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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
Department News
Dr. Anne P. Cameron Receives Prestigious 2026 Jean Fourcroy Leadership Award
Dr. Anne Cameron wins 2026 Jean Fourcroy Leadership Award, honoring her national leadership, mentorship, and advocacy advancing women in urology.
Department News
Dr. Cathy Nam Earns Prestigious Arnold Belker Memorial Fellow Award
Dr. Nam received the Arnold Belker Memorial Fellow Award at AUA, honoring top reproductive urologists.
Department News
John M. Park, M.D. Legacy Professorship
Michigan Medicine Surpasses $500,000 Goal to Establish John M. Park, M.D., Legacy Professorship
Health Lab
Urine-based test detects aggressive prostate cancer
Researchers at have validated a previously developed urine test, which can potentially bypass invasive procedures for prostate cancer detection among men who are unlikely to benefit.
Department News
Movember USA Celebrates Women’s History Month
Movember USA Celebrates Women’s History Month including our own Dr. Daniela Wittmann
Health Lab
Researchers identify new therapeutic target for neuroendocrine tumors in the gastrointestinal tract
University of Michigan researchers have identified a new target that can suppress tumor growth. Their findings may lead to new treatment methods for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
