School of Medicine
Showing 1-97 of 97 Results
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Rodney U. Anderson, MD FACS
Professor (Clinical) of Urology, Emeritus
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsClinical Medical Research devoted to tertiary level application of treatment modalities for neurologic and functional disturbances of the genitourinary tract. Problems such as urinary incontinence, urinary retention, urinary flow dysfunction (BPH), impotence, and chronic pelvic pain syndromes are addressed. New medical devices and technology for treating these disorders are investigated
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Lay Teng Ang
Assistant Professor of Urology
BioAs a stem cell biologist, I aim to understand the mechanisms through which stem cells differentiate into progressively specialized cell types and to harness this knowledge to artificially generate pure populations of desired cell types from stem cells. My work over the past ten years has centered on pluripotent stem cells (PSCs, which include embryonic and pluripotent stem cells), which can generate any of the hundreds of diverse cell types in the body. However, it has been notoriously challenging to guide PSCs to differentiate into a pure population of a given cell type. Current differentiation strategies typically generate heterogeneous cell populations unsuitable for basic research or clinical applications. To address this challenge, I mapped the cascade of branching lineage choices through which PSCs differentiate into various endodermal and mesodermal cell types. I then developed effective methods to differentiate PSCs into specific lineages by providing the extracellular signal(s) that specify a given lineage while inhibiting the signals that induce the alternate fate(s), enabling the generation of highly-pure human heart and bone (Loh & Chen et al., 2016; Cell) and liver (Loh & Ang et al., 2014; Cell Stem Cell) from PSCs. My laboratory currently focuses on differentiating human PSCs into liver progenitors (Ang et al., 2018; Cell Reports) and blood vessel cells (Ang et al., 2022; Cell).
I earned my Ph.D. jointly from the University of Cambridge and A*STAR and was subsequently appointed as a Research Fellow and, later, a Senior Research Fellow at the Genome Institute of Singapore. I then moved my laboratory to Stanford University as a Siebel Investigator and Instructor at the Stanford Institute for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine. My laboratory has been supported by the Siebel Investigatorship, California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, and other sources. -
Philip Beachy
The Ernest and Amelia Gallo Professor, Professor of Urology, of Developmental Biology and, by courtesy, of Chemical and Systems Biology
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsFunction of Hedgehog proteins and other extracellular signals in morphogenesis (pattern formation), in injury repair and regeneration (pattern maintenance). We study how the distribution of such signals is regulated in tissues, how cells perceive and respond to distinct concentrations of signals, and how such signaling pathways arose in evolution. We also study the normal roles of such signals in stem-cell physiology and their abnormal roles in the formation and expansion of cancer stem cells.
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Ruth Belay, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor, Urology
BioDr. Belay is a fellowship-trained urologic oncologist with the Stanford Health Care Urologic Cancer Program. She is also a clinical instructor in the Department of Urology at Stanford University School of Medicine.
Dr. Belay specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the urinary tract, including kidney cancer, enlarged prostate, ureteral stones, and blood in the urine. She also treats all types of genitourinary cancers. She is skilled in the use of multiple imaging and treatment modalities, including cystoscopy, endourology, laparoscopy, laser therapy and surgery, ultrasound, urodynamic testing, ureteroscopy, and robotic surgery. Dr. Belay works closely with her patients to provide a comprehensive evaluation and care plan.
Her research interests include pain control during robot-assisted prostatectomy (prostate removal) and determining the best types of guidewires for bypassing stones in the ureter. She has also studied the effects of caffeine on postmenopausal women with overactive bladder symptoms
Dr. Belay is involved with the Stanford Medicine Center for Improvement, the goal of which is to inspire and accelerate the delivery of consistent, excellent care across Stanford Medicine. She is also passionate about sharing her knowledge of urology with medical students, having taught and mentored several residents and post-doctoral fellows.
Dr. Belay’s research has appeared in several peer-reviewed journals, including Urology Practice, Journal of Endourology, and Journal of Women’s Health. She has presented her work both nationally and internationally at meetings and conferences of professional organizations including the American Urological Association (AUA); Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogenital Reconstruction; and World Congress of Endourology.
Dr. Belay is a member of the AUA and Society of Urologic Oncology. -
James D. Brooks
Keith and Jan Hurlbut Professor
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsWe use genomic approaches to identify disease biomarkers. We are most interested in translating biomarkers into clinical practice in urological diseases with a particular focus in cancer.
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Timothy C. Chang
Clinical Assistant Professor, Urology
BioDr. Timothy Chang is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Urology at Stanford University. He graduated with High Honors from Princeton University and received a Master of Science from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He then obtained his medical degree and urology residency training from Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Chang has experience in a broad range of adult general urologic care, with a particular focus on kidney stone treatment for which he completed specialized fellowship training at Stanford. He received multiple research awards and authored or co-authored numerous academic publications. With his experience in both the engineering and medical fields, he has particular interest in developing technological medical advancements.
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Bertha Chen, MD
Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Gynecology and Gynecologic Specialties/Urogynecology) and, by courtesy, of Urology
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsDr. Chen’s research examines the molecular causes of urinary incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction. Recognizing that urinary incontinence linked to demise of smooth muscle sphincter function, she is investigating the potential use of stem cell regeneration to restore muscle capacity.
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Tony Chen, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor, Urology
BioDr. Chen is a fellowship-trained urologist who specializes in male reproductive medicine. He is a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Urology at Stanford University School of Medicine.
Dr. Chen diagnoses and treats male infertility, erectile dysfunction, Peyronie’s Disease, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), hypogonadism, and other disorders of the male genitourinary tract. He emphasizes getting to know the whole patient and utilizing a stepwise approach to treatment when appropriate. When surgery is required, he excels at scrotal surgery, minimally invasive prostate de-obstruction, penile implant placement, microsurgical vasectomy reversal, varicocele treatment, and surgical sperm retrieval.
For every patient, Dr. Chen develops a personalized care plan emphasizing innovation, safety, and compassion.
Dr. Chen has published his research findings in journals including Urology Practice, the Journal of Sexual Medicine, Endocrine, the Journal of Pediatric Urology, Journal of Endourology, and elsewhere. Topics have included the association between mortality and male infertility, the association of the COVID-19 pandemic on male sexual function, national trends in vasectomy, and more. He co-wrote the chapter “Simulation and Ureteroscopy” for the textbook Ureteroscopy.
Dr. Chen is also an innovator with an interest in bringing novel technologies to the field of benign Urology. He has a background in the use of simulation science in medical teaching as well as in prototype design. He has received grant funding to prepare robotic surgeons for acute operating room scenarios and holds a provisional patent on a system for automated urine assessment and monitoring in the hospital.
He has made presentations on male infertility and surgical simulation at meetings of the American Urological Association, American College of Surgeons, and Sexual Medicine Society.
Dr. Chen has won recognition for his research and clinical achievements. He has received awards from the Western Section of the American Urological Association, American College of Surgeons, Society of Urologic Prosthetic Surgeons, and Sexual Medicine Society of North America.
He is a member of the American Urological Association, American College of Surgeons, International Society for Sexual Medicine, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, and Western Section of the American Urological Society. -
Benjamin I. Chung
Associate Professor of Urology
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsRenal cell carcinoma and prostate cancer outcomes research and epidemiology.
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Craig V. Comiter
Professor of Urology and, by courtesy, of Obstetrics and Gynecology
On Leave from 09/03/2024 To 03/02/2025Current Research and Scholarly InterestsUsing various animal models of bladder outlet obstruction as a representation of human prostatic disease, I am investigating how intervening with pharmacotherapy, neuromodulation, and other novel therapies may help to reverse the adverse changes in the bladder due to the obstruction.
I also am investigating new, minimally invasive treatments for post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence.
I am also investigating the role of neruomodulation in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain and IC. -
Christos E. Constantinou
Associate Professor of Urology, Emeritus
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsMy main recent interest is the application of Biomedical Engineering approaches for the clinical visualization and characterization of the static and dynamic properties of pelvic floor function. This extends to ultrasound Imaging and image processing, construction of computer models and biomechanics analysis of pelvic floor function. It is envisioned that these considerations are important constituents of the clinical evaluation of patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction and urodynamics.
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Simon Conti
Clinical Associate Professor, Urology
BioI am a founding member of the Stanford Urolithiasis Project, where we have studied population health datasets to examine surgical outcomes and environmental risk factors in urinary stone disease. Our current focus includes socioeconomic and ethnic disparities in kidney stone disease, water quality and stone disease, pregnancy in kidney stone disease and geographical variations in kidney stones incidence and metabolic kidney stone work up.
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Amy D. Dobberfuhl, MD, MS
Assistant Professor of Urology
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsDr. Dobberfuhl's current clinical practice includes: Pelvic Reconstruction, Neurourology, and Voiding Dysfunction.
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Christopher Stephen Elliott
Clinical Associate Professor (Affiliated), Urology - Divisions
BioDr Elliott is a fellowship trained, pelvic reconstructive surgeon with expertise in neurourology. He participated in the physician-scientist program at Ohio State University, receiving both and MD as well as a PhD in epidemiology. After completing his urologic residency at Stanford University Medical Center in 2010, he became Stanford's first Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery Fellow - a unique two year ABU/ABOG accredited fellowship with both Stanford Urology and Urogynecology faculty training. During this time he received a full experience in pelvic medicine that encompassed both male and female patients. He has clinical and surgical expertise in the management of female pelvic organ prolapse, complex urogynecologic anomalies, overactive bladder, BPH, voiding dysfunction secondary to neurologic disease and both male and female incontinence.
Starting in 2012, Dr Elliott joined the Division of Urology at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose, California with a joint appointment at Stanford University Medical Center. In addition to his clinical work, he has authored several book chapters, published multiple journal articles and taught courses at national meetings (AUA, AUGS). His main academic interests include the epidemiologic study of pelvic organ prolapse, incontinence and bladder dysfunction after spinal cord injury. Dr Elliott is currently a member of the SUFU young members committee and the Neurogenic Bladder Research Group.
Recent Publications
1)Spradling K, Sohlberg EM, Li S, Zhang CA, Brubaker WD, Dallas K, Pao AC, Liao J, Leppert JT, Elliott CS, Chung BI, Min GE, Conti SL. Urinary Stone Disease in Pregnancy: Current Management Practices in a Large National Cohort. Urology. 2020 (Epub ahead of print)
2)Dallas K, Rogo-Gupta L, Syan R, Enemchukwu E, Elliott CS. Balancing the possibility of needing a future incontinence procedure versus a future urethral sling revision surgery: a tradeoff analysis for continent women undergoing pelvic organ prolapse surgery. Int Urogynecol J. 2020 (Epub ahead of print)
3)Ehsanian R, Creasey G, Elliott CS, Abu-Eid CA, Ali A, Prutton M, Singh H. Implantation of Sacral Nerve Stimulator Without Rhizotomy for Neurogenic Bladder in Patient With Spinal Cord Injury: 2-Dimensional Operative Video. Oper Neurosurg (Hagerstown). 2020 Jan 24. [Epub ahead of print]
4)Sohlberg EM, Brubaker WD, Zhang CA, Anderegg LDL, Dallas K, Song S, Ganesan C, Chertow G, Pao A, Liao J, Leppert JT, Elliott CS, Conti SL. Urinary Stone Disease in Pregnancy: A Claims-Based Analysis of 1.4 Million Patients. J Urol. 2019 (epub ahead of print)
5)Song S, Thomas IC, Ganesan C, Sohlberg EM, Chertow GM, Liao JC, Conti S, Elliott CS, Pao AC, Leppert JT. Twenty-Four Hour Urine Testing and Prescriptions for Urinary Stone Disease-Related Medications in Veterans. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2019 (epub ahead of print)
6)Cheng RZ, Shkolyar E, Chang TC, Spradling K, Ganesan C, Song S, Pao AC, Leppert JT, Elliott CS, To'o K, Conti SL. Ultra-low-dose CT: An Effective Follow-up Imaging Modality for Ureterolithiasis. J Endourol. 2019 (epub ahead of print)
7)Kasman A, Stave C, Elliott C. Combination therapy in overactive bladder-untapped research opportunities: A systematic review of the literature. Neurourol Urodyn. (2019) epub ahead of print -
Ekene Enemchukwu, MD, MPH, FACS, FPMRS
Associate Professor of Urology and, by courtesy, of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Urogynecology)
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsRefractory overactive bladder in elderly and frail patient populations, detrusor underactivity, quality of life, patient outcomes, quality improvement, patient satisfaction, and shared decision making
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Alice C. Fan
Associate Professor of Medicine (Oncology) and, by courtesy, of Urology
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsDr. Fan is a physician scientist who studies how turning off oncogenes (cancer genes) can cause tumor regression in preclinical and clinical translational studies. Based on her findings, she has initiated clinical trials studying how targeted therapies affect cancer signals in kidney cancer and low grade lymphoma. In the laboratory, she uses new nanotechnology strategies for tumor diagnosis and treatment to define biomarkers for personalized therapy.
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Richard E. Fan
Clinical Assistant Professor, Urology
BioRichard E. Fan, Ph.D., is an engineer embedded in the Department of Urology in the Stanford School of Medicine.
Dr. Fan’s research relates to the development of clinically driven biomedical instrumentation and medical devices. He is interested in translational application of emerging technologies in the medical and surgical spaces, as well as the development of platforms to explore clinical and pre-clinical evaluation. His primary work is currently focused on image guided detection and treatment of prostate cancer, including MR-US fusion, focal therapies, embedded systems and robotics. -
Manikantam Gaddam
Research Engineer, Urology - Divisions
Current Role at StanfordResearch Engineer
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Pejman Ghanouni, MD, PhD
Associate Professor of Radiology (Body MRI) and, by courtesy, of Neurosurgery, of Obstetrics and Gynecology and of Urology
BioDr. Ghanouni is a board-certified, fellowship-trained diagnostic radiologist with Stanford Health Care Radiology. He is an associate professor in the Department of Radiology, Division of Body MRI at Stanford University School of Medicine, and by courtesy, of Urology, of Neurosurgery, and of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Dr. Ghanouni is the director of the Stanford Health Care Minimally Invasive MR Interventional Center (MIMRIC) and the Focused Ultrasound Center of Excellence. He is also chief of the Division of Body MRI at Stanford University School of Medicine.
Dr. Ghanouni is recognized around the world for his extensive expertise in using advanced imaging to diagnose, manage, and treat a wide range of conditions and disorders. As a renowned leader in diagnostic and MRI-guided interventional radiology, Dr. Ghanouni creates a customized care plan for each of his patients.
Dr. Ghanouni’s research interests include the latest advances in MR-guided focused ultrasound techniques to treat essential tremor, Parkinson’s disease, prostate cancer, bone tumors, desmoid tumors, and uterine fibroids. An experienced physician-scientist, Dr. Ghanouni has collaboratively led clinical trials and research initiatives that explore treatments for epilepsy, pancreatic cancer, and several types of tumors. Through these clinical trials, Dr. Ghanouni has helped secure FDA approval for many MR-guided focused ultrasound treatments.
His articles have been published in dozens of peer-reviewed medical journals, including Lancet Oncology, Neurology, Investigative Radiology, European Radiology, Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Journal of Neurosurgery, New England Journal of Medicine, and Radiology. Dr. Ghanouni has been invited to speak at conferences and symposiums all over the nation and the world, including in Rome, Italy; Tel Aviv, Israel; and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He is widely regarded for his groundbreaking research as well as his clinical expertise.
Dr. Ghanouni is a member of several professional organizations, including the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, the International Society for Therapeutic Ultrasound, and the European Focused Ultrasound Society.
MR-guided focused ultrasound treatment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Bwq2YxD9eU -
Harcharan Gill
Kathryn Simmons Stamey Professor, Emeritus
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsBenign Prostatic Hyperplasia- Evaluation and development of new minimally invasive techniques
Endourology: developing, designing and evaluating new instruments
Bladder cancer: outcomes of treatment
BPH: cryotherapy and HIFU -
Vanessa Gulla
Clinical Assistant Professor, Urology
BioDr. Gulla is a board-certified urologist with fellowship training in endourology. She is a clinical assistant professor in the Stanford University School of Medicine Department of Urology.
For each patient, she develops a comprehensive, compassionate care plan customized to individual needs. Her goal is to help each patient achieve the best possible health and quality of life.
Dr. Gulla performs the complete spectrum of diagnostic and treatment procedures for urological conditions. She treats disorders including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), blood in urine, kidney stones, male and female voiding dysfunction, neurogenic bladder, prostate cancer, and over active bladder.
She excels at ureteroscopy and cystoscopy (examination of the bladder and urinary tract with a scope), endourology (minimally invasive treatment of kidney stones), laser therapy, ultrasound-guided diagnosis and treatment, urodynamic testing, and other techniques.
To help advance her field, Dr. Gulla has conducted research. Among the topics she has investigated are voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) testing in children for bladder and urethral abnormalities and for conditions that can lead to kidney infections.
She has presented her research findings at the national meeting of the American Urologic Association. She also has published papers in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons and elsewhere.
She is a member of the American Urologic Association. -
Susanna Gunamany
Postdoctoral Scholar, Urology
BioDr. Gunamany received her PhD in Public Health from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Gandhinagar. Before her doctoral studies, she earned a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), India, and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Kerala.
Dr. Gunamany's scholarly pursuits revolve around the convergence of health and technology, with a specific emphasis on mobile health (mHealth) and its potential for improving healthcare delivery and access. Broadening her research scope, she is interested in health disparities and inequalities research, focusing on marginalized populations and the intricate interplay of social, economic, and environmental factors influencing health outcomes. -
Hassan Jahanandish
Postdoctoral Scholar, Urology
BioDr. Hassan Jahanandish is a Postdoctoral Fellow at Stanford School of Medicine, where his research focuses on the intersection of multimodal AI and medical imaging with the overarching objective of advancing care paradigms for cancer patients. Before joining Stanford, he completed his PhD in Bioengineering at the University of Texas at Dallas and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (2022). Beyond his research pursuits, Hassan is an Instructor and Team Mentor at Stanford Center for Biodesign, where he helps shape the future of medical innovation and healthcare entrepreneurship. Hassan's scholarly contributions have been published in numerous journals and conferences, including Lancet Oncology, NeurIPS, and ICRA, and his work in collaboration with Nokia Bell Labs has been awarded a United States patent. Hassan's achievements have been recognized by awards such as the Jonsson Family Graduate Fellowship in Bioengineering, the Doctoral Dissertation Research Award, and being an International RehabWeek paper award finalist (2019).
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John Leppert
Professor of Urology and, by courtesy, of Nephrology
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsOur research aims to improve the global quality of care for patients with Urologic Cancer with a particular focus on kidney cancer. We are investigating novel proteomic platforms and assays to diagnose kidney cancer and predict response to therapy. We are evaluating the comparative effectiveness of various kidney cancer surgeries and their impact on chronic kidney disease and its downstream effects. We are applying epidemiology, bioinformatics, and health services methods to urologic conditions.
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Joseph C. Liao
Kathryn Simmons Stamey Professor
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsThe overarching theme of my scholarship is to develop precision diagnostics in imaging and biomarkers to guide the delivery of precision therapy for urological diseases including bladder cancer, urinary tract infections, and kidney stone disease.
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Daniel Massana Roquero
Postdoctoral Scholar, Urology
BioDaniel Massana Roquero is a postdoctoral scholar who earned his PhD in Chemistry from Clarkson University (NY, USA) on development and application of smart hydrogel for biomedical applications. This work contributed to shaping his current research in the department of Urology at Stanford University, where his efforts are focused on improving kidney stone surgery outcomes.
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Rustin Massoudi, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor, Urology
BioDr. Massoudi is a board certified urologist specializing in general urology and urologic oncology. He is a clinical assistant professor of urology at Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Massoudi has expertise in treating prostate cancer, kidney cancer, kidney stones, and enlarged prostate. He also cares for patients with bladder cancer, testicular cancer, urinary retention, and a wide range of other urologic conditions.
His experience encompasses the complete spectrum of treatment options. This includes advanced, minimally invasive techniques like endoscopy and laparoscopy, as well as robotic surgery, which can enable smaller incisions and potentially shorter recovery times. For cases where a minimally invasive approach isn’t feasible, he performs open surgery.
Dr. Massoudi partners with each patient and family to customize a treatment plan that fits their needs. He welcomes patients at all stages in their journey—from early to more advanced symptoms—and is dedicated to helping them manage their urologic health long-term. He values the rewards of helping patients through difficult times as they cope with urologic disorders.
Dr. Massoudi was drawn to urology for its unique combination of medical and surgical care, including the opportunity to use the most innovative techniques and technology. He enjoys establishing a rapport and staying in close communication with referring physicians. To ensure all of his patients receive comprehensive care, he collaborates with Stanford colleagues from endocrinology, nephrology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and other specialties.
Building on his passion for biological sciences and bioengineering, Dr. Massoudi’s studies have included translational research into the use of proteomics to target proteins on the metabolic pathway of kidney cancer development. In partnership with the Stanford Kidney Cancer Research Program, he has also explored the role of the molecule IQGAP in kidney cancer cell migration, proliferation, differentiation, polarity, and adhesion.
While working at the Veterans Administration in Palo Alto, Dr. Massoudi collaborated on an investigation into the utility of nuclear imaging methods for identifying and staging bladder cancer. He also collaborated on research that used novel proteomic technology to understand the signaling mechanisms of renal cell carcinoma; he later performed in vitro experiments on novel biomarkers and therapeutic agents for treating it.
Dr. Massoudi has authored numerous articles on renal disorders, innovative treatment techniques and technologies, and related topics. His work has been featured in Cell, the Journal of Endourology, European Urology Oncology, Canadian Journal of Urology, American Journal of Medical Genetics, and others. He has made presentations at conferences including the American Urological Association, Society of Urology Oncology, and World Congress of Endourology.
Dr. Massoudi has received multiple honors for teaching, scholarship, and research including a Stanford Urology Teaching Award for Outstanding
Mentorship of Co-Residents. In addition, he won a Gold Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Award from Stanford University School of Medicine.
At the 43rd Annual Northern California Urological Society Conference, he won top honors for his presentation on IQGAP. -
Ashu Mohammad
Postdoctoral Scholar, Urology
BioRecieved his PhD in molecular biology from Shoolini University, India. He is trying to understand the implications of oxidative stress and circadian rhythms in IC/BPS and Nocturia repectively.
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Alan C. Pao
Associate Professor of Medicine (Nephrology) and, by courtesy, of Urology
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsWe are broadly interested in how the kidneys control salt, water, and electrolyte homeostasis in the body. Our disease focus is on kidney stone disease. We use cultured kidney cells, transgenic mice, human plasma/urine samples, and electronic health record data to study the pathogenesis of kidney stone disease. Our therapeutic focus is on the development of small molecule compounds that can be used for kidney stone prevention.
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Christopher K. Payne, MD
Professor of Urology at the Stanford University Medical Center, Emeritus
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsObstetric Fistula Projects:
1. Preoperative ultrasound evaluation to detect ureteric involvement in vesicovaginal fistulas
2. Patient narrative study to identify key medical, social and economic factors that lead to fistula formation
3. Study of urinary continence after fistula repair
Pelvic pain: investigation into role of pelvic floor in chronic pelvic pain -
Donna Peehl, PhD
Professor (Research) of Urology, Emerita
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsMy research focuses on the molecular and cellular biology of the human prostate. Developing realistic experimental models is a major goal, and primary cultures of prostatic epithelial and stromal cells are my main model system. Our discoveries are relevant to prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment of benign and malignant prostatic diseases.
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Inder Perkash
Paralyzed Veterans of America Professor of Spinal Cord Injury Medicine, Emeritus
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsMy major interest has been neurogenic bladder and neurogenic bowel. In other areas where I have published research include urinary tract infections , use of Laser to vaporize urethral strictures in able bodies and surgery to improve voiding in spinal cord injury patients.
Currently I am helping set up to evaluate and rehab. neurogenic bowel problems in GI Medicine at Stanford. -
Alexandra LaPat Polasko
Postdoctoral Scholar, Urology
BioDr. Alexandra Polasko is a postdoctoral fellow at Stanford University School of Medicine in the Department of Urology in Dr. James Brooks's lab. She received her M.S. and Ph.D. from UCLA in Civil and Environmental Engineering in Dr. Shaily Mahendra's lab and bachelors from UC Berkeley. Before coming to Stanford, she was a postdoctoral fellow at UCLA in the School of Dentistry, Oral Biology Division under Dr. Hung Ton-That where she studied the role motility plays as a virulence factor in oral pathogens. Currently, Dr. Polasko's research focuses on elucidating the mechanisms that drive benign prostate hyperplasia, which is the abnormal growth of the prostate and affects nearly 80% of men over eighty and can result in impaired urine storage and voiding as well as renal failure. She is a co-inventor on two patents and received UCLA's prestigious Distinguished Teaching Award for Teaching Assistants (2021).
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Ashkan Pourabhari Langroudi
Visiting Instructor, Urology - Divisions
BioAshkan Pourabhari Langroudi, MD, embarked on his medical journey at Tehran University of Medical Sciences in Iran. Throughout his academic and professional journey, he has consistently demonstrated a keen interest in urologic medicine.
Recently, Ashkan joined the urology research team at Stanford University. In this dynamic research environment, he explores diverse aspects of Men's Health. Ashkan is always eager to learn new things and is determined to have a positive impact on urological medicine. -
Kris B. Prado, MD
Assistant Professor of Urology
BioDr. Kris Prado is a urologic oncology fellowship trained surgeon-scientist, board-certified urologist, and Assistant Professor in the Stanford University Department of Urology. His clinical practice focuses on urologic oncology, and he performs open, endoscopic, and robotic surgery. In addition to his clinical role, he is also an active member of Philip Beachy's laboratory where his research focuses on bladder urothelial development and regeneration.
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Lisa Rogo-Gupta
Clinical Professor, Obstetrics & Gynecology
Clinical Professor (By courtesy), UrologyBioDr. Rogo-Gupta is a urogynecologist and Associate Division Director of Gynecology and Gynecologic Specialties, Clinic Chief of the Ambulatory Gynecology Service Line, and Well-Being Director for the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. In her current roles, Dr. Rogo-Gupta seeks to incorporate physician well-being into strategic decisions impacting all parts of the academic mission—clinical care, education, and research. She is particularly proud of operational changes to increase efficiency and improve both patient and physician experience. Under her leadership gynecology was recognized as one of the TOP 10 patient experience drivers across the enterprise. Dr. Rogo-Gupta is passionate about teaching and mentoring and has received numerous awards throughout her career and enjoys lecturing locally and abroad.
Dr. Rogo-Gupta’s experiences in clinical operations and medical education have given her a unique perspective on faculty development needs at academic medical centers. She is actively involved in the design and implementation of department-wide programs including mentorship and coaching, critical event support, faculty didactics, and the Obstetrics and Gynecology Stanford Network for Advancement and Promotion program.
Dr. Rogo-Gupta proudly joined Stanford in 2013 following residency at Columbia University and fellowship at the University of California, Los Angeles, where she also completed the NIH K30 Graduate Research Training Program. Dr. Rogo-Gupta’s research interests include surgery outcomes and institutional and national levels her work has been widely published and recognized by the American Board of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. She currently serves on the Editorial Board of her specialty journal, Urogynecology. -
Tope Rude, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor, Urology
BioDr. Rude is a board-certified, fellowship-trained urologist and pelvic reconstructive surgeon with Stanford Health Care Pelvic Health Center and the Stanford Urology Clinic. She is also a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Urology at Stanford University School of Medicine.
Dr. Rude specializes in pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. She is skilled in male and female genitourinary (urinary tract and reproductive organ) reconstruction, complex voiding dysfunction (issues with urinating), and neurourology (bladder problems related to spinal injuries and neurological disorders). She offers the full spectrum of care for pelvic organ prolapse, customized for the individual patient, and including vaginal surgery, robot assisted surgery, mesh augmented repairs, hysterectomy and obliterative procedures. She also offers broad surgical options for urethral reconstruction, including novel minimally invasive techniques, open repair with graft augmentation, and robot assisted repairs. Robotic approaches to care for distal ureteral stricture disease, neurogenic bladder and urinary fistula allow her to provide excellent outcomes for patients.
Her research interests include improving patient-reported outcomes after pelvic organ prolapse surgery, as well as the medical and surgical management of neurogenic (nervous system based) bladder and complex voiding dysfunction. She has also studied the interaction between race and prostate cancer treatment among the veteran population. Her active research endeavors include clinical trial of a novel implanted peripheral neuromodulation device for urgency incontinence and multi-center studies of voiding dysfunction.
Dr. Rude has received numerous awards, including winning first place in the socioeconomic category of the American Urologic Association’s (AUA) New York Section Annual Valentine Essay Contest. She also won best presentation at AUA’s Veteran Affairs Forum. Dr. Rude received the Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogenital Reconstruction (SUFU) Chemodenervation Grant and the National Institutes of Health/National Medical Association Travel Award.
Dr. Rude has published in several peer-reviewed journals, including Cancer, The Journal of Urology, and Urology. She has delivered presentations at the annual meetings of AUA and SUFU. In addition, she has presented at the World Congress of Endourology and Uro-Technology.
Dr. Rude is a member of AUA and SUFU. She is awas an inaugural fellow of the Well Black Woman Institute, which is part of The Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness in Madison, Wisconsin. -
Mirabela Rusu
Assistant Professor of Radiology (Integrative Biomedical Imaging Informatics) and, by courtesy, of Urology and of Biomedical Data Science
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsDr. Mirabela Rusu focuses on developing analytic methods for biomedical data integration, with a particular interest in radiology-pathology fusion. Such integrative methods may be applied to create comprehensive multi-scale representations of biomedical processes and pathological conditions, thus enabling their in-depth characterization.
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Sumit Shah
Clinical Associate Professor, Medicine - Oncology
Clinical Associate Professor (By courtesy), UrologyBioDr. Sumit Shah specializes in the management of advanced urologic malignancies such as prostate, kidney, bladder, and testicular cancers. He also serves as an investigator on numerous clinical trials, with a focus on novel immunotherapy agents. His academic interests also include digital health technologies and novel healthcare delivery services, both in the domestic and international setting. Dr. Shah graduated with distinction in biomedical engineering from Duke University, received his medical doctorate from Stanford University, and Masters in Public Health from Harvard University. He completed his internal medicine residency at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) where he stayed on faculty for one year before returning to Stanford for his fellowship training in medical oncology, where he now serves on the faculty.
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Jay Shah
Associate Professor of Urology
BioDr. Jay Shah, MD currently serves as Chief of the Medical Staff for Stanford Health Care. He is a cancer surgeon and associate professor of Urology at the Stanford University School of Medicine. His clinical focus is on bladder cancer, and he is well known for his expertise in robotic surgery. His academic interests center on optimizing outcomes after bladder removal surgery. He is very active in leadership development, team building, and quality improvement work and he lectures nationally and internationally on these topics. He is also certified by the International Coaching Federation as an executive coach.
Dr. Shah graduated from Harvard College, and he completed medical school and urology residency training at Columbia University. During his time at Columbia, Dr. Shah was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society; he was named Physician of the Year by the nursing staff; and he was recognized by the medical students with the Gold Foundation Excellence in Teaching Award. After residency, he completed a three-year fellowship in Urologic Oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center and then joined the faculty there. During his time at MD Anderson, Dr. Shah launched the bladder cancer robotics program, developed an enhanced recovery program for patients undergoing bladder removal surgery, became double board-certified in Urology and Medical Quality, and was chosen to lead the MDACC Genitourinary Center as Center Medical Director.
In his free time, Dr. Shah enjoys reading, cooking, and exploring the beaches of Northern California with his family and three dogs.
In his free time, Dr. Shah enjoys reading, cooking, surfing, hiking and exploring the beaches of Northern California in his Jeep Wrangler with his family and 2 dogs. -
Kunj Sheth
Assistant Professor of Urology
BioDr. Kunj Sheth is a pediatric urologist who focuses on minimally-invasive approaches to children’s surgery and treatment of complex patients. She is currently in the Biodesign Faculty Fellows Program. Her research focuses on the design and development of health technology specifically for children. She is also working to improve surgical education for residents through 3-dimensional modeling for minimally-invasive surgery. She is a part of the UCSF-Stanford Pediatric Device Consortium. Kunj graduated from Northwestern University with an undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering. She attended Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and completed a Urology residency training program at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. She then completed a fellowship in Pediatric Urology at Baylor College of Medicine - Texas Children's Hospital.
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Eugene Shkolyar, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor, Urology
BioEugene Shkolyar, MD is a urologic oncologist who specializes in treating patients with bladder, prostate, kidney, and testis cancers. He is a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Urology at the Stanford School of Medicine.
Dr. Shkolyar has expertise in open, endoscopic, and robotic surgery and in caring for patients with complex urologic oncology needs. Dr. Shkolyar is actively engaged in translational research, with a particular interest in integrating artificial intelligence into bladder cancer treatment and the development of novel biomarkers for cancer detection. His commitment to continual innovation ensures that his patients have access to the latest and most effective treatment options.
Dr. Shkolyar was born in Kyiv, Ukraine, and raised in New York. He attended Cornell University for his undergraduate education and went on to UCLA for medical school. Following medical school, Dr. Shkolyar completed a residency in urology at Stanford, where he developed his interest in urologic oncology, translational bladder cancer research and teaching. He went on to complete a two-year fellowship in urologic oncology at Stanford School of Medicine gaining additional skills in management of complex urologic cancers. Dr. Shkolyar is the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including membership in the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honors society and a research scholar award from the Urology Care Foundation. In addition, he has authored and co-authored numerous publications in urology, artificial intelligence, and device development.
Dr. Shkolyar is a member of the Society of Urologic Oncology, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Urological Association, and the European Association of Urology. -
Linda M. Dairiki Shortliffe
Stanley McCormick Memorial Professor in the School of Medicine, Emerita
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsThe timing for intervention in obstruction in the infant and child is poorly understood.Our group has been interested in trying to define the risks that may be involved in obstructive and infectious uropathies and discovering early signs of damage to the urinary tract and kidney. We have explored ways of imaging the urinary tract using nonionizing radiation (US, MRI). We have studied the relationships of sex steroid hormones, pregnancy, reflux, urinary tract infection and urinary tract function.
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Eila C. Skinner
Thomas A. Stamey Research Professor of Urology
On Partial Leave from 11/16/2024 To 05/16/2025Current Research and Scholarly InterestsMy research focuses on outcomes in the treatment of muscle invasive and high-grade non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. This includes identifying markers of prognosis, predictive markers for response to surgery and chemotherapy, and working toward an individualized, multidisciplinary approach to disease management. I have also focused on optimizing the use of lower urinary tract reconstruction in patients undergoing cystectomy, and developing interventions to improve patient quality of life.
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Eric R. Sokol, MD
Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Gynecology and Gynecologic Specialties/Urogynecology) and, by courtesy, of Urology
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsMy research is focused on the development and testing of novel minimally invasive treatment modalities for complex pelvic floor disorders.
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Geoffrey Sonn
Associate Professor of Urology and, by courtesy, of Radiology (Body MRI)
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsMy interest is in improving prostate cancer diagnosis through MRI and image-targeted prostate biopsy. In collaboration with radiologists at Stanford, we are working to define the optimal role of MRI in prostate cancer. We hope to improve cancer imaging to the point that some men with elevated PSA may safely avoid prostate biopsy. For those who need biopsy, we are evaluating novel MRI-US fusion targeted biopsy, a technique that greatly improves upon the conventional biopsy method.
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Sandy Srinivas
Professor of Medicine (Oncology) and, by courtesy, of Urology
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsClinical interests: general oncology, genito-urinary malignancy Research interests: conducting clinical trials in advanced prostate cancer, bladder cancer and renal cell carcinoma
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Leslee L.Subak, MD
Katharine Dexter McCormick and Stanley McCormick Memorial Professor and Professor, by courtesy, of Urology
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsMy research focuses on the association of weight and urinary incontinence (UI) in women and clinical trials to test strategies to improve outcomes in women’s genitourinary health. We have shown the independent association of weight and UI and the efficacy of weight loss to treat women with UI. I also conduct studies of epidemiology, economics and cost-effectiveness, and novel interventions for UI, sexual dysfunction, vaginal atrophy, pelvic organ prolapse and menopause symptoms.
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Ryan R. Sun
Clinical Assistant Professor, Urology
BioDr. Sun is a board-eligible, fellowship-trained urologist specializing in general urology and endourology. He is a clinical assistant professor of urology at Stanford University School of Medicine. He graduated with Cum Laud from the University of Washington and obtained his medical degree from the University of Toronto. After completing his urology residency at the University of Manitoba, Dr. Sun completed further fellowship training in Endourology at Stanford University School of Medicine.
Dr. Sun speaks fluent Mandarin and sees patients with a wide spectrum of general urologic diseases of the kidneys, bladder, prostate, and genitalia, with a special focus in complex kidney stone disease and minimally invasive surgery. He has received multiple research awards and authored numerous peer-reviewed publications regarding kidney stone disease, oncology, education, imaging, voiding dysfunction, and gene therapy.
In his academic role, Dr. Sun is committed to providing compassionate care and developing innovative treatments to advance minimally invasive surgical techniques. -
Zijie Sun
Professor of Urology, Emeritus
Current Research and Scholarly InterestsWe focus on understanding the molecular mechanism of transcription factors that govern the transformation of normal cells to a neoplastic state. We are especially interested in nuclear hormone action and its interactions with other signaling pathways in tumor development and progression.
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Alan Eih Chih Thong
Clinical Associate Professor, Urology
BioDr. Thong is a surgeon specializing in urologic oncology. He has expertise in all aspects of prostate, kidney, bladder, and testicular cancer care, including endoscopic, robotic, and open surgery, and has a special interest in complex cases including: salvage surgery following radiation or chemotherapy, resection of locally advanced tumors, minimal access robotic surgery, and MRI-US fusion targeted biopsies. Dr. Thong is the first surgeon in northern California to utilize single port robotic assisted laparoscopic technology for both pelvic and retroperitoneal surgeries. He has won numerous awards including the NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award, and has authored and co-authored publications on the treatment of urologic cancers.
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Lee White, Ph.D.
Clinical Scholar, Urology
Fellow in UrologyBioI am a fourth year clinical medical student at Stanford University School of Medicine. Here you will find out about my interests including a list of my publications and projects. I completed my doctoral research on training and evaluation of robotic surgical techniques with the Biorobotics Lab at the University of Washington in Spring 2013. I am a co-founder of C-SATS, Inc., a surgical performance assessment company that uses expert reviews and the wisdom of the crowd to train surgeons and medical practitioners.
