About Urology
Urology Residents

Leaders in Urology

We are committed to setting the standard for patient care, teaching tomorrow's leaders and discovering research breakthroughs.

Excellence in Care, Education & Research
Vision
A world free of suffering from urologic disease. Forever.
Our Mission
To help people: patients, peers, community and the world.
Our Core Values
Honesty, Integrity, Authenticity, Empathy, Compassion, Accountability, Hard Work, Fairness, Transparency
Our History

In 2019, the Department of Urology celebrated 100 years of urologic care at the University of Michigan. While much has changed in the last 100 years, some things remain the same, including our commitment to excellence in patient care, research and education. Explore the highlights of the history of our Department, beginning with the appointment of Hugh Cabot, a urologic surgeon and chair of the surgery department, to our most recent leader, Ganesh Palapattu, MD, FACS.

The following chair era profiles highlight the era and accomplishments of our leaders in urology.

The Cabot Era: Modern urology at U-M begins with the arrival of Hugh Cabot, MD
In 1919, Cabot assumed the role of chair of the U-M Department of Surgery. In 1925, he recruited two outstanding urologists: Reed Nesbit, MD; and Charles Huggins, MD, who went on to win a Nobel Prize for his work with the hormonal manipulation of prostate cancer.
Urology - Hugh Cabot Urology - Hugh Cabot
The Nesbit Era: Reed Nesbit, MD, becomes first chief of Section of Urology
The Cabot-Nesbit style single stage orchidopexy was established in 1931. Nesbit’s 1943 textbook “Transurethral Prostatectomy” became the standard in the United States. He also pioneered the method of transurethral resection of the prostate. A respected innovator, he developed the operation for treating Peyronie’s disease.
Reed Nesbit Reed Nesbit
The Lapides Era: Novel methods emerge in the management of urological conditions
Lapides introduced clean intermittent self-catheterization in 1971. In 1983, under Lapides’ guidance, Carol Bennett, MD, an African American woman, completed her residency at U-M, making her the first female urologist trained at the Medical School.
Jack Lapides Jack Lapides
The McGuire Era: Advances in the understanding of urinary tract infection, urodynamics and pelvic surgery
McGuire popularized the use of the rectus fascia pubovaginal sling for stress urinary incontinence. In 1989, he initiated pressure-based management of neurogenic bladder, especially in children with spina bifida, with his identification of the leak pressure point.
Edward McGuire Edward McGuire
The Grossman Era: Shifting leadership. H. Barton Grossman, MD, is appointed interim of the section
Despite his limited tenure, Grossman kept the section on solid footing, providing continued excellence in urologic cancer care. Grossman set an example for vigorous research. He and his team developed 14 bladder tumor cell lines, as well as cell lines in renal and testis cancer.
Urology-HBartonGrossman Urology-HBartonGrossman
The Oesterling Era: U-M Urology program ranked 14th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report
Oesterling garnered attention for his support of the nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy as the procedure of choice in the treatment of localized prostate cancer. In 1996, a multidisciplinary urologic oncology clinic was established, and the U-M Urology program was ranked 14th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
Urology - Joseph Oesterlineae Urology - Joseph Oesterlineae
The Montie Era: Urology emerges as an independent entity
In 2001, Dr. Montie became inaugural chair of the new Department of Urology. In 2007, Montie established the Division of Health Services Research which has grown to be the largest urologic health services research group in the world.
Urology - Jame Montie Urology - Jame Montie
The Bloom Era: Advancing urologic research, patient care and education
Under Bloom, the department grew by leaps and bounds. When he began as chair in 2007, faculty numbered 24. In 2019, the department highlighted a roster of 51 faculty members, of which 45 are clinical and 6 are research.
David Bloom David Bloom
The Palapattu Era: Renewed focus on discovery, wellness, philanthropy & community
In 2019, Palapattu became the 9th Chair of the Department of Urology. Palapattu brought back a focus on research within the residency training program. With support from the Department, Palapattu has set the Department’s long-term vision: To eliminate suffering from urologic disease…forever.
Dr. Palapattu standing in a hallway Dr. Palapattu standing in a hallway
Lectureships

Join us throughout the academic year for lectureships honoring pioneering urology faculty and offering the chance to engage with leaders in the field.

Reed M. Nesbit Urologic Society

Learn more about Reed M. Nesbit Urologic Society, our department's official alumni & friends' organization.

Giving

Connect with our team to learn how you can support our work advancing the future of urology

100th Anniversary of Michigan Urology: 1919 - 2019 Centennial Book

Learn about the history of the Department of Urology as it celebrates its centennial anniversary.

  • Learn about the centennial
  • Urology-Historic Pic The Origin of Urology

    Learn about the emergence of urology as a medical specialty at the University of Michigan.

  • Learn more about the book
  • Urology Internal Website

    Resources and information for current Urology faculty, learners, and staff.

    Urology Intranet
    Meet Our Chair
    profile-ganesh-palapattu-2019 Ganesh Palapattu
    George F and Sandra G Valassis Professor of Urology
    Professor of Urology and Chair
    Department of Urology
    Medical School
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