CUA’s strategic moves

Abstract

It was another excellent CUA meeting in Toronto with very interesting scientific sessions and enlivening socials events. Despite the fact that the meeting ended on Tuesday (a day earlier than in previous meetings), there were many guest speakers, scientific presentations and posters. I want to extend my congratulations to Dr. Laurence Klotz, the scientific and local organizing committees, and the CUA Central Office for making this meeting a success! To address the rapid changes in our Association, the CUA executive developed a 5-year strategic plan. Under the leadership of past-president Dr. Laurence Klotz, secretary Dr. Denis Lavoie and treasurer Dr. Stuart Oake, several objectives were identified. The following 6 objectives are slated for implementation during my presidency: Develop and implement an advocacy business plan that will position the CUA as the voice of matters urological in Canada Develop and implement a publishing business plan that will support the CUA’s education and advocacy initiatives and contribute to overall CUA revenue Develop and implement a practice support business plan that will be of value to the membership Develop and implement a member engagement/value strategy Develop a sustainable funding base, working with current partners to identify a broader range of revenue options Design and implement the appropriate organizational model The strategic plan was strongly supported and ratified by CUA members at the Annual General Meeting. My challenge during the course of my service as CUA president will be to implement the plan and to ensure we meet these objectives in a timely manner. Along with these objectives is the growth of the Office of Education. Under the solid leadership of Dr. Peter Anderson, Tiffany Pizioli and Nadia Pace have worked hard to address and exploit new challenges with industry. I encourage members to get in touch with the OE for more information on how to accredit and organize your next meeting. Another objective is the continued growth of CUAJ. This past year, while Dr. Klotz was president of the CUA, Dr. Armen Aprikian led the journal as interim editor-in-chief. During this past year, the journal has had a marked increase in manuscript submissions, continued to fine-tune its referee process and developed a website (www.cuaj.ca). We welcome Dr. Klotz back in his position as editor-in-chief and thank Dr. Aprikian for his strong leadership. Managing editor Josephine Sciortino, along with the CUAJ Task Force, is working hard to make the journal more financially sustainable. The CUA Scholarship Fund is on solid ground in the hands of Dr. Gerry Brock, chair, Administrative Council; and Dr. Martin Gleave, chair, Research Council. This year 6 scholarships were awarded (3 new awards, 3 renewals). In conclusion, I want to extend my personal thanks to all CUA members for their support and dedication to the CUA and for giving me the opportunity to serve as CUA president. I count it an honour and a privilege.