Dr. Raju Thomas, Chair and Professor, becomes President-Elect of the AUA
Founded in 1902, the American Urological Association (AUA) is a premier urologic association with more than 23,500 members worldwide. Its mission is to promote the highest standards of urological clinical care through education, research, and the formulation of healthcare policy. The AUA annual meeting is the largest gathering of urologists in the world, and provides access to groundbreaking research, new guidelines, and the latest advances in urologic medicine. Dr. Thomas was to assume the role of president-elect at the 2020 meeting in Washington D.C., but it was canceled due to COVID-19.
This honor coincides with Dr. Thomas in his 25th year as Chair of the Department of Urology here at Tulane, where he also serves as Professor of Urology and Residency Program Director. Dr. Thomas’ career has been dedicated to finding minimally invasive therapy alternatives to urologic surgery. He has the distinction of introducing urologic laparoscopy in 1991 and was the first surgeon to perform robotic urologic surgery in the entire Gulf South in 2002. He has authored more than 180 scientific articles and book chapters, and his experience has earned him a place in advanced continuing medical education programs around the world. His career highlights include Presidency of the SES-AUA and the 31st World Congress of Endourology. Above all, his rescuing and rebuilding the Department of Urology at Tulane University following Hurricane Katrina counts as his greatest personal achievement. In 2016, he received the AUA Distinguished Service Award for these efforts.
As President-elect, more of his duties will be conducted online and over teleconference than those previously elected. The travel being curtailed for the next many months will keep him in New Orleans and close to his home base. At the 2021 AUA meeting in Las Vegas next year, Dr. Thomas will take over the mantle as President of the AUA.
This is indeed an honor for Tulane Urology, Tulane University, New Orleans, and the State of Louisiana to count this leadership amongst us. Dr. Thomas is sure to bring his vast experience and immutable passion to this new role.
