AFUD is taken under AUA's wing

The American Foundation of Urologic Disease will be under the ageis of the American Urological Association following an agreement between leaders of the two groups. Beginning next month, AFUD will operate under the name of the American Urological Association Foundation (AUAF).

"There are a number of good reasons for allowing AFUD to be absorbed by the AUA, the main ones being that the AUA has a number of the departments, facilities, and resources that are important to AFUD. The economy of scale benefits achieved by eliminating duplication of activities together with increased AUA financial support will not only help sustain the AUAF, but allow it to grow," said Richard D. Williams, MD, who most recently served as president of AFUD and will be the vice-chairman, director of medical affairs, on the AUAF Operating Board.

Dr. Williams indicated that the current board of directors of AFUD, consisting of both physicians and laypersons, is expected to be transitioned to become the AUAF Operating Board. The AUAF Operating Board will retain responsibility for future planning, budget definition, patient education, patient advocacy, and directing funding for research and the Scholar Program.

A strategic planning meeting will be held this summer involving individuals and resources from both AUA and AUAF.