I sporadically keep up with “urology” news since retirement. AUA News is the easily accessible publication of the American Urological Association that comes out monthly. The Journal of Urology is their peer-review publication. More people read AUA News than the Journal of Urology.
Illogical, damaging, fear-based decisions by my immediate leadership in the NIDDK regarding the PLUS Research Consortium is what drove me to early retirement. Being forced to take actions that I knew were wrong took such a heavy of a toll on my physical and mental health that I couldn’t suck it up and go along. It was heartbreaking and I grieved for a very long time. I am still grieving for what could have been if my leadership had even an ounce of courage. The PlUS Consortium was positioned to go from development of a new area of science (prevention of bladder problems in women) to completion of a prevention intervention study in 15 years.
Instead the PLUS Consortium officially ends on June 30th after 10 years. Even though it was not able to meet its full potential, this dedicated group of scientists created a new area of science and has provided the foundation for others to do the prevention intervention studies.
The PLUS Consortium has published A LOT of articles in peer review journals over the decade documenting the process, the challenges of their work and their findings. Seeing this concise summary of the work in the AUA News this morning moved me to happy tears. A colleague that was not part of the consortium sent this to me yesterday or I might not have had this opportunity for a good cry.
One of my faithful Unleashed readers was on the early part of journey to create this highly functional transdisciplinary group of scientists with me. He knows how challenging this was. It was the hardest and best thing I have ever done.
Now it’s time to make new signs for the protest tomorrow.
Tamara Unleashed 
You gave it your all and that is all anyone can for. I was proud and priveledged to have collaborated with you.
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