About

Message from the Chair

The University of Minnesota Department of Urology has a rich tradition dating back to 1932.  Throughout our years, we have cared for countless patients, trained hundreds of talented urologists including many leaders in our discipline, and contributed significantly to the advancement of the field.  Each era comes with its own challenges and functions within the context of society at its time.  The present era is no different.  We are currently simultaneously dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing, recognition of the pandemic of systemic racism and racial inequality, and significant economic and employment downturns due to COVID-19.  All of these pressures continue to significantly affect our personal and professional lives in both trivial and profound ways.

The University of Minnesota Department of Urology strives to be a department that lives Inclusivity, mutual respect, and professionalism.  We strive to be a department that is Innovative in our approach to our core missions of clinical care, teaching and research.  We strive to be a department that serves as an Inspiration to all who observe us.  In short, we strive to be I3.  This departmental vision will guide all of our policies and actions moving forward in pursuit of our mission.  Our mission is to deliver state-of-the-art urologic care to all patients in a compassionate, respectful manor that honors patients’ dignity, choices and humanity.  We will perform research and use data to enhance the outcomes of our patients and strive to set an example for our learners by training them, practicing medicine, and conducting research at the highest standards of science and ethics.  While we may not always achieve these aspirational goals, we will work toward them daily.

As the new Chairman of the Department of Urology at the University of Minnesota, I am humbled by the challenges ahead of us, excited by the possibilities, and thankful for the opportunity to work with our outstanding faculty, trainees and staff to overcome the challenges we face and advance our mission.  We will work together with the Medical School, the University, and outside partners to define our collective future.  I am confident that the Department of Urology at the University of Minnesota will continue to play a key role in the care of patients, training of residents and medical students and the conduct of important research benefitting our community, the state and the world. 

Our People

For more than 80 years, the award-winning physicians in the Department of Urology have delivered innovative care and groundbreaking treatments.

The Department of Urology at the University of Minnesota Medical School has a long and illustrious history full of groundbreaking accomplishments. Consistently recognized as one of the premier urology departments in the country, we have been at the forefront of urologic patient care, education and teaching for more than eight decades.

Our department has trained more than 170 residents and fellows over the years. Many have gone on to become world leaders in urology today, including Dr. Ralph Clayman, dean at University of California Irvine and Paul Lange, director of the Institute for Prostate Cancer Research of the University of Washington School of Medicine.

The department’s 23 providers deliver top-notch patient care through University of Minnesota Physicians—our clinical practice made up of more than 700 university doctors. Highly trained, they are skilled physicians and surgeons who care for those with the most common and most complex urologic conditions.

Our combined expertise in treating diseases like prostate cancer and pediatric care is unparalleled. We are pioneering the latest urologic treatments and technologies, including robotic and laparoscopic surgeries.

Education & Research

Our educational and training programs produce tomorrow’s best urologists, preparing them to deliver comprehensive and coordinated care. More than a dozen residents from the University of Minnesota and other top medical schools work and train beside our outstanding doctors and researchers. 

In addition, we are one of the national leaders in surgical education through simulated training. Our students and residents get unequaled training through our Center for Research in Education and Simulation (CREST).

We have several strong and well-funded research programs in a variety of areas in urology, including simulation, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, medical devices and incontinence. And because we’re a part of the University of Minnesota Medical School, our physicians regularly collaborate with colleagues in areas like pediatrics and oncology to the most advanced diagnostic and treatment options.

What is Urology?

Urology is a medical and surgical specialty dealing with diseases of the male and female urinary tract and the male reproductive organs.

Urologists are clinical doctors and surgeons. They not only examine and diagnose urological problems but also perform surgeries and procedures, which may be diagnostic, or may help resolve problems.

In our clinics, our experts provide comprehensive care throughout the patient’s life, from young children to the elderly. The nature of our academic hospital allows our physicians to be clinicians and researchers–enriching the patient experience by offering the most advanced treatments available.

PRACTICE LOCATIONS

 

University of Minnesota Medical Center

Hennepin Healthcare

Minneapolis VA Medical Center

Southdale

Gillette

Ridges

St. John's

Woodwinds

Masonic Children's Hospital