The Department of Urology is proud to share that Dr. Matthew Nielsen, Rhodes Distinguished Professor and Chair, and ������ Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center Member, has joined a multi-institutional, NCI-funded effort to address a critical gap in cancer survivorship: the emotional and psychological burden faced by young adult cancer survivors.

Led by , Professor of Medicine at the University of Michigan and a nationally recognized expert in thyroid cancer care and outcomes research, the project, , received a $290K grant�� from the National Cancer Institute to design and preliminarily test a mobile-based intervention aimed at reducing worry and distress among young adult survivors of thyroid, melanoma, and testicular cancers.

Dr. Haymart and Dr. Nielsen first crossed paths as medical students and later as residents at Johns Hopkins, and their shared interest in optimizing cancer care delivery has brought them together again in this novel, patient-centered initiative.

“This work is about supporting the whole person, beyond treatment, beyond remission. Young adults face unique challenges during survivorship, and we have an opportunity here to help them manage distress and uncertainty in ways that are scalable, accessible, and grounded in their lived experience.”

Matthew Nielsen, MD, MS, FACS
Professor and Chair of Urology

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The PerCS-YA tool is being designed for broad mobile access across iOS and Android platforms and will offer tailored, ongoing psychosocial support to young adult survivors navigating life after cancer. With stakeholder engagement at every stage, the project will refine the tool and conduct a phase II efficacy trial, drawing participants from both population-based and online recruitment sources. The long-term vision includes a large-scale randomized controlled trial that could help set a new standard in digital survivorship care.

This initiative aligns closely with ������ Urology’s broader commitment to survivorship and digital health innovation. In 2024, Dr. Hung-Jui (Ray) Tan, Associate Professor of Urology and Co-Director of the Lineberger Urologic Oncology Program, was part of a team that was awarded a $1.5 million Department of Defense grant to develop a virtual support platform specifically for testicular cancer survivors. Like PerCS-YA, that work focuses on improving quality of life and reducing long-term burden through technology-enabled, patient-informed support strategies.

Together, these efforts reflect a growing momentum at ������ and beyond to transform survivorship care for young adults, recognizing that healing doesn’t stop when treatment ends.

At the American Urological Association’s Expert Convening on , ������ Urology’s Drs. Hung-Jui (Ray) Tan and Zach Feuer presented a powerful example of turning clinical research into meaningful patient outcomes. Their segment, titled “From PubMed to Practice – The North Carolina Experience,” highlighted the development and impact of ������ Urology’s rapid access program, a coordinated, evidence-based care pathway designed to accelerate and improve the diagnosis of prostate cancer

Held in October 2024, the AUA convening brought together national experts in urology, radiology, and oncology to address a critical aspect of prostate cancer care: the quality and consistency of prostate MR imaging. The ������ presentation spotlighted the department’s rapid access program, a data-driven model of care that has become a benchmark for how to translate emerging evidence into real-world practice.

Reimagining the Diagnostic Pathway for Patients with Elevated PSA

As a statewide referral center, ������ Urology routinely receives a high volume of patients with elevated PSA levels, often the first signal of potential prostate cancer. Before the launch of the rapid access program, the average wait time from referral to biopsy stretched 4–6 months, creating delays that were especially concerning given the documented disparities in prostate cancer incidence and outcomes.

Recognizing that timely care is essential, especially for high-risk groups, Drs. Tan and Feuer led efforts to redesign the diagnostic pathway with a focus on speed, efficiency, and equity. Working with a cross-disciplinary team, they developed a three-step model centered on initial consult, prostate MRI, and biopsy, underpinned by virtual care, centralized scheduling, and evidence-based protocols.

Precision Through Protocol

Key innovations of the program include:

• Telehealth appointments for initial consults and MRI review.
• A streamlined MRI acquisition process, including retrieval of outside MRIs.
• A standardized biopsy decision algorithm to guide next steps based on MRI findings and PSA density.

For example:

• Patients with PI-RADS 3–5 lesions proceed to MRI fusion biopsy.
• PI-RADS 1–2 cases are assessed further based on PSA density >0.15, Black ancestry, and patient preference.

The results have been transformative:

• Referral-to-biopsy time dropped by 70%, now averaging just 58 days.
• Using the standardized biopsy decision algorithm, prostate biopsy was avoided in nearly one-third of men referred for elevated PSA.
• Of those biopsied, 39% were diagnosed with clinically significant prostate cancer. In contrast, only 26% had a negative biopsy, serving as a major decrease from historical levels. These findings highlight the success of ������’s risk-adapted approach, optimizing diagnostic yield while reducing the number of low-value procedures performed.

Additionally, for men with lower-risk features (e.g., PI-RADS 3 with PSA density <0.15), the detection rate for significant cancer was under 10%, suggesting future opportunities to right-size diagnostic evaluation.

“Patients are experiencing shorter wait times, but equally importantly, we’re better selecting patients for additional diagnostic testing, and we’re doing it in a way that’s efficient, evidence-based, and equitable.”

Zach Feuer, MD
Urologic Oncology Fellow

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A Model for the Nation, and the Road Ahead

The ������ experience also reveals broader patterns in prostate cancer care. In conversations with ������ primary care providers, Drs. Tan and Feuer learned that some PCPs have started preemptively ordering prostate MRIs in patients with elevated PSA levels, mirroring trends observed nationally. This underscores the urgent need for national guidance on appropriate MRI ordering and improved collaboration between urologists, radiologists, and primary care.

������ Urology’s leadership in this area is supported by its broader national collaborations. Through initiatives like the Michigan Urological Surgery Improvement Collaborative (MUSIC), where ������ was the first partner institution outside of Michigan, Dr. Tan has helped extend evidence-based prostate cancer care models nationally.

In addition, Dr. Tan serves on the Advisory Committee for the Prostate MR Image Quality Improvement Collaborative, lending his expertise to national efforts to improve prostate MRI standards.

The AUA Summit outlined several next steps that build on the ������ model and expand its principles nationally:

• Developing resources for urologists to advocate for PI-RADS and PI-QUAL reporting in radiology reports.
• Identifying and referring to high-quality MRI centers, including those with the ACR Prostate Cancer MRI Center Designation.
• Collecting PI-QUAL data to inform center performance and referral decisions.
• Educating patients on how to prepare for prostate MRI, a key step in scan quality.
• Collaborating with PCPs and family physicians to ensure evidence-based MRI use in the context of PSA elevation.
• Strategizing future efforts focused on fusion biopsy quality and standardization.

“What we’ve built here at ������ could be replicated elsewhere. The real opportunity now is to take what we’ve learned and help shape broader diagnostic pathways, especially for underserved communities.”

Hung-Jui (Ray) Tan, MD, MSHPM
Director of Urologic Oncology
Urologic Oncology Fellowship Program Director
Associate Professor of Urology

At the American Urological Association’s Expert Convening on , Dr. Matthew Nielsen, Chair of the ������ Department of Urology, member of the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Chair of the AUA’s Science and Quality Council, delivered a keynote segment titled “Advancing Diagnostic Excellence in Prostate Cancer.” His presentation built on years of cross-disciplinary leadership and role as a national thought leader in prostate cancer care improvement.

The summit, held in October 2024, focused on improving the quality and consistency of prostate MRI as a critical diagnostic tool. Dr. Nielsen’s remarks framed the conversation within a broader call for system-level change, centered on patient outcomes, equity, and collaboration across specialties.

A National Voice on Diagnostic Excellence

For Dr. Nielsen, the pursuit of diagnostic excellence is not just a clinical issue, it is a defining challenge in modern healthcare. Quoting the Journal of the American Medical Association, he emphasized that an accurate and precise diagnosis “gains clinical value insofar as it leads to better choices in treatment.”

This principle underpins his work as Chair of the AUA’s Science and Quality Council, where he has helped shape the , prioritizing health equity, imaging stewardship, and the reduction of diagnostic variation. He also serves on the National Quality Forum’s (NQF) Diagnostic Excellence Committee, where he contributes to policy development and quality standards across medical specialties.

In 2023, Dr. Nielsen was named a National Academy of Medicine (NAM) Scholar in Diagnostic Excellence, one of only ten physicians selected nationally. His project focuses on integrating quality metrics into diagnostic workflows for patients with elevated PSA, a central theme echoed throughout the AUA summit and his continued work at ������.

Addressing Prostate Cancer Disparities and the PSA Screening Challenge

In his QI Summit talk, Dr. Nielsen emphasized the urgent need to improve care across the entire diagnostic continuum, from PSA screening and MRI to biopsy, surveillance, and treatment.

Central to his message was addressing racial disparities in prostate cancer diagnosis and outcomes:

• Black men are 1.8 times more likely to be diagnosed, and 2.4 times more likely to die from prostate cancer compared to White men. Given the high prevalence of prostate cancer, this accounts for��
• While incidence rates dropped significantly between 2007 and 2014, they have been rising again, especially for advanced-stage disease.

Dr. Nielsen underscored the importance of patient-tailored PSA screening protocols and better utilization of high-quality prostate MRI to stratify risk and avoid both overtreatment and missed opportunities for early intervention.

Dr. Nielsen has spoken extensively on this topic, see his remarks on prostate cancer and health equity here.

A Platform for Progress: From Policy to Practice

Dr. Nielsen’s message at the AUA QI Summit emphasized that advancing diagnostic excellence requires collaboration across every stage of the prostate cancer care continuum. From PSA screening to imaging, biopsy, and treatment, each step offers an opportunity to improve quality, reduce delays, and tailor care to individual patient needs.

He underscored that MRI plays a central role in this process. When performed with high quality, prostate MRI can:

• Improve detection of cancers that require treatment,
• Avoid unnecessary biopsies and the detection of low-risk disease,
• And help stratify patients more effectively based on clinical risk.

Achieving these benefits, however, depends on consistent image quality and appropriate use, areas where variation remains a significant challenge.

Dr. Nielsen highlighted that diagnostic excellence is not just about making the right diagnosis, it’s about ensuring the process is timely, cost-effective, understandable, and clinically meaningful. This means not only improving technology and protocols, but also fostering stronger collaboration between radiologists, urologists, primary care providers, and patients.

������ Urology is proud to share that Dr. Angela Smith, Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Leadership Development, �������� Urology’s Vice Chair of Academic Affairs, Professor of Urology, and member of the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center Member, has been inducted into the Order of the Golden Fleece – the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s oldest and most prestigious honorary society.

Among this year’s 25 new inductees, six, including Dr. Smith, represent the School of Medicine. Dr. Smith was recognized alongside the others during the Order’s Spring 2025 tapping ceremony, joining a distinguished class of faculty, students, and staff selected for their exceptional contributions to the University.

About the Order of the Golden Fleece

Founded in 1904, the Order of the Golden Fleece was created to bring together leaders from across the university to foster unity, service, and excellence. Inspired by the Greek myth of Jason and the Argonauts, members of the Order are selected based on the highest standards of scholarship, leadership, integrity, and loyalty to the university. While its selection process remains confidential, the Order is known for recognizing those whose impact resonates across academic and extracurricular boundaries. Members include some of ������’s most respected leaders, from chancellors and deans to student advocates, faculty innovators, and public servants.

A Career that Embodies the Mission of the Order

Dr. Smith’s induction into this storied society is a testament to a career that has consistently elevated both the Department of Urology and the broader Carolina community. A “Quadruple Tar Heel,” Dr. Smith earned her Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Doctor of Medicine degrees from ������-Chapel Hill. Since joining the faculty, she has emerged as a nationally recognized leader in academic urology – known not only for her clinical expertise in urologic oncology, but also for her groundbreaking research, institutional leadership, and deep commitment to mentorship.

She is currently the Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Leadership Development in the ������, where she oversees strategic initiatives to support the professional growth of faculty members. She also serves as an ICF-credentialed coach and co-leads the ������ Coaching Academy, helping to develop a robust culture of leadership and support across the institution.

As a former Co-Director of , Dr. Smith has helped to lead a thriving clinical program focused on bladder, prostate, and kidney cancer. Her research has helped center the patient voice in bladder cancer care, leading to a landmark $8.5 million PCORI-funded comparative effectiveness trial that continues to influence national treatment standards.

Her contributions earned her the prestigious 2020 Philip and Ruth Hettleman Prize for Artistic and Scholarly Achievement, one of ������-Chapel Hill’s highest recognitions for early-career faculty who demonstrate groundbreaking scholarship and creativity. That same year, she was also selected as a 2020–2021 Yang Family Biomedical Scholar, an honor that highlights ������’s most promising young biomedical researchers and supports their continued discovery and innovation.

Dr. Smith’s leadership extends well beyond the walls of the clinic and lab. She has served in high-profile roles within the American Urological Association and the Society of Urologic Oncology and has consistently championed academic medicine. In 2022, she became the first woman in ������ Urology to be promoted to Professor with Tenure, and, to date, she remains one of the youngest faculty in a surgical discipline at ������ to achieve that distinction. Her many accolades include the AUA’s Gold Cystoscope Award, ��the Society of Women in Urology’s Christina Manthos Mentoring Award, and the ������’s Early Career Achievement Award, reflecting both her professional excellence and the high regard of her peers.

In honoring Dr. Smith, the Order of the Golden Fleece not only recognizes a record of achievement, but it also affirms her embodiment of the University’s core values. Her career to-date reflects the ��core mission of the Order: to identify those who quietly shape the university for the better, bringing people together, leading with integrity, and committing themselves to the greater good.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Smith on this richly deserved recognition and look forward to the continued impact of her leadership across the broader Carolina community.

������ Urology’s Dr. Matthew Nielsen joined of the Cleveland Clinic on a recent episode of the to discuss the role of high-quality prostate MR imaging in advancing prostate cancer diagnosis.

The episode, titled “,” brings together two national leaders in urologic and radiologic quality improvement.

Dr. Nielsen, Chair of the Department of Urology and member of the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center�� at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Chair of the AUA’s Science and Quality Council, has been a strong advocate for elevating diagnostic standards in prostate cancer. His conversation with Dr. Purysko, Section Head of Abdominal Imaging at Cleveland Clinic and Physician Leader of the , explores how enhanced imaging standards are transforming care pathways across the country.

A Convergence of Disciplines to Improve Patient Care

The episode centers on the growing use of prostate MRI as a frontline tool for risk stratification and biopsy guidance, with a focus on how image quality directly impacts diagnostic accuracy, care decisions, and outcomes. Drs. Nielsen and Purysko reflect on the remarkable progress made since the early adoption of MRI in prostate cancer care, while also underscoring ongoing challenges with variability in image acquisition and interpretation.

Dr. Nielsen notes that collaboration across disciplines, including urology, radiology, primary care, and quality experts, is essential to address variation and drive consistency in diagnostic practice.

The two discuss technical standards such as PI-RADS (Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System) and PI-QUAL (Prostate Imaging Quality), both of which serve as critical frameworks for improving how MRI is performed, interpreted, and used in clinical decision-making.

Quality Improvement with Tangible Benefits

The conversation also highlights the real-world gains being seen through quality improvement collaboratives, such as the , where participating centers have seen significant improvements in image quality and operational efficiency. Dr. Nielsen points out that better imaging doesn’t just improve diagnostic accuracy, it can also reduce scan time, increase patient throughput, and improve access.

As Chair of the AUA’s Science and Quality Council, Dr. Nielsen has been instrumental in shaping the , including initiatives aimed at improving diagnostic pathways in urology.

Though a few seasons have passed since the Class of 2027’s White Coat Ceremony, ������ Urology would ��like to revisit and recognize a particularly meaningful moment that continues to resonate with us.

On Sunday, October 13, 2024, the ������ gathered in celebration of the Class of 2027’s White Coat Ceremony, marking a profound moment of transition as students formally began their journey into the field of medicine. Among the speakers selected for this milestone event was Dr. Kristy Borawski, Professor of Urology, Residency Program Director for ������ Urology, and Director of the Learning Environment for Undergraduate Medical Education.

Dr. Borawski’s invitation to speak at the White Coat Ceremony is an honor, reflecting her deep commitment to education and her influence within the ������ community. A respected physician, educator, and mentor, she brought both personal insight and professional wisdom to the ceremony.

In her remarks, Dr. Borawski reflected on the symbolism of the white coat, not as a superhero costume, as is often suggested, but as a representation of earned trust and transformation. “You are here today,” she told the students, “not because of your DNA… but because of the years of hard work, dedication, and passion that have brought you to this moment.”

While she initially resisted the popular analogy comparing white coats to superhero capes, she came to embrace it through a new lens, emphasizing how both represent identity, transformation, purpose, and trust. Drawing on her own memories, she shared the full spectrum of emotions that accompany donning the coat for the first time: pride, gratitude, fear, and hope. “In case any of you are wondering,” she reassured the class, “yes, you do [belong]. And yes, you will.”

Central to her message was the idea of trust, ��between students and their educators, between physicians and their patients, and within the healthcare team itself. The white coat, she explained, may be made of ordinary fabric, but it carries extraordinary meaning. “It represents the trust you have in us, we in you, and, most critically, your patients’ trust in you and the profession.”

As the Class of 2027 continues its journey through medical school, Dr. Borawski’s words remain as timely as ever, a reminder that behind every white coat is a commitment not only to knowledge and skill, but to trust, empathy, and purpose.

Watch the full ceremony including Dr. Borawski’s talk below (starts at 13:00):

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A Legacy of Leadership and Mentorship

Dr. Borawski has long been recognized as a champion of medical education at ������. In 2022, she was named Director of the Learning Environment for Undergraduate Medical Education, a role in which she oversees efforts to foster a safe, respectful, and inviting atmosphere for medical students. Her leadership has been further affirmed through her 2023 promotion to Professor of Urology and her recent appointment as ������ Urology’s Residency Program Director, where she is guiding the next generation of urologists with a focus on mentorship, innovation, and humanistic care.

Her numerous accolades, including the Craver Medical Student Teaching Award and the Friend of Nursing Award, reflect the high regard in which she is held by colleagues, students, and healthcare partners alike.

A highlighted a proposed legislative effort to expand access to early prostate cancer screening in North Carolina. The article included numerous quotes from an internationally recognized ������ Urology expert, and references to ��several ������ Urology programs that are focused on men’s health.

House Bill 128, introduced in February 2025, proposes $4 million in funding to provide free or low-cost prostate cancer screenings and follow-up care for uninsured or underinsured men across the state.

Providing expert insights into the importance of early detection was Dr. Matthew Nielsen, Chair and Professor of Urology and ������ Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center Member. Dr. Nielsen discussed the transformative role of the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test in detecting prostate cancer earlier and improving survival rates. He also addressed historical concerns over overdiagnosis and overtreatment and emphasized the current use of active surveillance to mitigate unnecessary interventions while still identifying life-threatening disease.

The article also drew on data and insights from the , a vital initiative within the Department of Urology that focuses on improving health outcomes for all men ��throughout North Carolina. The program’s resources were cited in highlighting many aspects of the state’s prostate cancer burden, as North Carolina ranks among the highest in the country for new prostate cancer diagnoses.

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in North Carolina men,�� according to the ������ Men’s Health Program. As Dr. Nielsen explained in the article, “The single greatest opportunity to address ��issues related to prostate cancer is better access to the PSA test.”

House Bill 128, modeled after the state’s existing , would lower financial barriers by making screenings accessible to eligible men, those aged 50 to 70 without family history or age 40+ with a family history of the disease, whose household income is below roughly $37,600. The bill has bipartisan sponsorship and is awaiting discussion in legislative committees.

While the broader policy implications of the bill will unfold in the months ahead, the inclusion of ������ Urology’s clinical and research leadership in this public dialogue reinforces the department’s ongoing commitment to reducing health disparities, supporting early detection, and improving outcomes for men across the state of North Carolina.

Dr. Matthew Nielsen, Professor and Chair of Urology and member of the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, was recently featured in The Technician, NC State University’s student newspaper, discussing the profound impact of Dr. T. Ming Chu’s groundbreaking work in prostate cancer detection. The article, titled “,” explores Dr. Chu’s development of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, a pivotal advancement that transformed early detection and treatment strategies for prostate cancer worldwide.

Dr. Nielsen highlights how the development of the PSA test fundamentally reshaped prostate cancer detection, marking the beginning of what experts refer to as the “PSA era.” This innovation provided an unprecedented tool for identifying prostate cancer at an earlier stage, significantly improving clinical decision-making and patient outcomes. Over time, the approach to PSA testing has become more sophisticated, incorporating advanced imaging and molecular diagnostics to refine risk stratification and optimize treatment pathways.

Dr. Nielsen’s perspective also underscores the legacy of medical innovation emerging from North Carolina’s Research Triangle—a region defined by the collaborative excellence of NC State, Duke, ������-Chapel Hill and the surrounding area. The PSA test, pioneered by an NC State alum, exemplifies the region’s lasting contributions to medical science and patient care. This spirit of discovery continues to drive research at ������ Urology, where faculty remain at the forefront of advancing precision medicine in urologic oncology.

We encourage you to read the full article on The Technician’s website to gain a deeper understanding of Dr. Chu’s legacy and the ongoing evolution of prostate cancer screening. Dr. Nielsen’s perspective provides valuable context on how we continue to refine our approach to improving patient outcomes in urologic oncology.

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������ Urology proudly announces that Dr. Mary Beth Westerman, a newly appointed faculty member, has been selected to serve on the , a key subcommittee of the Science & Quality Committee.

The appointment to the AUA Practice Guidelines Committee represents an exciting step forward for both ��Dr. Westerman and ������ Urology. Her expertise, research acumen, and commitment to evidence-based medicine will contribute to advancing national practice standards and enhancing patient outcomes.

A Prolific Researcher and Leader in Urologic Oncology

Dr. Westerman brings a wealth of experience to ������ Urology, with a distinguished early career dedicated to advancing the treatment of complex urologic cancers, including bladder, kidney, prostate, and testicular cancers. Her research focuses on bladder cancer, clinical trials, minimizing length of stay and enhancing early recovery, as well as quality improvement and process optimization in oncologic care and treatment decision-making.

She has been a co-investigator on multiple prestigious research grants, including an R01 for bladder cancer treatment and has played a pivotal role in national clinical trials. She serves as the Patient-Reported Outcomes Co-Chair for the ARCHER cooperative trial, which is investigating adaptive chemotherapy and radiation for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Additionally, she previously served as Site PI for the PCORI-funded CISTO trial (Co-PI: Dr. Angela Smith) and the SWOG-sponsored BRIDGE trial, both aimed at advancing treatments for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.

Beyond her research contributions, Dr. Westerman is widely recognized for her leadership and service within the urologic oncology community. She served on the Steering Committee for the Young Urologic Oncologist section of the Society of Urologic Oncology (SUO) and the Board of Directors for the Society of Urologic Oncologists – Clinical Trials Committee (SUO-CTC).

Strengthening ������ Urology’s Leadership in the AUA

With Dr. Westerman’s new appointment, ������ Urology now has multiple faculty members holding key leadership roles within the AUA’s Science & Quality governance:

• Dr. Matthew Nielsen serves as Chair of the AUA’s Science and Quality Council, leading national initiatives in quality improvement, patient safety, and guideline development.
• Dr. Dave Friedlander is a member of the AUA’s Quality Improvement and Patient Safety (QIPS) Committee, which focuses on enhancing patient safety and surgical outcomes.
• Dr. Hung-Jui (Ray) Tan serves as Chair of the AUA Data Committee, leading efforts in data-driven approaches to improve urological care.

The collective involvement of ������ Urology faculty in AUA leadership reflects the department’s growing influence in shaping national healthcare policy, clinical guidelines, and quality initiatives.

������ Urology has once again solidified its reputation as a leader in academic research, ranking 28th nationally and 14th among public universities in National Institutes of Health (NIH) research funding for 2024, according to the latest .

������ Urology’s ranking is part of a broader success story for the ������, which ranked in total NIH funding, receiving more than $349 million in research grants in 2024. This funding plays a crucial role in driving discovery across multiple medical disciplines, including cancer research, biomedical engineering, and genetics.

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North Carolina’s Strength in Medical Research

Beyond institutional rankings, North Carolina continues to be a hub for medical innovation. The state ranks among the top in per capita NIH funding (), reflecting its robust research infrastructure and commitment to advancing healthcare. Within the state, Chapel Hill is a key contributor, with ������-Chapel Hill’s research enterprises receiving a significant share of NIH funding (). Durham and The Research Triangle Park also made the list at 14^th, and 23^rd respectively, reinforcing the region as a national leader in biomedical and clinical research

Urology Specialty Recognition

The specialty of Urology has seen remarkable growth in research funding nationwide, supporting studies in urologic cancers, kidney disease, and innovative surgical techniques. ������ Urology’s ranking within the top 30 departments nationally () speaks to its dedication to cutting-edge research and its role in shaping the future of urologic care.

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“This ranking is a testament to the dedication of our faculty, researchers, and staff who work tirelessly to push the boundaries of knowledge in urology. NIH funding allows us to conduct groundbreaking studies that ultimately improve outcomes for patients not just in North Carolina, but across the nation.”

Matthew Nielsen, MD, MS, FACS
Professor and Chair of Urology

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