MOBILE, Alabama (March 21, 2025) –  Christopher Keel, D.O., FACS, chair of urology at USA Health, is one of nine urologists to be named 2025 Young Urologist of the Year Award winners by the American Urological Association (AUA).

Established by the 2012-2013 AUA Young Urologists Committee Chair Michael C. Ost, M.D., the Young Urologist of the Year Award is presented annually to select early-career AUA members in recognition of their efforts and commitment to advancing the career development of fellow young urologists.

“I’m truly humbled to be selected for this award,” said Keel, who also serves as an associate professor of urology at the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine at the University of South Alabama. “While I am honored by the recognition, this really is a recognition of all our talented and committed faculty, who have tirelessly dedicated themselves to the success of the department and the residency program.”

In the announcement, the AUA said Keel is particularly passionate about addressing the national urology workforce shortage, and his current efforts with the AUA and the Society of Academic Urologists are focused on tackling this challenge through a Urology Workforce Initiative he is leading.

The winners were selected by their colleagues who serve on the Young Urologists Committee and endorsed by their respective AUA sections to receive the honor. They will receive their awards during the 2025 AUA Annual Meeting April 26-29 in Las Vegas.

Keel, who joined USA Health in 2019, serves on the board of the AUA’s Southeastern Section and the Society of Academic Urologists.

About USA Health

USA Health, the health system for the University of South Alabama, the flagship of the Gulf Coast, is the leading academic health system in the region. With more than 40 care delivery locations, including University Hospital, Children’s & Women’s Hospital, Providence Hospital and the Mitchell Cancer Institute, and physician practices throughout the area, the health system melds clinical care, research and healthcare education into the most advanced medical care in the region.