The Secretary of the SESAUA, consulted with other members of the Committee on Science and Education; the Executive Committee members, including the past SESAUA president, Dr. Randall Rowland; Dr. Dean Assimos, director of science and education, SESAUA; and Dr. Elspeth McDougal, director of the office of education of the AUA, regarding the needs we are attempting to fulfill through our annual scientific program. It was agreed by the above committee members, section officers and director of the office of education of the AUA that there continues to be significant educational needs for our annual meeting and scientific program. Urologic abnormalities can present with a myriad of clinical symptoms and signs. Accurate differential diagnosis and disease management, which meets current standards of care, requires ongoing review of the presentations of various urologic abnormalities as well as the appropriate use of safe and cost-effective imaging modalities and various pharmacologic, minimally invasive and oper–ative management options. In addition, advancements in medical science and progress in management of various urologic diseases require basic and clinical research. Presentation and discussion of such peer-reviewed and abstract reviewer-selected summaries and results of investigations provide “cutting edge” updates for practicing clinicians and essential feedback to researchers on the practical applications and translation of their investigations to clinical practice.
 
There is a need to increase communication among urologic oncology and endourological researchers and forge a strong relationship between the National Cancer Institute and the Society of Urologic Oncology, as well as the society’s members and others interested in kidney, bladder, and prostate cancers. In addition, many urologists treat patients with a myriad of non-malignant conditions such as urinary incontinence, stone disease, benign prostatic hyper–trophy, obstructive uropathy, spinal cord injuries, infertility, erectile dysfunc–tion and congenital (pediatric) diseases, among the most common. Improving relationships with these subspecialties and appropriate governmental funding sources (such as National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney diseases – NIDDK/NIH) will provide a community of urologists with the most up-to-date research that will provide optimal patient care.
 
Educational Objectives
At the conclusion of the meeting, participants should be able to:

-Identify clinical presentation and treatment options of various urologic abnormalities

-Describe the various minimally invasive treatments for urologic diseases and their risk/benefits

-Apply evidence based medicine (EBM) in urologic practice specifically incorporating AUA Guidelines into daily practice

-Describe the role of thermal therapies (e.g., radiofrequency, cryoablation, etc) in the treatment of urologic malignancies

-Describe optimal treatment strategies for prostate cancer patients with intermediate risk disease

-Identify the evolving role of active surveillance as a treatment strategy for patients with low risk prostate cancer (LRPC)

-Indicate a better understanding of what is meant by LRPC

-Critically outline the pros and cons of surgical prostatectomy, energy based focal therapy, various forms of radiation therapy, as well as robotics in the treatment of LRPC

-Enumerate the current controversies pertaining to prostate cancer screening and the use of serum markers (PSA)

-Report the impact that radical prostatectomy has on quality of life issues

-Identify the challenges associated with outcomes research in prostate cancer

-Identify basic laparoscopic applications and results in adult and pediatric patients

-Integrate updated knowledge on the AUA guidelines for vesicoureteral reflux and the current role of prophylactic antibiotics

-Analyze data pertaining to various pharmacologic and surgical treatments for voiding dysfunction and urinary incontinence

Utilize informed choices regarding diagnostic work-up, testing and implementation of appropriate treatment strategies for OAB, SUI and painful bladder

-Describe the current role of mesh, grafts, and kits in the treatment of vaginal prolapse

-Integrate the latest diagnostic/treatment options for various renal anomalies

-Develop a treatment algorithm for patients with urolithiasis who are taking vitamin D and calcium supplements

-Utilize evidence based treatment algorithms to enhance decision making when treating patients with various forms of urolithiasis

-Integrate new and modified treatments for erectile dysfunction, infertility and penile malignancies

-Identify results of various laparoscopic and robotic approaches and techniques for benign and malignant urologic diseases

-Describe common pediatric urologic diseases and treatment updates

-Enumerate prognostic significance and treatments of various stages and grades of bladder cancer

-Review surgical techniques in video format to gain a greater understanding

-Identify socioeconomic factors affecting urologic training and clinical practice

-Employ a state of science look at the evidence supporting chemotherapy as part of a multimodality treatment for advanced kidney cancer

-Identify non-radical cystectomy options for managing muscle invasive bladder cancer with a focus on the proper selection of patients for the various treatment modalities

-Integrate an increased understanding of the vast explosion in electronic communications and how to effectively and safely use inter–net based programs to streamline urologic practice