Annual Report 2010 - 2011

DEPARTMENT OF UROLOGY

CLINICAL: For fiscal year 2011, the Department of Urology had 3,713 cases, an 11.7% increase from FY10.  The number of visits increased 11.7% at 27,430, with work RVUs at 91,891, a 9.7% increase from 2010. The Department of Urology had a busy and productive year in terms of clinical care, research, education and community outreach. They continue to excel clinically and were again ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s Best Hospitals in Urologic Care. The Department has been pleased to round out their clinical expertise through the addition of three new faculty members. K.C. Balaji, M.D., is a nationally recognized expert in minimally invasive surgery who has achieved several world firsts in robot-assisted surgery. His federally funded research focuses on cell signaling and stem cells in prostate cancer. Ronald L. Davis III, M.D. practices general urology and provides specialty care for prostate cancer. Dr. Davis was part of the first team in the state to offer modern ultrasound-directed brachytherapy for prostate cancer. With his arrival, urology and radiation oncology will be teaming up to offer a multi-disciplinary prostate cancer clinic that will allow patients to explore multiple treatment options. Ryan Terlecki, M.D., is fellowship trained in urologic reconstruction, female urology, urodynamics and prosthetics and adds an important dimension to our practice.  Our clinical volume continues to expand. Two new satellite facilities were added, for a total of seven clinical outreach programs throughout the state.

ACADEMIC: Awards and honors during the year include Dr. Badlani being appointed secretary of the American Urological Association. For fiscal year 2012, The Department of Urology has 11 residents. Dr. Evans addressed a plenary session of the American Urological Association annual meeting on the future of painful bladder syndrome treatment. He is the principal investigator of a clinical trial investigating an anti-nerve growth factor monoclonal antibody for this condition. In the area of stone research, the department continues to be highly ranked in terms of NIH funding. In a new line of research, the stone research team, led by Drs. Assimos and Holmes, was recently funded to explore glyoxal as a potential source of endogenous oxalate. In the area of incontinence, Dr. Badlani continues to make progress on work that links genetics to stress urinary incontinence. The urologic oncologists are part of several studies evaluating treatment protocols and the Department continues to publish reports on robot-assisted surgery, including one on cancer control with robot-assisted cystectomy led by Dr. Hemal.

In other departmental research, Dr. Terlecki published a report on the management of proximal bulbar strictures, Dr. Balaji reported on a potential treatment target for prostate cancer, Dr. Hodges published work on epigenetic therapy for neurogenic bladder and Dr. Atala reported on successfully implanting engineered urethras in patients. Dr. McLorie continues to direct pediatric research on vesicoureteral reflux and the department continues to work with the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine on projects with applications to urology. With two full-time clinical research coordinators, there is a wide array of clinical trials available for patient participation. Our fellowship in endourology has expanded to two years and now offers advanced experience in endourologic surgery and robotic urologic surgery. The program, directed by Drs. Assimos and Hemal, works to prepare fellows for a career in academic medicine. The Department offers a separate one-year fellowship in robotic uro-oncology under the direction of Dr. Hemal. 

The Department hosted its fourth annual Urology Today Continuing Medical Education (CME). This event provides urologists information on the latest evidence-based approaches to care. They also hosted their second annual Robotic Symposium at the Medical Center that featured live surgeries and lectures by international leaders in the field. Wake Wednesday, a quarterly visiting professor program, was well attended by the regional urologic community. In addition, a well-attended annual urology CME event was held at the clinic for area family physicians and other generalists.

In the area of community outreach, faculty members conducted a free prostate cancer screening at Downtown Health Plaza that screened more than 160 men. In addition, the faculty offered free community seminars on incontinence, prostate cancer, low testosterone, and erectile dysfunction.

 

The faculty and residents published over 50 journal articles and over 10 book chapters during the year and made over 100 presentations at national and international professional meetings. Members of the faculty serve in editorial capacities on 41 journals.