profession to provide the highest possible standards of urologic care by collaboratively: Fostering, promoting and monitoring excellence in urologic practice through education, research and practice support tools Providing leadership in promoting evidence based clinical practice through the development of practice standards and guidelines Fostering and promoting life-long learning by Canadian urologists through continuous professional development Supporting the CUA Scholarship fund, which plays a major role in supporting research activities by Canadian urologists. Providing leadership in public education for urologic diseases Representing Canadian urology in developing and fostering partnerships while maintaining the highest educational and ethical standards Representing the Canadian urologic community in relationships with governments as well as national and international medical societies. We will continue to do our best to serve our members. We have also administered a survey to assess members’ benefits. The results are being analyzed and will be published soon. Two years ago a dispute arose between the Canadian Urological Association Journal and the Canadian Journal of Urology. We are pleased to inform the urological community the court case that followed the dispute has been amicably settled out of court, to the satisfaction of both parties. Consequently, both journals will continue to be published under their current names. 2010 is also the year of our first ever Annual Meeting in Prince Edward Island! We invite you to attend this unique CUA meeting! CUA committees and affiliated meetings are scheduled for Saturday. The Scientific Program will start on Sunday morning and will last for 3 full days. The meeting will be held in the elegant Delta Prince Edward Hotel. Dr. Michael Mulligan and Ian Reid, along with the rest of the local organizing committee, have been working hard to make sure that every attendee will enjoy the social programme planned. CUA and affiliated meetings are scheduled for Sunday morning before the Opening Brunch, after which the scientific programme will begin. The scientific program, chaired by Dr. Ricardo Rendon, will feature state-of the-art lectures from key opinion leaders in urology, educational fora addressing a wide spectrum of the most compelling issues and controversies in urology, and abstract-driven session showcasing the most cutting-edge research being done in Canada today. Sunday night is the Welcome reception. Held at the Confederation Centre of the Arts/Memorial Hall, this will be a good time to mingle with colleagues, friends and our industry partners. On Monday, after sessions, unwind at the CUA Fun Night at the Founders Hall and Seaport Centre. This Fun Night will not disappoint – join us and TV Chef Michael Smith for a lobster dinner like no other! Music courtesy of East Coast Music Award winners Rawlins Cross will move you to dance! On Tuesday evening, I invite you to join me for the traditional President’s Banquet at the Ballroom of the Delta Hotel. Bring your family. Stay a while! With so many historical, cultural, and outdoor attractions, it is clear that while PEI may be small in size, it is big in adventures for you and your family.