2009 Annual Report - Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand

though there have been numerous other occasions
where USANZ has featured prominently in the
electronic and print media. The Board expects
that the appointment of a brand consultant will be
finalised before the end of 2009 and the process of
developing a brand strategy will involve members of
USANZ throughout 2010.
Another focus of the Strategic Plan relates to
the financial well-being of the organisation. It
is now clearly evident that the traditional model
of funding our educational activities through
corporate sponsorship cannot be relied upon in the
future. There is increasing regulation both within
and external to the pharmaceutical and device
industries and there is competition for sponsorship
funds through non-USANZ educational meetings,
the activities of other medical groups and public
advocacy organisations. The Board of Directors will
explore options for diversifying our income stream
to ensure USANZ is positioned to continue its work
as an effective educational and representative body.
USANZ’s strength lies not only with its members
and their professional skills and reputations, but
also with its support staff. I have had the pleasure
of working closely with Alex, Michael, Nick, Louise,
Deborah, Wendy and Vaughan throughout the year
and am constantly impressed by their loyalty and
commitment to our organisation. In the latter part
of 2009, Michael Nugara took on the role of acting
CEO and has worked capably and professionally in
this capacity.
I would like to express my appreciation to the
Directors of the Board for their support and effort
over the past year. USANZ would not be in the
strong position it is without the selfless contributions
of each Director. Finally I would personally like to
thank the members for the warm welcome and
hospitality extended to Clare and myself during our
Section Meeting travels at the end of 2009. It has
been an honour and a pleasure to serve as your
President for the past year, and with the support
of the Board of Directors I look forward to guiding
USANZ in its endeavours for a second year. ■
Chief Executive Officer’s report
Michael Nugara
USANZ began an exciting phase of it’s evolution
in 2009 as the implementation of the 2009- 2011
Strategic Plan commenced. For most of 2009 Alex
Malley was in the CEO position and I worked with
Alex to begin the implementation of the plan and to
date we are very pleased with the progress.
This year we engaged a media consultant who
has guided USANZ to create and capitalise on
opportunities where we can be seen as the authority
on urological matters. The appointment of a brand
consultant will be finalised before the end of 2009
and the development of a brand strategy will be an
exciting and significant project for USANZ in 2010.
During 2009 members and staff have contributed
across several areas;
Education and Training
• The online application system was enhanced
this year and was well received by applicants.
The system has generated efficiencies in
administrative processes and improved
workload management within the USANZ office.
A total of 114 applications were submitted.
•
•
•
Trainee Week held in Perth this year was again,
a great success. The content of the program
was well received by the participants and our
thanks go to Jerard Ghossein for his work
as Convenor and to all other members who
contributed to the event.
Ongoing support and guidance to trainees and
IMGs to assist them in complying with training
requirements.
The content of the USANZ Online program
(previously known as IOTA) is currently under
review. A weekend workshop was held to review
the content of the various program modules
which highlighted areas requiring rewriting.
A Content Editorial Board is currently being
established to facilitate this process.
Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand | Annual Report 2009 www.usanz.org.au
•
USANZ greatly appreciates the significant
contribution by John Miller in the role of Urology
Board Chair and the contribution by members of
the Board of Urology. I also wish to acknowledge
Deborah Klein’s ongoing support to the Board of
Urology and the trainees.