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 urological topics in the media, highlights from the RACS ASC, and share news of the recent retirement party for long-time USANZ Member Stephen Ruthven.
Bladder Cancer Awareness Month
In addition to the media coverage shared in last week's Spotlight on Urology, another article has been published for bladder cancer awareness month.
Published on the website Starts At 60, the article is titled "‘I knew I was in serious trouble’: Grandfather’s warning after bladder cancer diagnosis" and is available to read online.
USANZ thanks A/Prof Weranja Ranasinghe for his advocacy.
RACS ACS 2026
The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons helds its 94th Annual Scientific Congress (ASC) at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre from Thursday 30 April to Sunday 3 May.
RACS continued the tradition of holding a Convocation Ceremony on Thursday evening, welcoming new Fellows and recognising outstanding achievements within the profession. During this ceremony, two Past Presidents of USANZ were honoured with prestigious medals. Prof Prem Rashid received the Sir Alan Newton Surgical Education Medal. Created in memory of the late Sir Alan Newton, this award recognises a distinguished and substantial contribution to surgical education over a prolonged period of time. Prof Helen O'Connell was presented with the ESR Hughes Award for distinguished contributions to surgery
The RACS President at the time of the ceremony was Prof Owen Ung who presented Prem and Helen with their awards. USANZ thanks RACS for supplying the photos below.
Pictured: USANZ Past President Prof Prem Rashid with RACS Past President Professor Owen Ung
Pictured: USANZ Past President Prof Helen O'Connell with RACS Past President Professor Owen Ung
Male Infertility in the Media
An article on the Man of Many website was published recently, discussing myths around male infertility and fitness. The article, titled "'I Felt Really Isolated’: Why Being in Great Shape Won’t Protect You From Infertility", is available to read online.
The article discusses Australia's first evidence-based Male Infertility Guidelines, which have been endorsed by USANZ. USANZ Member Dr Darren Katz was interviewed by Man of Many.
Retirement of Stephen Ruthven
USANZ Member and former President, Stephen Ruthven, has recently retired from full-time practice. A retirement celebration was held on 2 May at the Wamberal Ocean View Cafe, bringing together colleagues, friends, and family to honour his remarkable career.
Steve joined USANZ in 1986 and went on to serve the organisation in numerous leadership roles. He was President from 2011 to 2013, and subsequently held the positions of Honorary Treasurer and Honorary Secretary from 2013 to 2015.
The retirement party was warmly attended by USANZ Members, including former trainees who had studied under Steve, as well as nurses and other clinicians who had worked with Steve for a long time. Speakers included Rupert Ouyang (who emcee'd the event), Mark Louie-Johnsun, Fin Macneil, Jonathan Kam, Rob Buckland, senior anaesthetist and Janice Marks, Gosford Hospital theatre NUM, all paying tribute to Steve as an outstanding teacher and gifted communicator, widely respected and deeply valued by all who had the privilege of working with him. Also in attendance was USANZ CEO Michael Nugara (pictured below with Steve), who reflected on Steve's significant contributions during his USANZ Presidency and his lasting impact on the Society.
USANZ extends its sincere thanks to Steve for his dedication and service to both the Society and the field of Urology. We wish him and Robin (pictured below) every happiness in his well-deserved retirement.
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