The UAB Department of Urology recently launched its new Section of Academic Community Urology, which seeks to integrate aspects of academic urology into community-focused care and initiatives. Care is delivered to communities while maintaining strong ties to UAB as an academic medical center. Karishma Gupta, M.D., assistant professor, and Dustin Hyatt, M.D., clinical associate professor, both in the Department of Urology, are leading the charge in these efforts.
“My background includes experience in both academic and community urology,” Gupta said. “This position is particularly meaningful to me because it represents my first opportunity to practice in an Academic Community Urology setting that intentionally blends the academic mission—teaching, research, and evidence-based practice—with high-quality, community-focused patient care.”
Gupta noted that the significance of Academic Community Urology lies in both its care and teaching perspectives. From increasing patient access to specialty care to providing residents and fellows with real-world practice, the work of academic urology improves community health and provides enriching learning opportunities.
“Not every resident or fellow in training will go on to practice at an academic center,” Gupta said. “Creating opportunities for learning in community-based settings is especially important as it allows trainees to graduate with confidence in providing evidence-based, consistent care in community settings beyond training.”
Gupta emphasized that Academic Community Urology is not a “scaled-down” version of academic medicine; rather, it is an extension of it.
“It represents a commitment to bringing the same level of expertise, innovation, and educational excellence found at major academic centers into community settings,” she elaborated. “For patients, it means access to top-tier care close to home; for clinicians and trainees, it offers a dynamic environment that blends academic purpose with real-world impact. Our goals include balancing academic rigor with community practice efficiency, building strong relationships with local providers, and creating systems that support teaching and research without disrupting patient-centered care.”
As this new section represents greater access to urologic care and learning opportunities in the community, the UAB Department of Urology’s implementation of Academic Community Urology solidifies the commitment to quality and equitable healthcare.
“Ultimately, it aligns UAB’s mission to improve health and well-being through transformational educational experiences, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship through community engagement,” Gupta said.