UNC Urology was represented at the highest levels of national leadership and scholarship throughout the meeting. Dr. Mary Beth Westerman served as one of this year’s Scientific Program Co-Chairs, an appointment that places her at the center of program development for the SUO’s most important annual event. The Program Committee, responsible for building the scientific agenda across prostate, kidney, bladder, testis, and health services research, plays a defining role in shaping national priorities in urologic oncology. Dr. Westerman’s contribution reflects not only her expertise, but the trust placed in UNC faculty across the specialty.
Beyond program leadership, three UNC Urologists – Drs. Angela Smith, Hans Arora, and Hung-Jui (“Ray”) Tan – were invited speakers on high-impact panels, each addressing a timely and nationally relevant challenge in urologic cancer care.
Grateful to have @DrMBWesterman on our @UNCUroOnc team, leading work locally and nationally in multiple dimensions (here as co-Chair of spectacular @UroOnc #SUO25 winter meeting) 🤩🙏🚀🚀🚀 https://t.co/rS20xB4czH
— Matt Nielsen, MD (@m_e_nielsen) December 6, 2025
Advancing Patient-Centered Outcomes in Cancer Research
Angela Smith, MD, MS
State of the Art Session I: From Patients to Practice: Harnessing PROs to Improve Cancer Outcomes
Dr. Smith joined colleagues from the University of Kansas and Vanderbilt to examine how patient-reported outcomes (PROs) can be translated into meaningful improvements in cancer care. Her talk, “Turning PRO Results into Actionable Data (CISTO),” highlighted emerging strategies to strengthen decision-making and care pathways using real-world patient experiences.
Shaping National Policy Discussions in Urologic Oncology
Hans Arora, MD
State of the Art Session III: Health Policy Impact of the 2024 Election
In a panel moderated by Vanderbilt’s Dr. Ruchika Talwar, Dr. Arora spoke on “Physician Payments,” contributing to a multidisciplinary discussion on how shifting federal priorities influence access, workforce stability, and research funding in urologic oncology. His participation underscores UNC’s growing leadership at the intersection of health policy and cancer care delivery.
Driving Innovation in Trial Design and Health Services Research
Hung-Jui (Ray) Tan, MD, MSHPM
Health Services & Research Session: Designing Efficient Prospective Studies
Dr. Tan presented new work exploring how randomized experimental designs can shed light on surgeons’ recommendations for or against surgery, emphasizing the tension between data and intuition in clinical decision-making. The panel brought together national leaders in trial methodology and health services research, reflecting the increasing importance of generating pragmatic, patient-centered evidence in urologic oncology.
A National Presence Reflecting UNC Urology’s Mission
UNC Urology’s multi-layered presence at the SUO Annual Meeting, through scientific program leadership and faculty expertise showcased on national stages, illustrates the department’s sustained commitment to advancing cancer care, improving outcomes, and shaping the future of the field.
From helping architect the meeting’s scientific priorities to contributing original insights in outcomes science, health policy, and clinical trial innovation, UNC faculty continue to elevate discussions that influence how urologic oncology is practiced across the country. Their contributions reflect a culture grounded in collaborative scholarship, patient-centered inquiry, and service to the people of North Carolina and beyond.