History of the Society

The Urological Society of Australasia was formed in 1937 with the aim of furthering the practice of urology. The organisation's name was changed to the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand in 2006. The organisation is also referred to as ‘the Society' and ‘USANZ'.

It is the second oldest international urological society in the world. The first meeting of the Society was held in Sydney, and there were twelve founding members.

The impetus for the formation of the Society was the desire for recognition of urology as a specialty. It was also an important means for urologists in Australia and New Zealand to communicate with one another, and share their knowledge and developments in the field. The first surgeon in Australasia to specialise in urology was Harry Harris, who began to work as a full time urologist in Lewisham hospital in 1914. Mr Harris was also instrumental in the formation of the Society.

In 1944 a Scientific Program was presented in conjunction with the Annual Meeting, and from 1949 onwards the Annual Scientific Meeting has been held, ensuring that Australian and New Zealand urologists have access to the latest research and development in the field.

In 1996, the Society commissioned Sally Wilde to write a history of the Society. This history, Joined Across the Water: A History of the Urological Society of Australasia is available from the Society office. Call +61 29362 8644 or email secretary@usanz.org.au to enquire about receiving a copy of this book.