Kirsten Greene, MD
Each year, the American Urological Association (AUA) honors the contributions of physician researchers and educators to the field of medicine, the specialty of urology, and the AUA. For years, the association has recognized early-career physicians with the Gold Cystoscope Award and senior physicians with the Gold-Headed Cane Award. 2021 was the first year the AUA recognized a mid-career member. This inaugural mid-career honor was awarded to Kirsten L. Greene, MD, Associate Chief Medical Officer for UVA Health, Paul Mellon Professor and Chair, Department of Urology.
According to the AUA, Greene received the Mid-Career Award for inspired institutional leadership, clinical expertise, service in the development of AUA guidelines, and restructuring of the Urology residency match.
“The AUA is the biggest and broadest organization in urology,” says Greene. “Being the first person to receive this award is really exciting — and a complete surprise. I’m proud to accept this on behalf of UVA and my department, because it really was a team effort to enact the transformative changes we have made for our faculty, APPs, staff, patients, and learners this last year. We’ve really focused on culture, morale, access, and — despite COVID — founds ways to make it a more inclusive place, and to really move forward some of the innovative multidisciplinary programs we’ve developed with other departments in the last few years. Overall, I think we’ve made it a better place to work, to train, and to receive the best care. I am also so grateful to my friends, residents, and mentors at UCSF who trained me and supported me throughout my career so that I could be here as Chair of UVA Urology today.”
Greene received her undergraduate training here at the University of Virginia. She says that receiving this award feels like she’s come full circle. “I’m so very grateful to the Jefferson Scholars Program for starting my academic career. I was lucky enough to come to UVA on a full academic scholarship as an undergraduate. Now, as Chair of the Department of Urology, I feel like I’ve come home and am able to give back to my department and my school.”
According to the its website, the AUA Awards Program honors “outstanding career contributions, recognizing excellence in urologic research and education as well as dedication, leadership, and service to the Association.” Founded in 1902, the AUA provides invaluable support to the urologic community. Its mission is to promote the highest standards of urological clinical care through education, research, and the formulation of healthcare policy.