Urogynecologist Vince Lucente Recognized With Prestigious Award From American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS)

Allentown, PA (11/20/2015) – Nationally-renowned urogynecologist Vincent Lucente, MD, FACS, was recently recognized with the prestigious Raymond A. Lee Endowment Award from the American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS) for his contributions to the advancement of urogynecologic surgery.

For the past twenty-five years, Dr. Lucente has dedicated his career to the pursuit of innovation and surgical excellence in minimally invasive approaches for the treatment of female urinary and fecal incontinence, as well as pelvic organ prolapse. He has helped pioneer many new surgical techniques and was the first physician in the United States to perform a transvaginal midurethral sling for stress incontinence. Years later he was among the first to teach single incision sling techniques, which he now performs in his office-based surgical suite for properly selected patients.

Dr. Lucente has instructed and trained numerous residents and fellows over the years, including colleagues around the globe. He is the Director of the Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Fellowship at St. Luke’s University Health Network and the Chief Medical Officer and partner for The Institute for Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery. The Institute, founded by Dr. Lucente, is a center of excellence for female pelvic floor disorders integrating effective medical training, innovative clinical research and service oriented patient care. He also holds a position as a Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Temple University College of Medicine.

The Raymond A. Lee Endowment is a named lectureship created by AUGS to honor one person annually who contributed to the development and surgical advancement of urogynecology and to further advance the knowledge and teaching of gynecologic surgery through ongoing AUGS educational programs.

In August 2010, the Mayo Clinic and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology donated $25,000 to AUGS to establish a named lectureship in honor of Dr. Raymond Lee, a pioneer in urogynecologic surgery, as well as mentor and colleague to many AUGS members and leaders.

The award consisted of a $2000 stipend, which Dr. Lucente donated back to the society and was provided an opportunity to address the entire AUGS society during an acceptance speech. Dr. Lucente's talk was entitled "Becoming a Master Surgeon...No Crystal Stair.” He passionately spoke about how changes needed to be made in the field so surgeons could develop better surgical skills during their training years and continue to learn new surgical techniques during their life time as to safely adopt innovation in surgical solutions to female pelvic health disorders.

About the American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS)
The American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS), founded in 1979, is the premier non-profit organization representing more than 1,800 members including practicing physicians, nurse practitioners, physical therapists, nurses and health care professionals, as well as researchers from many disciplines, all dedicated to treating female pelvic floor disorders. As the leader in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, AUGS promotes the highest quality patient care through excellence in education, research and advocacy.

What Does AUGS Do?

• Hosts premier scientific meetings in the field of female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery
• Disseminates information regarding clinical and basic science
• Provides forums for the exchange of ideas and experiences related to the field
• Encourages and facilitates original and collaborative research
• Aids in didactic and clinical training for medical students, practicing physicians, residents-in-training and allied health professionals
• Promotes continuing medical education

Media Contact:
Denise E. Rader
Director, Network Media Relations
St. Luke’s University Health Network
484-526-4104
Denise.Rader@sluhn.org

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