Spotlight on Urology

Spotlight on Urology takes a look at recent activities undertaken to advance urology around the world. This week, we provide an update on

King's Birthday Honours

In the 2026 King's Birthday Honours, announced on Monday 1 June, USANZ Member Mark Fraundorfer was awarded the Member of the NZ Order of Merit (MNZM).

Mark was recognised for his services to health, particularly men's health. His citation recognised his advocacy to reduce the stigma of men's health issues, promotion of early detection and community education campaigns, contributions to public policy discussions about health inequities, and pioneering work on minimally invasive techniques. In addition, Mark led the development of Kathleen Kilgour Centre in Tauranga, an independent radiation oncology service, and helped to expand other medical services including Grace Hospital in Tauranga and Wakefield Hospital in Wellington.

Mark serves on the USANZ Board of Directors and Leadership Group, in his capacity as the President of Aotearoa New Zealand Society of Urology (ANZSU).

Read the full citation on the NZ Government website.

Following the announcement, Mark was interviewed by NZ Herald. He speaks about his journey to Urology, from wanting to be a diving doctor and GP in Cairns, which led him to obstetrics where he discovered a love of surgery, though he continued to pursue diving.

In describing his busy and diverse career, Mark said: "I think [what] I fear about walking away is boredom".

Read about Mark's award in the NZ Herald (login required).

Congratulations Mark on this well-deserved recognition of your ongoing service to the field!
 

Male Fertility

USANZ Member Darren Katz was recently interviewed by Indian Sun about male infertility. Darren spoke about how this contributes to difficulties in conception, though stigma or delayed testing often delays identification. He notes that there are still many misconceptions on this subject, and that there are many potential underlying factors.

The publication has released a brief article as well as the full 30 minute interview with Darren.

Read the article and watch the interview online.

Thank to Darren for continuing to contribute to important public discussions on this topic.
 

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