AUA names Dr. Gonzalez health policy scholar for 2010-'11

AUA has named Christopher Gonzalez, MD, MBA, the 2010-‘11 Gallagher Health Policy Scholar.

As part of the program, Dr. Gonzalez, who is clinical practice director for the department of urology at Northwestern University, Chicago, will engage in a wide range of activities preparing him to become a leading advocate of urology health policy issues.

"Dr. Gonzalez’s extensive community service and proven commitment to advancing urology’s health policy agenda made him a clear choice for this prestigious honor," said Beth Kosiak, PhD, AUA associate executive director of health policy. "In a time of health care reform, it is increasingly important that young urologists with such great potential, such as Dr. Gonzalez, learn the skills necessary to protect and advance urology’s interests at the local, state, and national levels."

Dr. Gonzalez has led several community outreach programs, including a National Institutes of Health-funded pilot project involving prostate cancer screening and education among Hispanic men in Chicago, as well as an international surgical mission among the Northwestern department of urology staff. Dr. Gonzalez currently serves on AUA’s Quality Improvement & Patient Safety Committee and the Legislative Workgroup.

In related news, Johannes Vieweg, MD, has been appointed to chair the AUA Foundation’s Research Council, the body that works with the foundation and AUA to advance research progress across the entire spectrum of urologic diseases.

In his new position, Dr. Vieweg will provide oversight to the research council and its activities and will serve as an adviser to the AUA Foundation’s Office of Research. He will also serve as a liaison to federal agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, the Veterans’ Health Administration, and the Department of Defense.

Dr. Vieweg currently serves as professor and chair of the department of urology at the University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville.