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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)
The George F and Sandy G Valassis Professor and Chair of Urology
Department of Urology
Medical School
Department of Urology
Medical School
Featured News & Stories
News Release
U-M boasts 15 top 10 residency programs in latest Doximity Residency Navigator rankings
U-M boasts 15 top 10 residency programs in latest Doximity Residency Navigator rankings
Department News
Michigan Urology Residency Program Ranked #2 Nationally
Michigan Urology’s residency program earned the #2 Doximity national ranking, reflecting excellence in training, research, and patient care.
Department News
Welcome Dr. Chris Jaeger to the Department of Urology
The Department of Urology welcomes Dr. Chris Jaeger as its newest faculty member, returning to Michigan to advance patient care and education.
Health Lab
Researchers create new path to target hard-to-drug prostate cancer protein
University of Michigan researchers have identified a specific pocket within ERG, a driver of prostate cancer, and have developed a small molecule probe, called PBITE-1, that can bind to it.
Department News
Welcome Incoming Urology Fellows
Welcome to our new Urology Fellows!
Department News
Susanne Quallich Named 2026 Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing
Susanne Quallich named 2026 AAN Fellow, honoring her leadership and impact in advancing health care, policy, and nursing excellence at U-M Health.
