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Leaders in Urology
We are committed to setting the standard for patient care, teaching tomorrow's leaders and discovering research breakthroughs.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Learn about the history of the Department of Urology as it celebrates its centennial anniversary.
Learn about the emergence of urology as a medical specialty at the University of Michigan.
Urology Internal Website
Resources and information for current Urology faculty, learners, and staff.
George F and Sandra G Valassis Professor of Urology
Professor of Urology and Chair
Department of Urology
Medical School
Professor of Urology and Chair
Department of Urology
Medical School
Health Lab
Based on former President Joe Biden's recent diagnosis, a Michigan Medicine urologists discusses routine screening procedures and treatment outcomes.
Department News
Dr. Ghani has been appointed as the new Director of Research for the Endourological Society.
Health Lab
Researchers at University of Michigan showed that the proportion of patients undergoing prostatectomy for the lowest risk type of cancer dropped over fivefold between 2010 to 2024.
Department News
Dr. Susanne Quallich of the U-M Medical School Department of Urology was selected as 2025 APP of the Year by the American Urological Association.
Health Lab
Concerns about telehealth’s potential to lead to more in-person care and higher costs are not panning out, which has implications for extending COVID-era flexibility.
Health Lab Podcast
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