Dollars and sense--the benefits of membership in the American Urological Association.

OBJECTIVES: To enumerate some of the benefits of being a member in the American Urological Association (AUA) and to request support in promoting membership in our specialty society's parent organization (AUA). METHODS: The benefits of belonging to a medical specialty society are assessed by weighing the costs of membership (financial expenditures, time constraints, society requirements, etc.) against the return one receives (scientific and educational benefit, collegiality, collectively bargained compensation, etc.). From a socioeconomic point of view, many of the benefits cannot be quantified; however, they are real and undoubtedly contribute in a variety of ways to the satisfaction of day-to-day practice. RESULTS: Financial incentives can be quantified, and present times dictate that they be enumerated. Additionally AUA proactively supports the livelihood of its members. Both financial incentives and financial gains are presented. CONCLUSIONS: Membership in AUA continues to be a bargain and the dollars and sense of belonging to AUA represent genuine and unparalleled value.