Urology Global Health Initiatives
U-M Medical School Department of Urology is dedicated to advancing urologic care worldwide through service, education, and research. Our Global Health efforts are rooted in long-standing partnerships in Africa that expand surgical capacity, strengthen medical education, and create opportunities for resident and faculty exchange.
Rwanda: Surgical Missions & Education
In May 2025, Drs. Priyanka Gupta and Stephanie Kielb, along with Urology Fellows, traveled to Rwanda for a surgical mission focused on obstetric fistula repair. Beyond the operating room, the team partnered with the Rwanda Urological Association to deliver lectures on research methodology, pelvic organ prolapse, and reconstructive urology. Dr. Kielb led additional teaching sessions on bowel use in reconstruction and the evaluation and management of overactive bladder.
In addition, Drs. Simpa Salami and Lindsey Herrel returned in August 2025 to launch the first oncology teaching workshop, further expanding training opportunities in cancer care.
Humanitarian Leadership
Proud to celebrate Dr. Stephanie Kielb—awarded the Urology Care Foundation Humanitarian Award for the second time. Her recognition reflects the Department of Urology’s long-standing commitment to global health, surgical equity, and international collaboration.
Senegal: Partnership & Resident Exchange
Department of Urology has also built a strong collaboration with the Hôpital Général Idrissa Pouye (HOGIP) Department of Urology in Dakar, led by Professor Serigne Gueye. HOGIP is recognized as the premier urology department in West Africa, with 300 beds (25–30 dedicated to urology) and two operating rooms reserved for urologic surgery. It serves as a referral hub, attracting trainees from across the region, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mauritania, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, and Mali.
In May 2025, Dr. Parth Patel completed the inaugural international resident rotation, joining the Senegalese team for rounds, surgery, and teaching. Dr. Priyanka Gupta provided advanced instruction on pelvic organ prolapse in both classroom and operating settings.
Together, the teams laid the groundwork for:
- A formal resident exchange program
- Joint research projects between Michigan and West African trainees and faculty
- Ongoing surgical and educational collaborations that expand regional expertise.
Looking Forward: Advancing Urology Through Global Partnerships
Through partnerships in Rwanda and Senegal, Department of Urology is:
- Expanding access to complex surgical care
- Building sustainable models for training and education
- Supporting the next generation of urologic leaders in Africa and beyond
Our Global Health program embodies Michigan Medicine’s commitment to equity, innovation, and collaboration in urology worldwide.
Lester Fund for Global Outreach
The Lester Fund for Global Outreach enables the U-M Health System Department of Urology to deliver urologic care to underserved areas around the world, helping patients in need while broadening U-M residency training and clinical exposure.
Urology Global Health Leaders
Priyanka Gupta, MD
Urology Residency Program Director
Urology Quality Assurance Director
Medical School
Lindsey Herrel, MD, MS
University Hospital Operating Rooms Medical Director
Medical School
Stephanie Kielb, MD
Medical School
Simpa S Salami, MD, MPH
Rogel Cancer Center Associate Director
Medical School
