The Third Endourological Society Census Report

Abstract

Introduction:

To help understand and better meet the needs of its membership, the Endourological Society (ES) conducts an annual membership survey. The purpose of this article is to report the findings of the third annual census of the ES.

Materials and Methods:

A 39-question Qualtrics survey was distributed to ES members around the time of the 41^st World Congress of Endourology and Uro-Technology (WCET). Questions were divided into three categories including demographics, engagement, and the WCET. Responses were analyzed and are reported to facilitate the society’s ability to respond to the needs of its membership.

Results:

Of the 1730 dues-paying members of the ES, 458 questionnaire responses were obtained (26.5% response rate). The average age of respondents was 50.2 years, 91.5% were male, and 63% completed a fellowship. Of these, 59% of respondents were in academic practice spread across 64 different countries. The most common procedure performed by respondents was complex retrograde endoscopy (83%) followed by percutaneous nephrolithotomy (76%). The majority of respondents (89%) participated in clinical research. Most respondents (96.3%) felt that the ES had an impact on their professional development.

Conclusions:

The survey results demonstrate that the ES has a broad international involvement and has a significant impact on its members’ professional development. Importantly, the results also suggest avenues to increase impact by (1) encouraging broader participation including younger physicians; (2) prioritizing affordable and desirable meeting locations; (3) reducing session overlap; and (4) improving virtual connectivity and language services so that more members worldwide can participate in ES offerings.