The Expert APProach: Building the Future of Urology Teams, with Mark T. Edney, MD

In this episode of The Expert APProach: Conversations in Uro-oncology, host Joy Maulik, CRNP, sits down with Mark T. Edney, MD, senior physician at Chesapeake Urology and chair of Public Policy for the American Urological Association (AUA). Together, they explore how leadership, teamwork, and advocacy are shaping the future of urology and the growing role of advanced practice providers (APPs) in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.With over 2 decades of experience, Edney reflects on how his passion for health policy and advocacy evolved alongside his clinical career. From early state-level initiatives in Maryland to national-level work with the AUA, he shares how policy efforts aim to both protect and advance urologic care—defending scope of practice, promoting innovation, and ensuring access for patients across the country.The conversation then turns to one of the most pressing challenges in medicine: workforce shortages. Edney highlights how APPs have become essential partners in urology. Once rare in the specialty, APPs are now integral in office care, hospital consults, and subspecialty programs such as advanced prostate cancer management, stone disease, and men’s health. He emphasizes that empowering APPs with training, autonomy, and leadership opportunities not only improves patient access but also enhances job satisfaction and practice efficiency.Looking ahead, Edney discusses emerging areas such as telehealth, artificial intelligence, and genetic profiling in prostate cancer care. He announces the AUA’s new Urology Telehealth & Technology Committee, which will guide integration of AI and digital tools into practice and policy.His message is clear: the future of urology depends on collaboration—between physicians, APPs, and policymakers alike—to innovate, advocate, and deliver equitable care to every patient, everywhere.Chapters0:00 Introducing Dr Edney2:36 What drives Dr Edney5:46 Surgical vs office time8:08 The evolving role of APPs14:12 APPs and practice leadership20:33 The uro-oncology space