As the field of urology continues to evolve, so too does the role of Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) in delivering high-quality, team-based care. At the upcoming 2026 Annual Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA) in Washington, DC, a new national training initiative will take center stage – one designed to strengthen procedural skills, standardize education, and support the growing clinical responsibilities of APPs across the specialty.
UNC Urology faculty are playing leading roles in bringing that vision to life.
Davis Viprakasit, MD, FACS, will serve as a Course Co-Director for the newly launched Advanced Cystoscopy Training for Advanced Practice Providers – a hands-on skills course featured as part of the AUA’s official pre-meeting educational programming. Joining him as faculty instructors are Heather Schultz, NP, FAUNA, and Minh Nguyen Pham, MD, further underscoring UNC Urology’s strong presence in shaping national training efforts for the modern urologic workforce.
Together, the three clinicians represent a collaborative model of physician and APP leadership that reflects the direction of contemporary urologic practice – one grounded in shared expertise, structured training, and a commitment to delivering safe and effective procedural care.
A National Training Initiative Drawing Strong Early Demand
The new course is designed as a simulation-based learning experience that provides APPs with hands-on exposure to cystoscopy techniques, clinical decision-making, and procedural workflow in a structured educational environment. The program was developed in response to the expanding scope of practice for APPs and the need for consistent, high-quality procedural training across healthcare systems.
Interest in the course has been immediate and widespread.
More than a month before the start of the AUA Annual Meeting, registration for both sessions has been strong, with limited availability remaining at the time of this writing – an early indication of the demand for practical, skills-based education tailored to the needs of today’s urologic teams.
The strong response from the national community highlights both the relevance of the training model and the importance of expanding opportunities for hands-on procedural education.
Leadership in Education and Team-Based Care
Dr. Viprakasit’s role as Course Co-Director places him at the forefront of a national effort to define how procedural training for APPs is delivered within the specialty. His leadership in developing and implementing this program reflects a broader commitment to advancing clinical education and strengthening the collaborative care models that support patients across diverse practice settings.
For Ms. Schultz and Dr. Pham, participation as faculty instructors builds on their ongoing contributions to patient care, clinical education, and professional development within UNC Urology and the AUA. Their involvement in the course reinforces the department’s longstanding focus on preparing the next generation of clinicians to meet the evolving needs of patients and health systems alike.
As AUA 2026 approaches, the launch of this new hands-on training program stands as an example of how academic medical centers can help shape national standards for education and practice. Through leadership, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence in clinical training, UNC Urology faculty continue to play an active role in advancing the future of urologic care.