DE&I Scholarship Recipients

The USANZ Diversity Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) Committee recently held two initiatives to support inclusion and participation at the upcoming ASM: a Urological Conference Scholarship for First Nations Peoples, and an Essay Competition for Medical Students. We are pleased to announce the scholarship recipients below.

Urological Conference Scholarships for First Nations Peoples

The inaugural Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand (USANZ) Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee conference scholarship for First Nations Peoples was awarded to Dr Benjamin Crook, an Ugar man from the Torres Strait. Dr Crook will commence his internship at the Royal Melbourne Hospital in 2026. His interest in urology is grounded in both personal experience and a broader commitment to improving health outcomes for First Nations Peoples. He is particularly interested in how evidence-based approaches can be paired with culturally informed engagement to address the disproportionate burden of prostate cancer in First Nation communities.

As part of the short written statement in the application, Benjamin wrote:

"Attending the USANZ Annual Scientific Meeting would deepen my understanding of current advances in urological practice, screening strategies, and models of care that can be adapted to meet the needs of First Nations patients."

Essay Competition

The DE&I committee are pleased to announce the winner of this year’s essay competition, written by Hussain Arshad, a fourth-year medical student at Bond University on the Gold Coast. Hussain recently completed a seven-week elective in urology at Macquarie University Hospital under the supervision of Professor David Gillatt and the urology team, as well as surgical rotations at The Wesley Hospital in Brisbane. These experiences shaped his interest in surgery and urology and informed the perspective he brings to his writing. There were 13 submissions this year and his winning essay on the topic of “Inclusion without Exclusion: Addressing Perceptions of Reverse Discrimination in Surgical Careers,” was recognised by the judging panel for its clarity, balance, and thoughtful commentary on a complex and often sensitive issue. The essay stood out for its ability to acknowledge diverse viewpoints while advocating for equity in a way that promotes cohesion, fairness, and constructive dialogue within the surgical profession.

Hussain's essay is available to download.