Celebrating Excellence: LUGPA 2024 Annual Meeting Awards

The 2024 LUGPA Annual Meeting brought together independent urology leaders from across the nation for unparalleled education and networking opportunities. As part of the event, LUGPA proudly recognized several outstanding members who have made exceptional contributions to the field of urology, honoring their dedication, innovation and commitment to advancing patient care.

Trailblazer Award
Among this year’s awardees, Dr. Dean Laganosky of Solaris MidLantic Urology received the prestigious Trailblazer Award, recognizing his pioneering efforts in prostate cancer care. Reflecting on the journey of independent urology, Dr. Laganosky highlighted the essential role of LUGPA in supporting practitioners within a complex healthcare landscape.

“As we continue to try to navigate an increasingly complex healthcare system in our country, our work with LUGPA ensures that independent urology practice can be everything it can be,” Dr. Laganosky said. “It’s so important to realize that we are building on the foundations of the work that’s been done from the generations before us, and to have the mentality of how we can extend that foundation and build a better platform for the urologists and the generations of providers yet to come.”

Watch Dr. Laganosky’s remarks.

Presidential Recognition Awards
This year, LUGPA’s outgoing president, Dr. Evan Goldfischer, presented Presidential Recognition Awards to Terry FitzPatrick, the former CEO of Oregon Urology Institute, and Dr. Geoffrey Sklar, Chief Medical Officer of United Urology Group. Both honorees exemplify leadership and dedication within the LUGPA community.

Terry FitzPatrick expressed deep gratitude, sharing, “Receiving this recognition is the cherry on top of my retirement sundae. LUGPA has given me so much over the years.” Dr. Sklar also reflected on LUGPA’s invaluable role, noting that it “is one of the few places where we can learn from our wins and sometimes our losses.”

Watch Mr. FitzPatrick and Dr. Sklar’s remarks.

Honorary Membership
Dr. Phillip J. Koo, Chief of Diagnostic Imaging at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, was celebrated as an Honorary Member for his outstanding contributions to the field and his steadfast support of independent urology.

Dr. Koo spoke passionately about LUGPA’s achievements since its founding in 2008, quoting an African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone; but if you want to go far, go together. LUGPA is proof that you can go far and fast as long as you go together.”

Watch Dr. Koo’s remarks.

Advocate of the Year
Nathan Diller, COO of Brandywine Urology Consultants, was honored as Advocate of the Year for his commitment to advancing urology practice through leadership and advocacy. His work exemplifies the dedication needed to uphold the mission of independent practice, and his contributions as an advocate continue to drive the field forward.

The 2024 LUGPA Annual Meeting Awards serve as a reminder of the excellence, passion and commitment that define the LUGPA community. Congratulations to all our award winners for their invaluable contributions to the field of urology!