There are scientific sessions, podium debates, late-breaking abstracts and industry dinners.
And then… there’s the unofficial closing ceremony of the American Urological Association meeting.
This year in Washington, D.C., a group of “misfit urologists” led by Dr. Paul Perito and bassist Joel Chechik traded white coats for drumsticks, bass guitars, and bar-stage energy as they helped close out the conference with the now legendary AUA “Open Jam” at ChurchKey.
Because apparently after four straight days of discussing prostates, penile implants, robotics, oncology, and reconstructive surgery, some urologists just need live music and a cold drink.
It may have been one of the most memorable moments of the week.
From Operating Rooms to Open Mic
Held at the iconic ChurchKey (Mallard Bar) in Washington, D.C., the event brought together physicians, industry leaders, staff, friends, and curious conference-goers for a night that felt less like a medical meeting and more like an underground reunion tour.
The flyer said it best:
“A fun group of individual musicians coming together for a night of live music & libations…”
That “group” included:
- Wayne Kuang, MD
- Pravin Rao, MD
- Ash Keswani
- Joel Chechik on bass
- And Dr. Paul Perito behind the drums
What started as a casual post-conference gathering quickly turned into a packed-room jam session full of classic rock riffs, improvised solos, laughter, and the kind of camaraderie that rarely shows up in academic journals.
The Side of Medicine Patients Never See
One of the most interesting things about meetings like AUA is that they remind everyone that surgeons are still human beings.
Behind every podium presentation is someone with hobbies, stress, creativity, friendships, and passions outside the hospital.
For Dr. Perito — known globally for his work in penile implant surgery, minimally invasive infrapubic techniques, and men’s health innovation — music has always been part of the equation. The same rhythm, timing, improvisation, and teamwork that make a great live band oddly mirror what happens in a high-functioning operating room.
And Joel Chechik? He brought the exact energy you want from a bassist at midnight in D.C.: steady groove, zero ego, and enough stage presence to keep the room moving.
AUA 2026: More Than Lectures
The AUA Annual Meeting 2026 was packed with major discussions in prosthetic urology, men’s health, oncology, robotics, and sexual medicine. Dr. Perito himself participated in educational sessions and expert conversations throughout the conference week.
But events like the Open Jam are what create culture; not networking, business cards, or another PowerPoint slide. Culture.
The kind that reminds young physicians why they fell in love with medicine in the first place. The kind that builds friendships across institutions, specialties, and countries. The kind that keeps burnout away — even if only for one night.
The Misfit Urologists Strike Again
By the end of the evening, the lines between “faculty,” “industry,” “residents,” and “attendees” had basically disappeared.
There were surgeons singing, industry reps dancing, doctors debating song requests like they debate surgical approaches. In the middle of it all, a group of exhausted but happy urologists celebrated another year of advancing the field together.
It was the perfect ending to an AUA meeting.