We are pleased to announce that Dr. Katherine Chan, UNC Urology’s Vice Chair for Research and Director of Pediatric Urology Research, has been appointed to the American Urological Association’s (AUA) Research Grants and Investigator Support Committee (RGISC). This appointment reflects Dr. Chan’s remarkable expertise and contributions to the field of urology, particularly in the areas of urologic research and peer mentoring.
Recently, Dr. Chan was appointed UNC Urology’s First Vice Chair for Research. In this role Dr. Chan plays a crucial part in advancing UNC Urology’s initiatives as a national center of excellence for urologic research. This new role with the AUA will further enhance her efforts both at UNC and across the field of urology.
“I am honored to serve the AUA as an ambassador of urologic research. I look forward to collaborating with committee members on the development and implementation of grant funding mechanisms for urologists. It is a pleasure to support individuals who are committed to improving urologic care through their research contributions.”
Katherine Chan, MD, MPH
Vice Chair For Research
Director of The Pediatric Kidney Stone Clinic
Director of Pediatric Urology Research
Associate Professor of Urology
About the AUA Committees and RGISC
The AUA consists of numerous committees composed of over 500 dedicated volunteers who actively contribute to the association’s endeavors. These committees are grouped into functional areas, and the Research Grants and Investigator Support Committee (RGISC) falls under the Research Council. Committee members are appointed by AUA Sections based on specific criteria, ensuring a diverse range of expertise and perspectives.
The RGISC comprises 8-12 members who collaborate to develop and implement urologic grant funding mechanisms, research training programs, networking opportunities, and other support initiatives. The committee plays a crucial role in shaping the future of urologic research by identifying and nurturing the brightest and most talented urologic researchers for long-term success.
Recent Accomplishments of the RGISC
Under the leadership of the RGISC, significant achievements have been made in advancing urologic research and supporting aspiring investigators. Some notable recent accomplishments include:
- Launch of the Boston Scientific Medical Student Innovation Fellowship: The RGISC successfully established a fellowship program to support medical students, particularly those from underrepresented communities. The fellowship offers a 12-month experience with mentoring by renowned urologic scientists, research and development opportunities, continuing education sessions, and a $20,000 stipend.
- Mentored Research Award Programs: The RGISC provided valuable guidance in the solicitation, receipt, and peer review of over 200 applications for various Urology Care Foundation mentored research award programs. These programs help cultivate the next generation of urologic researchers and include the Rising Stars in Urology Research Award, Research Scholar Award, Residency Research Award, and Summer Medical Student Fellowship.
More About Dr. Katherine Chan
Dr. Katherine Chan, an accomplished pediatric urologist and surgeon-scientist, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the RGISC. Her extensive educational background includes completing medical school at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine, urology residency at University Hospitals Case Medical Center, and a pediatric urology fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School. Additionally, she earned a Master of Public Health degree from the Harvard School of Public Health through the Harvard-wide Pediatric Health Services Fellowship.
Before joining the Department of Urology at UNC, Dr. Chan served as an Assistant Professor of Urology at Indiana University School of Medicine for over seven years. Her contributions to the field include expanding access to care for underserved communities in Indiana and maintaining a clinical and surgical practice for these patients throughout her tenure.
Dr. Chan’s research interests have led her to be the principal investigator for multiple NIH-funded research projects, with a particular focus on developing a decision-making tool for parents of children with hypospadias. Her team is also working on creating a patient-centered outcomes tool to study the long-term effects in adolescents and young adults who underwent hypospadias repair as children. Dr. Chan’s expertise extends beyond her research endeavors, as she serves as a member of the Hypospadias Task Force of the Societies of Pediatric Urology and as a reviewer for esteemed journals such as the Journal of Pediatric Urology and the Journal of Urology.
Recently, Dr. Chan was one of the first faculty members at UNC to have completed the intensive Level 2 Coach Training program offered by the UNC School of Medicine’s Coaching Academy.