Why I Chose to Become an AUA Mentor: David Drover

Many AUA members share their successes in the form of publications, lectures, and grants attained. What many successful physicians and scientists take to their retirement (or grave) are the secrets of how they attained their success. Helping the next generation through facilitation, mentoring, or coaching will greatly help the next wave of AUA members attain their goals.

When starting a career, it seems a daunting task to overcome hurdles and attain the goals that seem expected. Many times, a junior investigator may not even understand the obstacles that are impeding progress, and then—after years of understanding what the obstacles are—solving the problem of overcoming the obstacle.

Most times, investigators want to be solving scientific obstacles, not bureaucratic obstacles. A single mentor can’t solve all obstacles, and that is why a successful scientist should have many mentors/coaches. Ultimately, I have volunteered to be an AUA mentor to help more junior colleagues be more able to attain their goals.

Learn More About Becoming an AUA Mentor

Author

David Drover, MD

Professor of Anesthesiology

Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine

Stanford Medical Center

Stanford, California