The Multidisciplinary Urology Research K12 Urology Research at Stanford (KUReS) Career Development Program has announced their inaugural scholars. This program is designed to cultivate the next generation of physician-scientists and scientists in benign urology research, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to lead their respective fields.
Kathleen Kan, MD, and Alexandra Polasko, PhD, are the first scholars to embark on this exciting journey. Dr. Kan will focus her investigations on developing momentary assessment and observation tools in school settings to capture child- and school-level factors in daytime bathroom use. Her goal is to reduce disease burden and improve local policies and practices through her research. Dr. Polasko will investigate the role of bone morphogenic protein 5 (BMP5) in the pathophysiology of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition affecting many aging men with lower urinary tract symptoms. Her work aims to uncover new insights into BPH, potentially leading to enhanced treatment options.
The KUReS Program, anchored in Stanford’s Department of Urology, benefits from the collective expertise and resources of 28 preceptors from three schools, four hospitals, six multidisciplinary initiatives and institutes, and 16 departments spanning clinical, basic, engineering and data sciences at Stanford University. This multidisciplinary approach ensures a rich, collaborative training environment for the scholars.
Recognizing the urgent need to expand the pipeline for physician-scientists in benign urology research, the KUReS Program offers a continuum of training opportunities from fellowship to junior faculty. Scholars will spend approximately two years in the program, engaging in didactic instruction, practical skills development, and receiving guidance in research ethics and leadership.
Each scholar is supported by a multidisciplinary mentor group, providing the necessary support to secure funding and foster collaboration. This program aims for each scholar to exit with a mentored K-series (K08, K23, and K01) or R-series award, positioning them for successful careers in benign urology research.
The CAIRIBU community benefits from the KUReS Program’s drive toward innovation and excellence in urology research. With the launch of this program, we look forward to significant advancements in the field, improved patient outcomes, and the development of future leaders in benign urology research.