A Message from the Chair

I am honored and genuinely grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Urology. The AAP has long stood as a pillar of advocacy, scientific rigor, and unwavering commitment to the well being of children, and it is a privilege to contribute to that mission in a meaningful way. Our field sits at the intersection of surgical expertise, developmental understanding, and lifelong patient relationships, and I am continually inspired by the passion and dedication of the colleagues who make this work possible.

These are unprecedented times in pediatric healthcare. Rapid scientific advances, evolving care delivery models, and broad societal challenges all influence the environment in which children grow and receive care. The AAP remains essential in helping us navigate these complexities, providing guidance rooted in evidence, advocating for equitable access to care, and ensuring that children’s voices and needs remain at the forefront. As a section, we have a unique responsibility to harness our collective expertise to support this mission and continue improving the lives of the patients and families we serve.

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the leaders who have come before me—trailblazers who built the foundation on which we continue to grow.  Their work continues to inspire us, challenge us, and guide us toward even greater achievements. In addition, I am especially grateful to our immediate past Chair, Dr. Gregory Dean, for his tremendous efforts in reviving and strengthening the section. His leadership and commitment have reinvigorated our community and positioned us for continued growth and impact. 

Finally, I wish to thank the exceptional staff at the AAP who support our efforts every step of the way. In particular, our section director, Ms. Melissa Marx, deserves special recognition for her expertise, steady leadership, and unwavering commitment to our members and our mission. I look forward to working closely with her, our section leadership, and all of you as we strive to advance pediatric urologic care and uphold the values that make the AAP such a vital organization.

William DeFoor, Jr, MD, MPH, FAAP
Chairperson
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital
Cincinnati, OH