O. Lenaine Westney, MD presented “Diversity in Academic Urology: Where We Stand and Next Steps” during the 42nd Annual Ralph E. Hopkins Urology Seminar on February 1, 2023, in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
How to cite: Westney, O. Lenaine “Diversity in Academic Urology: Where We Stand and Next Steps.” February 1, 2023. Accessed Aug 2024. https://grandroundsinurology.com/diversity-in-academic-urology-where-we-stand-and-next-steps/
Diversity in Academic Urology: Where We Stand and Next Steps – Summary
O. Lenaine Westney, MD, analyzes demographic data within academic urology, noting the underrepresentation of certain groups, particularly women and minorities, in faculty and leadership positions. She emphasizes the importance of diversity for fostering innovation, improving patient care, and enriching the educational environment.
Dr. Westney highlights successful initiatives and programs that have been implemented to promote diversity within the field. She discusses the impact of targeted recruitment efforts, diversity training, and mentorship programs designed to support underrepresented groups.
The presentation also addresses the role of institutional policies and leadership commitment in driving change. Dr. Westney advocates for the establishment of clear diversity goals, accountability measures, and dedicated resources to support diversity and inclusion efforts. She underscores the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives and experiences.
About The 42nd Annual Ralph E. Hopkins Urology Seminar:
The Ralph E. Hopkins Urology Seminar is a multi-day meeting focused on training urologists in the latest in assessing, diagnosing, and treating urologic conditions in the clinical setting. Updates are provided on urologic cancers, stone disease, urologic reconstruction, female urology, infertility, sexual function, emerging surgical techniques, and general urology. The 42nd iteration of the meeting took place from February 1st to 4th, 2023, in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
For further educational activities from this conference, visit our collection page.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. O. Lenaine Westney is a Professor in the Department of Urology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Her areas of clinical expertise are postprostatectomy incontinence, neurogenic voiding dysfunction, post-radiation urinary tract reconstruction and urinary diversion. In her role as the primary urologic reconstructive surgeon in the Department, she has emphasized clinical and research collaborations with Colorectal, Gynecologic Oncology and Plastics Surgery with the goal of improving management and outcomes of urinary tract structural and functional disorders in patients with pelvic malignancy. She is certified in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery and directs the MDACC Urinary Tract and Pelvic Reconstruction fellowship program. Additionally, she has authored articles and chapters dealing with the management of incontinence in high-risk patient populations. Her current interest research focuses on the long-term sexual and voiding dysfunction in colorectal cancer patients, the progression of voiding symptoms in hypoestrogenic states and post-prostatectomy urinary complications. Dr. Westney is active as a member of many local, national and international surgical societies.
