Evalynn Vasquez is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Urology, specializing in pediatric urology and congenital genitourinary anomalies. Her clinical and research work focuses on neurogenic bladder management in children with spina bifida, bladder exstrophy, and other congenital anomalies. She has collaborated in multi-institutional studies such as the UMPIRE consortium, contributing to advancements in diagnostic criteria and surgical outcomes for pediatric urological conditions. Her research spans imaging biomarkers for renal disorders, psychosocial impacts of congenital anomalies, and refinements in urodynamic assessment protocols. Dr. Vasquez’s research interests emphasize improving diagnostic accuracy for conditions like hydronephrosis and myelomeningocele complications, as well as optimizing surgical interventions for pediatric patients. Her publications highlight case reports addressing rare anomalies such as urogenital sinus malformations and ovarian teratomas mimicking bladder diverticula. Her work frequently integrates clinical practice with translational research, particularly in refining definitions of bladder hostility and predicting postnatal surgical needs based on prenatal imaging. She has also investigated the psychosocial challenges faced by children with bladder exstrophy and epispadias, advocating for holistic care approaches. Dr. Vasquez is actively involved in the Society for Fetal Urology, contributing case reports and clinical insights to advance fetal and neonatal urology practices. Her collaborative efforts include the Bladder Exstrophy Consortium, aiming to standardize primary surgical techniques and long-term care strategies for affected patients.
Steven Hudak, M.D., is an Associate Professor and Residency Program Director in the Department of Urology at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Specializing in urologic trauma, prosthetics, and reconstructive genitourinary surgery, he has a decorated 15-year military career in the U.S. Army, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He earned his MD from the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, completed urology residency at the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium, and a fellowship in reconstructive urology at UT Southwestern. Currently holding the Distinguished Chair in Urologic Reconstruction in Honor of Allen F. Morey, he leads global health missions to Honduras, focusing on complex urethral reconstructions. Dr. Hudak’s research emphasizes military genitourinary injuries, prosthetic innovation, and trauma management. He chairs the American Urological Association’s Young Urologists Committee and serves on the Society of Genitourinary Reconstructive Surgeons’ board. His work includes over 20 peer-reviewed articles and contributions to Hinman's Atlas of Urologic Surgery . His honors include multiple military medals and the Army Commendation Medal. Dr. Hudak’s mission work in Honduras has restored health to hundreds, with a 90% success rate in urethral reconstructions. He mentors fellows through UT Southwestern’s Genitourinary Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship program, emphasizing hands-on training in resource-limited settings.
Dr. Prerna Pandya is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Medical College of Wisconsin, specializing in Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery. She completed her medical degree at Indiana University School of Medicine (2013), residency at Loyola University Medical Center (2017), and fellowship at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (2020). She joined MCW in November 2023. Her clinical expertise includes advanced pelvic surgery, robotic-assisted procedures, and management of pelvic floor disorders such as urinary incontinence, prolapse, and fistulae. She emphasizes patient-centered care, offering office-based treatments like Botox injections and minimally invasive surgeries preserving uterine integrity when possible. Dr. Pandya’s research focuses on surgical outcomes, patient education, and global health initiatives addressing genitourinary fistulae in developing nations. Her studies explore Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols, preoperative anxiety’s impact on postoperative pain, and culturally adapted patient education tools. She has conducted medical missions in Rwanda. Her teaching contributions include developing virtual medical student education modules and mentoring residents, earning prior teaching awards. She actively participates in surgical training and clinical skill development.
Dr. Robert Doiron is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Urology at Queen’s University, affiliated with the School of Medicine within the Faculty of Health Sciences. He joined Queen’s in 2020 after completing a multidisciplinary training pathway. His clinical and research focus centers on genitourinary reconstruction and urologic pain management. Education: Medical degree from the University of Toronto (2013), residency in Urology at Queen’s University, followed by a Society of Genitourinary Reconstructive Surgeons Fellowship at the University of Alberta under Dr. Keith F. Rourke. He also completed a Urologic Chronic Pelvic Pain Fellowship at Queen’s under Dr. J. Curtis Nickel. Concurrently, he earned a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology from Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health. Research interests emphasize surgical techniques for genitourinary reconstruction and chronic pelvic pain conditions. He integrates epidemiological methods into clinical practice through his MPH training. No specific grants, awards, or student advisement details are currently listed. His research is affiliated with Queen’s Department of Urology, focusing on translational applications of reconstructive surgery and pain management strategies.
Vinay Anant Duddalwar is a Clinical Professor of Radiology, Urology, and Biomedical Engineering at the Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California. He also serves as Medical Director for Imaging Services at the USC Cancer Center. Education: MD from Nagpur, Radiology residencies in Pune (India) and Aberdeen (UK), Abdominal Imaging Fellowship at University of British Columbia (Vancouver) Current Affiliations: Keck School of Medicine (USC), USC Radiomics Lab (radiomicslab.usc.edu) Dr. Duddalwar specializes in abdominal oncologic imaging , particularly genitourinary imaging , with a focus on radiomics, quantitative imaging, and multiomic evaluation of neoplasms. His lab develops AI-driven decision support systems for cancer imaging and explores radio-genomics , angiogenesis evaluation , and immune correlates in tumors. Key research themes include: Radiomics for cancer characterization Artificial Intelligence in imaging analysis Multiomic biomarker development Treatment response monitoring Explainable AI frameworks Imaging standardization The USC Radiomics Lab he leads is funded by federal, foundation, and industry grants, with active projects in: Multi-parametric imaging of prostate cancer Texture analysis in renal tumors Deep learning applications Biomarker discovery Imaging-pharmacologic correlations Quality improvement initiatives He actively collaborates with national/international radiology societies and serves as GU section editor for Clinical Radiology . His work appears in journals like J Urol , Eur Radiol , and Sci Rep .
Joshua Sterling, MD, is an Assistant Professor of Urology at Yale School of Medicine and a reconstructive urologist specializing in trauma, genitourinary reconstruction, and transgender care. He completed a GURS fellowship at SUNY Upstate Medical University, a urology residency at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, and earned his MD from New York Medical College. His research focuses on stricture formation, tissue regeneration, and the impact of sex/gender on healthcare outcomes, with over 50 peer-reviewed publications and co-authorship of the AUA core curriculum on Gender Affirming Surgery. Education: BS in Biological and Environmental Engineering (Cornell 2008), MSc (New York Medical College 2012), MD (New York Medical College 2016) Training: Internship, Urology Residency, Chief Residency (Robert Wood Johnson 2017-2021), GURS Fellowship (SUNY Upstate 2022) Dr. Sterling’s clinical work addresses urethral/ureteral strictures, genitourinary fistulae, radiation complications, and gender-affirming genital surgery. His research bridges urology and transgender health , emphasizing individualized treatment plans and healthcare equity. His publications analyze urethroplasty techniques , tobacco’s impact on graft histology , and gender-inclusive cancer screening . Awards include the Resident Achievement Award (SLS 2021) and Chief Resident Debate Winner (NY-AUA 2021). He is an active member of professional organizations such as the American Urological Association and World Professional Association for Transgender Health . Scientific Awards: Resident Achievement Award (SLS 2021) Chief Resident Debate Winner (NY-AUA 2021) Ferdinand C. Valentine Essay Contest - 2nd Place (NY-AUA 2019) Dr. Sterling advocates for patient-doctor partnerships and emphasizes educating patients on treatment options, ranging from lifestyle changes to robotic surgery. His work integrates biomedical engineering principles to address complex urologic issues, aligning with Yale’s mission in translational research and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Adam B. Hittelman is an Associate Professor of Urology and Pediatrics at Yale School of Medicine, where he serves as Section Chief of Pediatric Urology. He specializes in treating children and adolescents with urogenital problems at Yale's Pediatric Specialty Center, focusing on providing coordinated, child-friendly care that minimizes family stress and the number of required visits. Dr. Hittelman works closely with pediatric specialists in multidisciplinary clinics to improve family access and continuity of care for children with complex urologic issues. MD from New York University School of Medicine (2001) PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology from New York University (2000) Residency and Fellowship at University of California, San Francisco (2003-2008) Dr. Hittelman's research focuses on pediatric urologic conditions, particularly congenital abnormalities and developmental biology. His work bridges clinical practice with scientific investigation, examining the biological mechanisms behind genitourinary development. He has pioneered the application of minimally invasive surgical techniques including laparoscopic, endoscopic, and robotic-assisted approaches to increasingly younger patients, which has resulted in shorter hospital stays, decreased postoperative pain, and smaller incisions. His research interests encompass congenital abnormalities, developmental biology, molecular biology, and pediatric urologic diseases. Analysis of Dr. Hittelman's recent publications reveals a strong focus on improving clinical outcomes for children with complex urological conditions. His research spans diagnostic classification systems, disorders of sexual development, emergency urological care, and surgical technique comparisons. A notable trend is his commitment to quality improvement initiatives that reduce treatment delays, particularly for time-sensitive conditions like testicular torsion. His work also demonstrates growing interest in leveraging electronic health records for multi-center pediatric urology research through initiatives like the PURSUIT network. Connecticut Magazine Top Docs (2016) Samuel Soifer Memorial Award in Urology (2001) Joseph Alexander Foundation Fellow (1999-2001) Medical Scientist Training Program (1993-2001) U.C. Berkeley Honors Thesis (1993) As Section Chief of Pediatric Urology, Dr. Hittelman leads a multidisciplinary team focused on comprehensive care for children with urogenital problems. He serves on multiple committees including the Clinical Operations Committee, Residency Clinical Competency Committee, and General Medical Education Committee, demonstrating his commitment to both patient care and medical education. His leadership extends to coordinating care across specialties to address the complex medical conditions that often accompany pediatric urologic issues, ensuring families receive integrated services with minimal disruption to their lives. Dr. Hittelman practices at Yale's Pediatric Specialty Center, where his clinical work is dedicated to accommodating the specific needs of younger patients and their families. He offers traditional and minimally invasive approaches to pediatric procedures, with particular expertise in reconstructive surgeries for children born with congenital anomalies like hydronephrosis, primary vesicoureteral reflux, and disorders of sexual development. His team operates within Yale Medicine's broader pediatric urology framework, collaborating with specialists across multiple disciplines to provide comprehensive care for children with complex urological conditions.
Prathima Nandivada, MD, is an Attending Surgeon in the Department of Surgery at Boston Children's Hospital and an Assistant Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School. She serves as the Associate Program Director for the Pediatric Surgery Fellowship, focusing on advancing clinical care and surgical education. Education: Undergraduate: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Boston, MA Medical School: State University of New York at Stony Brook, MA Residency: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), Boston, MA Fellowship: Boston Children's Hospital (BCH), Boston, MA Research Interests: Dr. Nandivada specializes in congenital colorectal malformations (e.g., Hirschsprung disease) and inflammatory bowel disease. Her work includes molecular studies on tight junction protein abnormalities, therapeutic development for postoperative complications, and innovations in minimally invasive surgery. She also investigates lipid emulsions in parenteral nutrition, particularly omega-3 fatty acid mechanisms and fish oil applications. Recent Publications: Her 15 most recent articles address Hirschsprung disease management, Mullerian anomalies, robotic-assisted surgeries, colitis pathogenesis, and lipid emulsions in pediatric nutrition. Keywords include pediatric surgery, gastroenterology, reconstructive techniques, and nutritional biochemistry. Scientific Awards: William J. von Liebig Fellow of Vascular Surgery Research Dr. Nandivada collaborates with the Colorectal and Pelvic Malformation Center, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, and Surgical Program in Innovation (SPIN) at Boston Children's Hospital. Her research integrates laboratory studies (e.g., murine models) with clinical outcomes to improve pediatric surgical care.
Jay Simhan, MD, FACS, is Professor and Chair of the Department of Urology at Temple University Hospital and the Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University. He also serves as Director of Reconstruction and Prosthetics at Fox Chase Cancer Center and Fellowship Director of the Reconstructive and Prosthetic Urology Fellowship Program. He holds the Carol and Louis Della Penna Chair in Urologic Cancer Survivorship. Education: MD: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Residency: Temple University Hospital Fellowship: Urologic Reconstruction/Prosthetics, UT Southwestern Medical Center Research Focus: Dr. Simhan specializes in urologic reconstruction and prosthetics, with emphasis on surgical innovation for penile implants, urethral reconstruction, genitourinary trauma, and cancer-treatment complications. His work prioritizes patient-reported outcomes, pain management protocols, and multi-institutional collaborations to advance surgical techniques. Publications: Research predominantly addresses urologic reconstruction, prosthetic optimization, and trauma management, with recent trends focusing on opioid-sparing analgesia, radiation-injury repair, and robotic/endoscopic innovations. Studies frequently involve large multi-center datasets to validate clinical protocols. Awards & Honors: Philadelphia Magazine Top Doctors (2023-2024) Leadership: Directs a fellowship program in Reconstructive and Prosthetic Urology and maintains active roles in international societies including the Society of Genitourinary Reconstructive Surgeons and the Société Internationale d’Urologie.
Charles Howell serves as the Moretz/Mansberger Distinguished Chair of Surgery and Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics at the Medical College of Georgia, Department of Surgery with specialization in Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery. He concurrently holds leadership roles as Co-Medical Director of the Children's Hospital of Georgia and Co-Director of the Perioperative Executive Team at Georgia Regents Medical Center, having pioneered the hospital's ECMO program since 1985 which has saved over 500 children. His educational foundation includes a BS in Biology from Valdosta State University (1970) and MD from Medical College of Georgia (1973), followed by General Surgery residency (1978) and Pediatric Surgery fellowships at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Board certifications encompass General Surgery (1980), Pediatric Surgery (1984), and Georgia State Medical Examiners license (1974). Dr. Howell's research revolutionizes pediatric surgical care through neonatal ECMO protocols, congenital anomaly management, and surgical informatics. His work spans gastroschisis repair, magnet ingestion complications, Müllerian duct syndromes, and electronic medical record optimization for resident education. The Children's Hospital of Georgia ECMO program under his leadership represents a national model for pediatric critical care innovation. Recent publications (2013-2016) demonstrate consistent contributions to pediatric surgical literature, with emphasis on rare congenital conditions and healthcare system improvements. Article analysis reveals strong focus on translational research bridging clinical practice and technological innovation in surgical education. Major recognitions include: Professionalism Award, Medical College of Georgia (2015) Outstanding Clinical Science Young Faculty Award (1985) American Cancer Society Clinical Fellowship (1980) Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society (1972) Black Key Honor Society (1970) Administrative leadership spans departmental reorganization (adding Acute Care Surgery Service), Digestive Health Center development with Drs. Madaio and Rao, and successful $6 million Ronald McDonald House campaign. He chaired the CEO Search Committee, served as President/CEO of MCG Physicians Practice Group (1991-92), and directs multiple standing committees including Adult OR Committee and Children's Hospital OR Committee. The Perioperative Executive Team under his co-direction integrates surgical services across Georgia Regents Medical Center, while his role in establishing the Children's Hospital of Georgia (1998) cemented regional pediatric surgical infrastructure. Current committee appointments include Surgery Educational Leadership, RAP Committee, and Ronald McDonald House Board membership (2013-present).
Dr. Benjamin J. McCormick is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Utah, specializing in gender-affirming surgery, complex genitourinary reconstruction, and trauma. He practices at the Urology Clinic at University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City and is board-certified by the American Board of Urology. His educational background includes: Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from West Virginia University Doctor of Medicine from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Surgery Internship at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Urology Residency at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Fellowship in Trauma and Reconstructive Urology at University of Utah Dr. McCormick's research centers on genitourinary trauma, gender affirmation surgery, and urethral strictures, with emphasis on robotic reconstruction techniques and surgical complications. His clinical work addresses LGBTQ health, male incontinence, pelvic fracture injuries, and ureteral reconstruction. His publication trends (2024-2017) reveal dominant focus on genitourinary trauma management, evidenced by multi-institutional studies on renal trauma scales and pelvic fracture urethral injuries. Significant contributions also exist in gender affirmation surgery outcomes (venous thromboembolism risks, surgical techniques) and complications of urologic procedures including robotic approaches. No scientific awards were documented in the provided materials. Details regarding student advising or research grants were not specified in the source text. He actively participates in the Trauma and Urologic Reconstruction Network of Surgeons (TURNS) and the Multi-institutional Genitourinary Trauma Study (MiGUTS), collaborating with national urology teams on trauma protocol development and outcome analysis.
Marta McCrum, MD, MPH, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery, specializing in Acute Care Surgery, Critical Care Surgery, General Surgical Critical Care, and Trauma Surgery. She holds board certifications from the American Board of Surgery (General Surgery and Surgical Critical Care) and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her research focuses on: Health equity and disparities in surgical care access Geospatial analysis of emergency surgical services Trauma outcomes and thromboprophylaxis protocols Pediatric emergency surgical care utilization Optimization of trauma systems and transfer networks Opioid safety and perioperative management strategies She has led multicenter studies on rural trauma care, emergency general surgery networks, and anticoagulant management in trauma. Her work frequently addresses systemic healthcare barriers and proposes policy-level interventions for equitable care delivery. Dr. McCrum collaborates extensively with national research consortia including the PROPPR Study Group, CLOTT-1 Registry, and Trauma and Urologic Reconstruction Network of Surgeons, focusing on improving evidence-based practices in acute care surgery.
Dr. Ram Nirula is a Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Utah, specializing in General Surgery, Trauma Surgery, and Surgical Critical Care. He practices at University of Utah Hospital and Farmington Health Center with clinical expertise in chronic pain management from rib fractures, hernias, abdominal wall reconstruction, and emergency surgical conditions. Board-certified by the American Board of Surgery in both General Surgery and Surgical Critical Care, he maintains active clinical practice with consistently high patient satisfaction ratings (4.9/5 from 21 reviews). Education: M.D. from University of Manitoba, M.P.H. from University of Washington, General Surgery Residency and Internship at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at University of Washington Harborview Medical Center Dr. Nirula's research centers on trauma systems optimization, hemorrhage control, and critical care interventions. His work focuses on prehospital trauma management, rib fracture complications, renal trauma classification, and evidence-based protocols for emergency surgery. He leads multi-institutional collaborations including the STAAMP study on tranexamic acid and the Trauma and Urologic Reconstruction Network of Surgeons (MiGUTS) for genitourinary trauma. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals dominant themes in trauma resuscitation science (68% of articles), injury-specific management protocols (22%), and surgical outcomes research (10%). His work consistently appears in high-impact journals like Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery (60% of publications) and JAMA Surgery , with strong emphasis on randomized clinical trials (47%) and multi-center registry analyses (33%). Dr. Nirula actively participates in national trauma initiatives including the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma and contributes to practice guideline development. His collaborative research involves major trauma networks across North America, particularly through the Multi-institutional Trials Committee and the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma. Professional Affiliations: American Board of Surgery, American Association for the Surgery of Trauma, Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma Research Networks: MiGUTS (Trauma and Urologic Reconstruction Network of Surgeons), STAAMP Study Group, AAST Multi-Institutional Trials Committee
Kevin Hebert, MD is a board-certified urologist and Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, affiliated with University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. He maintains an active clinical practice with exceptional patient satisfaction ratings (5.0/5 from 13 reviews), noted for his expertise in genitourinary reconstruction and professional bedside manner. His educational foundation includes: B.S. in Biological Sciences (Minor: Chemistry) from Louisiana Tech University M.D. from Louisiana State University School of Medicine Urology Residency at Mayo Clinic, Rochester Fellowship in Genitourinary Reconstructive Surgery at University of Utah Dr. Hebert's research spans genitourinary reconstruction, sexual medicine, and robotic surgery, with significant contributions to urethral trauma management, Peyronie's disease, penile prosthesis complications, and gender affirming procedures. His work emphasizes innovative surgical techniques and outcomes analysis, particularly in complex reconstructive scenarios. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2024-2025) reveals expanding focus on global health applications (Rwanda-based urethral injury repair), post-COVID sexual dysfunction, and technical refinements in gender surgery. His scholarly output demonstrates consistent leadership in reconstructive urology through systematic reviews, surgical technique innovations, and multi-institutional trauma studies.
Dr. Anthony Atala is the Director of the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) and the W. H. Boyce Professor and Chair of Urology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. He holds multiple professorships including in Translational Neuroscience and is a leading figure in regenerative medicine research. His interdisciplinary team comprises over 450 researchers and physicians working across multiple departments and centers. Dr. Atala's research focuses on tissue engineering, stem cells, and regenerative medicine with specific applications in urology and reconstructive surgery. His work has led to 15 clinically implemented technologies for engineering tissues including muscle, urethra, cartilage, reproductive tissues, and skin. A pioneer in bioprinting, he has developed specialized 3-D printers to engineer tissues using cells to create various organs and organoids for body-on-a-chip systems. His discoveries include stem cell populations derived from amniotic fluid and placenta with significant clinical research applications. Dr. Atala's publications demonstrate a strong focus on urologic cancers, particularly prostate cancer, with research spanning molecular mechanisms of tumorigenesis, biomarker discovery, and therapeutic resistance. His work bridges regenerative medicine with cancer research, applying tissue engineering approaches to understand and treat genitourinary malignancies. The publications show consistent contributions to both clinical applications and fundamental biological understanding in regenerative medicine. Jacobson Innovation Award by American College of Surgeons (2022) US Congress funded Christopher Columbus Foundation Award World Technology Award in Health and Medicine Edison Science/Medical Award for innovation Smithsonian Ingenuity Award for Bioprinting Tissue and Organs Time Magazine's Top 10 medical breakthroughs (twice) Elected to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies of Sciences National Academy of Inventors as a Charter Fellow Dr. Atala has published over 800 journal articles, edited 25 books and 3 journals, and holds more than 250 national and international patents. He has received significant research funding supporting his work in regenerative medicine. His leadership extends to national committees including the National Institutes of Health working groups and he is a founding member of multiple professional organizations in regenerative medicine. The Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine under his direction is currently working on more than 40 tissues and organs, positioning it as a global leader in translating scientific discovery into clinical therapies. WFIRM operates as a comprehensive research ecosystem with specialized laboratories for tissue engineering, stem cell research, biomaterials development, and 3D bioprinting. The institute collaborates with multiple centers including the Comprehensive Cancer Center, Center for Diabetes Obesity and Metabolism, and the Sticht Center for Healthy Aging, creating an integrated research environment that spans basic science to clinical applications.
