SAU is proud to announce the establishment of the Dr. Raju and Ginny Thomas Distinguished Lectureship, an endowed lectureship that will advance academic dialogue and professional development in urology for years to come.
We are deeply grateful to Dr. Raju and Ginny Thomas for their extraordinary philanthropic leadership in making this initiative possible. Their generous commitment will support dynamic, state-of-the-art discussions with thought leaders in education, as well as the sponsorship of academic urologists to share their research and insights at SAU’s Winter and Spring Meetings. In addition, each year the Distinguished Lecturer will visit a host institution to deliver a dedicated program of lectures and didactics focused on academic medicine, education, and faculty development.
Because of the Thomases’ vision and generosity, this lectureship has been established in perpetuity—ensuring a lasting impact on the field and future generations of academic urologists. This meaningful investment reflects Dr. Thomas’s distinguished legacy of leadership in urology and his enduring commitment to education, mentorship, and the advancement of the specialty.
Dr. Raju Thomas served for more than three decades as Program Director of the Tulane University School of Medicine’s Urology Residency Program, where he built a nationally respected program recognized for excellence in clinical training, education, and mentorship. Notably, he led the program through the unprecedented challenges following Hurricane Katrina, successfully ensuring that all displaced residents were able to complete their training—an enduring testament to his dedication to his trainees and to the field.
Philanthropic partnerships such as this play a vital role in advancing SAU’s mission to provide academic urologists with a forum for the discussion, review, and resolution of issues critical to the specialty. We are profoundly thankful to Dr. Raju and Ginny Thomas for their visionary support and for setting an inspiring example of impact through giving.
Additional details about the lectureship and opportunities for engagement will be shared in the coming months.
