About Urology
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.
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.
Centennial Book
Learn about the history of the Department of Urology as it celebrates its centennial anniversary.
The Origin of Urology
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.
Meet Our Chair
Ganesh S Palapattu, MD, FACS, FRCS(Glasg)
George F and Sandy G Valassis Professor of Urology
Professor of Urology
Chair, Department of Urology
Interim Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs
Interim Chief Executive Officer, Medical School
Professor of Urology
Chair, Department of Urology
Interim Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs
Interim Chief Executive Officer, Medical School
Featured News & Stories
Department News
Urology Faculty Honored for Excellence in Medical Education
Kate Kraft, Paholo Barboglio-Romo and Andrew Wood were honored by the U-M Medical School for excellence in medical education and mentorship.
Department News
Michigan Medicine Recognizes Dr. John Stoffel with Outstanding Clinician Award
Dr. John Stoffel has been named Michigan Medicine’s 2026 Outstanding Clinician Award winner, recognizing his exceptional patient care and clinical leadership.
Medical School News
Nine from Medical School honored as part of annual Faculty and Staff Awards
Michigan Medicine recently announced its 2026 Faculty and Staff Awards. This year’s recipients include nine winners with Medical School appointments, including seven faculty and two staff members. This year’s Faculty and Staff Awards ceremony will be Dec. 3 at the Jack Roth Stadium Club in Michigan Stadium
Department News
Endowed Professorship Ceremony
Three outstanding Urology faculty were honored with endowed professorships, recognizing their leadership, achievements, and lasting contributions to research, education, and patient care.
Department News
The Carol J. Bennett, M.D. Research Professorship in Urology
The Carol J. Bennett Research Professorship honors a pioneering urologist and advances innovation by supporting future research and leaders in urology.
Medical School News
Regents approve Urology acting chairs, Cell and Developmental Biology interim chair
The Board of Regents on Oct. 15 approved the appointments of two acting chairs and one interim chair in the Medical School. Effective Sept. 18, Brent K. Hollenbeck, M.D. M.S., is acting chair of the Department of Urology through Feb. 28, 2027. Effective March 1, 2027, Todd M. Morgan, M.D., will assume the role of acting chair. Billy Tsai, Ph.D., is interim chair of the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, effective Sept. 9.
