AUA Foundation names the 2009 Astellas Rising Stars in Urology awa...( The American Urological Association ...),Health

The American Urological Association (AUA) Foundation has announced its Astellas Rising Stars in Urology for 2009. William Roberts, MD, of the University of Michigan, and Edward Schaeffer, MD, of Johns Hopkins Medicine are this year's recipients of the award, one of the most prestigious research awards offered by the Foundation.

William Roberts, MD, earned the Astellas Rising Stars in Urology Award for his project titled, "Histotripsy for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia." His mentors at the University of Michigan are J. Brian Fowlkes, PhD and Charles Cain, PhD.

Edward Schaeffer, MD, was named an Astellas Rising Stars in Urology for his project titled, "Roles for Phospholipase A2 Signaling in Prostate Development." His mentors at Johns Hopkins Medicine are David Berman, MD, PhD, and William Isaacs, PhD.

"These projects are outstanding examples of research with purpose. Both of these projects have the potential to provide significant insight into these major urologic diseases," said AUA Foundation Executive Director Sandra Vassos, MPA.

The Astellas Rising Stars in Urology Award was developed in 2005 by the AUA Foundation in partnership with Astellas Pharma US, Inc., to promote careers in urologic research to young urology faculty. Astellas has continuously supported this program since its inception.

"Astellas has shown an outstanding commitment to funding young investigators through the AUA Foundation," said AUA Foundation Director of Research Leo Giambarresi, PhD. "Their commitment to funding several different AUA Foundation scholarships every year is unmatched by any other industry organization. We could not continue this program without the support of scholarship sponsors like Astellas."

The Astellas Rising Stars in Urology Award provides up to five years of funding, on an escalating basis, for additional salary support. It encourages and supports the careers of young urologists who are making a long-term com
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