Welcome to the Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Education Center

The APP Education Center is a premier resource designed for nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, and allied health professionals, offering timely and accurate education on urologic conditions, diseases, and procedures. Expert clinicians share their insights and expertise, ensuring that APPs receive practical, up-to-date knowledge to enhance patient care.

Whether you are new to urology or seeking the latest updates in urologic care, this site provides targeted, high-quality education to support your professional growth and clinical excellence.

VIDEOS

This section contains videos developed specifically for Advanced Practice Providers.

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Penile Preservation, Restoration & Enhancement

Pumps, traction, rings, and sleeves—safe, practical options for penile preservation, restoration, and enhancement.

Delayed or Absent Orgasm and Pleasure Optimization

Practical tools for managing delayed ejaculation, including vibratory devices, trainers, and multidisciplinary care.

Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction (NLUTD): A Walk Through the Guidelines

Rachel Shapiro, PA-C, translates the NLUTD guideline: how to risk-stratify, what to surveil, and how to treat unsafe storage, retention, and continence, all while ...

Premature Ejaculation

A hands‑on guide to premature ejaculation care—how to coach patients on sprays, rings, TENS, and training tools.

Cryoablation of Small Renal Masses: Tips for the APP

Discover how percutaneous cryoablation provides effective, outpatient treatment for small renal tumors—complete with imaging pearls, safety considerations, and follow‑up protocols.

Vaginal Hormone Therapy for Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: Practical Guidance for Urology

Vaginal estrogen isn’t just relief—it’s prevention. From UTIs to quality of life, this talk shows why it’s the cornerstone of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause management.

Intermittent Self-Catheterization: The Role of the Occupational Therapist

Diane Newman and Leah Holderbaum discuss the role of occupational therapy in education related to intermittent self-catheterization (ISC).

Selective Use of Urodynamics in Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS)

Prof. Christopher Chapple explains why urodynamics should be selective, not routine, and how bladder diaries plus targeted testing optimize care for LUTS and refractory OAB.

Menopause: What Every Woman Should Know

Julie Spencer, DNP, FNP-BC, CUNP, AFMC, offers an overview of menopause, emphasizing the diverse spectrum of symptoms.

APPs in Leadership

Rachel Shapiro, PA-C, shares her experience developing a leadership role for advanced practice providers in urology.

Convatec Me+ Support Program

Rachel Kaminski introduces the me+ Support Program for individuals performing intermittent self-catheterization

CMS HCPCS Code Changes for Intermittent Catheters

CMS expands HCPCS codes for intermittent catheters—new hydrophilic categories, effective Jan 2026.

Antibiotic Treatment and Prevention of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Ann E. Stapleton, MD, provides a timely update on the therapeutic management of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women.

Bridging Access and Experience: Procedures and Mentorship in Urology APP Practice

Corinna Hughes, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, offers an in-depth exploration of urology APP fellowships, highlighting her experience and current practice.

Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (PLUS) Research Consortium

Ariana L. Smith, MD, highlights the achievements of the Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (PLUS) Research Consortium.

GUYnecology – APP Workforce Update

Diane Newman and Ken Mitchell discuss the role of the advanced practice provider in urology.

IC Journey to Wellness: Healing Bladder Pain Syndrome and Interstitial Cystitis by Jill Peters-Gee, MD

Jill Peters-Gee, MD, presents a comprehensive overview of interstitial cystitis, focusing on phenotyping as a diagnostic and therapeutic strategy.

Dr. Jeff Albaugh, Editor of Core Curriculum for Urologic Nursing (2nd Edition) – Adult Urology

Dr. Albaugh explores the updated Core Curriculum for Urologic Nursing, 2nd Edition – Adult Urology, published by SUNA.

A Primer on Erectile Dysfunction

Dr. Jeff Albagh gives a comprehensive overview of erectile dysfunction, its anatomy, pathophysiology, evaluation, and treatment strategies.

Educating Patients and the Public Through Podcasts

Dr. Albagh discusses his podcast, Dr. Jeff Talks About Sex and Intimacy, which provides information on sexual health.

We Count – Measuring the Toll of Human Incontinence

Sarah Jenkins describes the NAFC’s “We Count” campaign and its mission to destigmatize incontinence and support patients.

Urolithiasis – Prevalence, Pathophysiology, and Prevention

Hillary Durstein, MSN, APRN, NP-C, CUNP, FAUNA, presents an overview of urolithiasis, its prevalence, pathophysiology, and prevention.

Medical Assisting in Urology: A SUNA Task Force Initiative

Hillary Durstein, MSN, APRN, NP-C, CUNP, FAUNA, discusses the role of medical assisting in urology as part of a SUNA Task Force initiative.

Foley Catheter Placement for Adult Patients

Hillary Durstein, MSN, APRN, NP-C, CUNP, FAUNA, discusses Foley catheter use and placement.

Urinary Incontinence (UI) and Overactive Bladder (OAB), Part 1: Prevalence & Risk Factors

Diane K. Newman, , DNP, ANP-BC, FAAN, FAUNA, BCB-PMD, explores urinary incontinence & overactive bladder, breaking stigma and sharing key insights.

Genitourinary Radiology Review: CT Urogram

Tiffany Ly, MPAS, PA-C, focuses on practical principles for interpreting radiologic imaging in urology.

Genitourinary Radiology for the APP Discussion Session

Tiffany Ly, PA-C, and Katie Wall, MSN, FNP-C, discuss urologic imaging interpretation, especially in genitourinary radiology.

Urinary Retention

Diane K. Newman, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, explores acute and chronic urinary retention, covering causes, symptoms, and treatment options in this expert urology discussion.

APP-directed Postoperative Care Clinic for Prosthetic Urology: Tips for Happier Patients

Sarah Y. Parker, MSN, AGNP-C, analyzes the establishment and operation of an APP-directed postoperative care clinic for prosthetic urology. Her focus is on enhancing ...

Guidance on Troubleshooting Urostomy Management

Terran W. Sims, MSN, ACNP-C, CNN, COCN-C, provides comprehensive guidance on troubleshooting urostomy management, addressing the challenges faced by healthcare providers and patients. Her ...

Streamlining Management of the Neurogenic Patient Population with or without Incontinence

Mikel L. Gray, PhD, FNP, PNP, CUNP, CCN-AP, FAANP, delves into the management of neurogenic bladder dysfunction, with or without incontinence. He emphasizes the ...

Chronic Catheter Patients Made Simple

Mikel L. Gray, PhD, FNP, PNP, CUNP, CCN-AP, FAANP, addresses the complexities of managing chronic catheter patients, offering insights and strategies to simplify their ...

In-Office Procedures and the ‘Scope’ of Practice for APPs

Terran W. Sims, NP, MSN, ACNP-C, CNN, COCN-C, discusses how to prepare and incorporate advanced practice providers (APPs) like nurse practitioners and physician assistants ...

Expectations for Mentorship Among APPs: What Urologists Should Know

Mikel L. Gray, PhD, PNP, FNP, CUNP, CCCN, FAANP, FAAN, provides guidance on how Urologists and APPs can get the most out of mentorships. ...

APP-Directed Management of Female Sexual Health and GU Syndrome of Menopause

Aleece R. Fosnight, MSPAS, PA-C, CSCS, CSE, IF, NCMP, HAES, discusses APP-lead treatment of female sexual health and genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Ms. ...

The Value of Advanced Practice Providers: Increasing Revenue, Improving Operations, and Decreasing Physician Burnout

Edward S. Cohen, MD, discusses the immense value of Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) in Urology as a field. In this presentation, Dr. Cohen discusses ...

SECTION EDITOR

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Diane K. Newman, DNP, ANP-BC, FAAN, FAUNA, BCB-PMD
Urology and Pelvic Floor Nurse Specialist
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Adjunct Professor of Surgery, Division of Urology, Perelman School of Medicine, Emerita

Dr. Diane K. Newman is an Adjunct Professor of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. She is the former Co-Director of the Penn Center for Continence and Pelvic Health, Division of Urology, Penn Medicine, in Philadelphia. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and the Academy of Urologic Nurses and Associates. She is certified as an adult nurse practitioner by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and Board Certified in Biofeedback for Pelvic Muscle Dysfunction by the Biofeedback Certification Institute of America.

Dr. Newman has 35+ years of experience practicing as a urology advanced practice provider and continence nurse specialist. Her clinical expertise involves the evaluation, treatment, and management of urinary incontinence, bladder dysfunction, and related problems, including the use of catheters and other devices in the management of bladder and pelvic floor conditions. Throughout her career, she has evaluated and treated men and women with urologic disorders in multiple settings: acute care, long-term, and home care, with 23 years in an ambulatory practice at the Division of Urology at the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr Newman is an internationally known educator. She has been at the forefront of urology nursing education on conservative treatments for lower urinary tract dysfunction. She developed a curriculum on urology nursing, training nurses in Hong Kong and Mainland China from 1994 to the present. Since the start of her career in urology, she has conducted NIH and industry-funded research in several urologic areas: incontinence, overactive bladder, pelvic floor disorders, use of catheters, and other devices. She was the lead editor of the 1st edition of SUNA’s Core Curriculum for Urologic Nursing and Clinical Application of Urologic Catheters, Devices and Products. Click here for Curriculum Vitae.

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

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E. David Crawford, MD

Researcher-physician E. David Crawford, MD, Jack A. Vickers Director of Prostate Research and Professor of Urology at the University of California, San Diego, has devoted his career in medicine to educating the public about men’s health issues and finding effective techniques and procedures to address prostate cancer, the most common malignancy affecting men in the United States.

Dr. Crawford received his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati and his postgraduate training included an internship and residency in urology at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati. He subsequently completed a genitourinary cancer fellowship at the University of California Medical Center in Los Angeles.

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Hillary Durstein, MSN, APRN, NP-C, CUNP, FAUNA

Hillary Durstein, MSN, APRN, NP-C, CUNP, FAUNA, is a Certified Urologic Nurse Practitioner and a Fellow of the Academy of Urologic Nurses and Associates in Las Vegas, Nevada. She has practiced in general urology since 2016, with a subspeciality in advanced prostate cancer. In 2024, Ms. Durstein received the “Member of the Year” award from the Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates (SUNA). She has been a member of the conference planning committee for the SUNA UroLogic Conference (2020, 2021, 2022) as well as, a speaker at SUNA and the American Urological Association (AUA) conferences. Ms. Durstein is a chapter author of the publications Manual of Men’s Health, The Nurse Practitioner in Urology 2nd Edition and a reviewer for SUNA Core Curriculum for Urologic Nursing – 2nd Edition.  She is a Major in the Army Reserve Nurse Corps, serving since 2008.

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Les Madore, MS, PA-C

Les Madore, PA-C, is a Certified Physician Assistant with over 15 yrs experience in urology. He currently practices at Alta View Clinic – Urology, Intermountain Health in Sandy, Utah.  He has a special interest in male and female sexual health and other functional urology conditions. Mr. Madore’s expertise has been shared with colleagues at many venues, including as an invited speaker at the American Urological Association (AUA) and Urological Association of Physician Assistants (UAPA) conferences.

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Rachel Shapiro, PA-C
Advanced Practice Provider Supervisor, Department of Urology
UC San Diego Health

Rachel Shapiro is a board-certified Physician Assistant (PA) specializing in Urology with a clinical focus on benign urologic conditions, voiding dysfunction, neurogenic bladder, and transition care for patients with congenital urologic conditions. As the Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Supervisor for the Department of Urology at UC San Diego Health, she oversees APP onboarding, clinical productivity, utilization, and career development.

At UC San Diego Health, Rachel has served as Chair of both the Advanced Practice Council and the Clinical Ladder Committee and currently serves on the APP Oversight Committee. She is actively involved in clinical research as a sub-investigator in several urologic trials and contributes to the education of urology residents and fellows, particularly in the areas of urodynamics and neurourology.

A trailblazer in fluoroscopy education, Rachel became one of the first two PAs in California to obtain a fluoroscopy license. She founded the Fluoroscopy Education Program for Allied Health Professionals at UCSD, which continues to train and graduate new students.

Rachel earned her Master of Science in Health Sciences for PAs from Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Music from Barnard College and in Jewish Law from the Jewish Theological Seminary.

Rachel is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and is an active member of the American Urological Association (AUA), the Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogenital Reconstruction (SUFU), the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), and the California Academy of Physician Assistants (CAPA).

Outside of work, Rachel enjoys cycling, traveling, and spending time with her husband and three children.

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Katie Wall, MSN, FNP-C, FAUNA

Katie Wall, MSN, FNP-C, FAUNA is a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and a Fellow of the Academy of Urologic Nurses and Associates. She manages adult urologic, urogynecologic, and gynecologic diagnoses in office practice and hospitals. She has experience in performing all urologic procedures including neuromodulation, pessary insertion, bladder irrigation, and male ED treatments.  She was a Director at Large on the Board of Directors of the Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates, received the SUNA AZ Chapter of the Year Award, and was the recipient of the 2022 SUNA President’s Award.  Ms. Wall has held multiple positions in the Arizona Nurse Practitioner Council, including President.  Ms Wall was recognized for her strong commitment to NPs, receiving the 2022 AANP State Award for Clinical Excellence in NP Practice.  She has numerous publications on urology practice and is an invited speaker at major conferences.