#AUA14: Get Social at AUA 2014 Meeting

Urologists Meet Challenges and Opportunities in Healthcare

In May, urologists from around the world will travel to the American Urological Association (AUA) annual meeting in Orlando, FL. The meeting comes at a time of unprecedented changes, challenges and opportunities in healthcare. One of the many exciting changes you will see at this year’s meeting is the increased use of Twitter.

The official hashtag for the AUA 2014 Meeting is #AUA14.

Social Media at the AUA 2014 Meeting

With so many great things going on at the AUA, it’s difficult to pick and choose which sessions to attend. Fortunately, we now have access to a wide variety of tools that, literally, make it possible for us to be in more than one place at a time. In an effort to help urologists get more comfortable using social media, this year, the AUA is putting on its first  “social media lounge”.

The social media lounge will be open Saturday through Tuesday, during the meeting, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the AUA Resource Center.

If you haven’t yet tried Twitter, stop by and learn how to create an account, and begin participating in the #AUA14 conversation.

In the lounge, you will also have the opportunity to meet with members of the AUA social media committee as well as prominent members of the worldwide uro-twitterati including Dr. Loeb, Dr. Brook, Dr. Davies, Dr. Averch, Dr. Woo, Dr. Singal, and Dr. Bayne.

Give Your Thumbs a Break

Social media is a great tool, but it can be a little tough on the thumbs. Fortunately, there are plenty of opportunities to take a break, and enjoy some good old-fashioned human interaction.

This year’s Grand Reception will be at Universal Islands of Adventure, and will include unlimited access to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, Jurassic Park, and the Lost Continent. In addition to the Grand Reception, I’m excited about attending receptions for the Michigan Urology Surgical Improvement Collaborative (MUSIC) and the Reed Nesbit Society.

Enjoy Some MUSIC

MUSIC has blossomed into a unique collaborative between academic and community urologists. Under the leadership of Dr. David Miller and Dr. James Montie, the collaboration has become an exciting way for Michigan urologists to pool their collective data, experience, and wisdom – all while working together to improve care for urology patients across the State.

Following a short program, there will be plenty of time for socializing. Physicians, fellows, residents, administrators, and data abstractors participating in MUSIC are welcome to attend. The reception will be held on Saturday, May 17th, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Rosen Centre in Salon 12. If you would like to attend, please contact Susan Linsell at slinsell@med.umich.edu

#GoBlue

Each year, the University of Michigan Department of Urology hosts its annual Reed Nesbit Society Reception. This year, the reception, for faculty, residents and alumni of the University of Michigan, will take place on Sunday, May 18th, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Hilton Orlando Sun Garden, 6001 Destination Parkway.

The event will include a brief update from Dr. Bloom on the State of the Department. It’s a great opportunity to share stories, and to catch up with friends and colleagues. If you would like to attend, please RSVP with Sandy Heskett by phone at 734-232-4943 or by email at sheskett@umich.edu.

Say Hello

I am really looking forward to this year’s meeting. In addition to all the quality educational programs put on by the AUA, the event is a great time to catch up with friends, colleagues, peeps and Tweeps. If you recognize me, please stop me and say hello, or ping me on Twitter.

See you in Orlando!