Dear Colleagues,

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching and hopefully, many of us will be celebrating in person with family and friends. Certainly, for those of us who were able to attend PFD Week 2021, seeing and speaking with our colleagues was a highlight of the meeting and a reminder of how important our personal connections are to our health, happiness, and sanity!

While PFD Week 2021 is only 30 days past, AUGS volunteers and staff are already starting to prepare for our AUGS/IUGA 2022 Joint Scientific Meeting in June. An important part of our meeting is the recognition of our outstanding teachers/surgeons and research coordinators. Our Awards Committee is currently seeking nominations (self or nomination of a colleague) for:

• Raymond E. Lee Lectureship honors an AUGS member who has contributed to advancing the surgical field of urogynecology through mentorship, teaching, and the care of women with pelvic floor disorders
• Robin Haff Research Nurse Award honors an individual nurse or coordinator in recognition of their outstanding and sustained contribution to female pelvic floor disorders research.
• Resident Scholars Award identifies promising residents who will be future leaders in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery.

More information about each of these awards is available online. Our November 12th deadline has been extended to November 29, 2021, to provide everyone with the opportunity to submit their nominations.

I wish the best for you and your families as we move into this special holiday season.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Mueller, MD

President