Pearls & Perspectives: Evolving role of APPs in urology, with Corinna Hughes, DNP, at AUA 2025

In this edition of Pearls & Perspectives from the American Urological Association's (AUA) 2025 Annual Meeting, Dr. Amy Pearlman sat down with Corinna Hughes, a nurse practitioner at Mayo Clinic specializing in outpatient urology. A graduate of Mayo Clinic’s advanced practice provider (APP) fellowship, Hughes has established herself not only as a procedural urology provider but also as a widely followed educator on social media.Hughes began her Instagram presence in 2020, recognizing a lack of visibility into APP fellowship experiences and career development. Her platform—@UroNursePractitioner—has since evolved into a hub for peer education, mentorship, and insight into the day-to-day realities of practicing urology as a nurse practitioner. With a mix of procedural discussion and humor, Hughes helps demystify both the training path and clinical responsibilities of APPs in this specialty.The conversation highlighted the growth of urology-specific APP fellowships, which have expanded from 4–5 programs in 2020 to 15 nationwide. Hughes emphasized that while fellowship is not mandatory, it can be critical for those entering subspecialties like urology, especially when institutional support or mentorship is limited. She encouraged prospective applicants to closely evaluate a program’s procedural training opportunities and collaboration with physician faculty.At Mayo, Hughes practices independently and collaboratively, with a diverse weekly schedule that includes cystoscopies, transperineal prostate biopsies, and a general clinic. She credits Mayo’s team-based approach and emphasis on procedural integration with enhancing job satisfaction and reducing burnout.Hughes also spoke to the significance of increased APP-specific programming at the AUA. Sessions tailored to APPs, she said, not only support clinical development but also affirm their growing role in urology. As national organizations like the AUA expand opportunities for APP education and engagement, providers like Hughes are leading by example—both in clinic and online.Follow her work on Instagram at @UroNursePractitioner.