The Department of Urology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill delivers excellence in patient care, education, and research. At UNC Urology, we provide patients with a continuum of care and support throughout their recovery process. We strive to find better techniques and treatment options, provide education for patients and their families, and continue to advocate for their needs long after they leave our program.
In addition to their work in Chapel Hill, our faculty are recognized as thought leaders both nationally and internationally, and play a key role in advancing the field and mentoring the next generation of leaders in Urology.
Please join us in celebrating the many recent accomplishments of the Department in 2023:
Awards
We are proud to have the excellence and leadership of our faculty consistently recognized by patients, peers, and national organizations.
Kathryn Gessner Receives BCAN’s 2023 Young Investigator Award
Kathryn Gessner, MD, PhD, a Clinical Fellow specializing in Urologic Oncology, has been honored with the esteemed Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network’s (BCAN) 2023 Young Investigator Award.
Bukowski Presented With “Award for Outstanding Achievement” at the 2023 NCPeds Annual Meeting
Timothy Bukowski, MD, FAAP, FACS, has been honored with the “Award for Outstanding Achievement” at the 2023 North Carolina Pediatric Society (NCPeds) Annual Meeting. This award is presented to a pediatrician or professional working in pediatrics who has demonstrated exceptional service to enhance the health and well-being of children and adolescents.
Angela Smith Recipient of the 2023 SWIU Christina Manthos Mentoring Award
Congratulations to Dr. Angela Smith on receiving the 2023 SWIU Christina Manthos Mentoring Award in recognition of her exceptional mentoring skills and widely recognized commitment to empowering and guiding medical students, residents, and junior urologists, with a particular emphasis on championing the professional growth of women urologists.
Angela Smith Recipient of UNC School of Medicine’s 2023 Early Career Achievement Award
Angela Smith has been named the inaugural recipient of the UNC Medical Alumni Affairs Early Career Achievement Award for 2023. This award recognizes graduates who have made significant contributions to their field of medicine through their scientific, academic, or humanitarian endeavors within the first 15 years of their careers.
Kathryn Hacker Gessner, MD, PhD Receives Prestigious Pope Clinical Trainee Award
Congratulations to Dr. Kathryn Hacker Gessner who has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious 2023 Pope Clinical Trainee Awards.
View Last Year’s (2022) Awards and Recognition News
National Leadership
Alongside their efforts in Chapel Hill, UNC Urology faculty members provide substantive leadership in service to multiple national organizations in urology.
Marc Bjurlin Takes the Stage in Florence, Italy at the 8th Annual European Conference on Tobacco Control
Marc Bjurlin was honored with an invitation to lead a plenary lecture focusing on the intricate relationship between smoking and bladder cancer at the 8th Annual European Conference on Tobacco Control (ECTC) hosted in Florence, Italy
Nielsen Appointed to NQF Diagnostic Excellence Committee
Matthew Nielsen has been appointed to the National Quality Forum (NQF) Diagnostic Excellence Committee, under the NQF Advancing Measurement of Diagnostic Excellence for Better Healthcare Initiative.
Katherine Chan Appointed to the AUA’s Research Grants and Investigator Support Committee
Katherine Chan has been appointed to the AUA’s RGISC – a reflection of her remarkable expertise and contributions to the field of urology, particularly in the areas of urologic research and peer mentoring.
Nielsen Sheds Light on Prostate Cancer and Health Equity at UNC and Across the Country
Matthew Nielsen delivered insightful talks on prostate cancer and health equity at both UNC and a recent National Academies of Medicine symposium.
Exploring Mentorship and Coaching in Urology: Insights and Strategies for Overcoming Burnout
Angela Smith and Zach Klaassen discuss mentorship and coaching in urology, highlighting the significance of having multiple mentors and the notion that everyone can act as both a mentor and a mentee.
UNC Urology at AUA2023
Full schedule of UNC Urology courses, lectures, panels, forums being presented at the AUA 2023 meeting in Chicago.
Katherine Chan to become UNC Urology’s First Vice Chair for Research
Dr. Katherine Chan, a distinguished surgeon-scientist will become UNC Urology’s inaugural Vice Chair for Research beginning April 1st.
UNC Urology Researchers’ Abstract Selected for the AUA2023 Annual Meeting Press Program
A team of UNC researchers’ work has earned them a coveted spot in the American Urological Association’s (AUA) 2023 Annual Meeting Press Program including Hannah E. Kay, MD, UNC Urology 2nd Year Resident
Viprakasit Trip to Thailand: A Journey of Professional and Cultural Exchange
Davis Viprakasit recently had the privilege of being invited as a visiting professor for the Fourth Annual Sharing Urological Experiences Thai and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (TUPMC) Meeting in Chiang Mai, Thailand. This academic collaboration brought together urologists from Thailand and the United States to exchange knowledge and ideas on the latest advancements in urologic care.
View Last Year’s (2022) National Leadership News
Education
The UNC Urology residency, ranked #17 in the country in the US News / Doximity Residency Rankings, attracts candidates from top medical schools around the country, who go on to be leaders in urology across the spectrum of practice settings.
Hersh Trivedi Awarded with NC Jaycee Burn Center Intern Award
We are delighted to announce that Dr. Hersh Trivedi, a Second Year Resident in the UNC Urology residency program, was honored with the “NC Jaycee Burn Center Intern Award” by the Department of Surgery this past July.
UNC Urology Trainees Spratte and Walker Shine at AUA Early Career Investigators Workshop
UNC Urology is proud to announce that Drs. Brooke Spratte and Colton Walker were selected to participate in the prestigious AUA Early Career Investigators Workshop.
UNC Urology’s 2023 Residency Program Rankings
At UNC Urology, Resident education is a top priority. We strive to provide the right balance of supervision and autonomy so that our residents can make an immediate impact in any position. This is one of the many reasons we are the highest ranked surgical residency program at UNC.
Bi-Directional Learning For Health Equity: Urology Surgeon Visits Malawi
Christine Nikas, MD, wrapping up year five as a chief resident in the Department of Urology, completed a global health observership at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe, Malawi.
UNC Urology Matches Gianpaolo (Gino) Carpinito, MD in 2024 Society of Urologic Oncology (SUO) Fellowship
We are excited to welcome Gianpaolo (Gino) Carpinito, MD as our 2024-2026 Urologic Oncology Fellow.
2023 End of Year Department of Urology Awards
This year’s Resident of the Year Award was presented to Dr. Hannah Kay, and the Attending of the Year award was presented to Dr. Kristy Borawski.
Celebrating the Graduation of UNC Urology Residents Demzik, McCloskey, & Nikas
Join us in celebrating the achievements of UNC Urology Residency Program graduates, Drs. Alysen Demzik, Hannah McCloskey, and Christine Nikas.
Brooke Spratte Selected as Resident Representative on the Strategic Plan Steering Committee
We are excited to announce that Dr. Brooke Spratte, a resident in the Department of Urology, has been selected as one of the Resident Representatives on the newly formed Strategic Plan Steering Committee for the UNC School of Medicine.
Kathryn Hacker Gessner, MD, PhD Receives Prestigious Pope Clinical Trainee Award
Congratulations to Dr. Kathryn Hacker Gessner who has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious 2023 Pope Clinical Trainee Awards.
Match Day 2023 – UNC Urology Residency Class of ’28
Congratulations to Benjamin Borgert (Florida State University), Hunter LaCouture (University of Colorado), and Kyle McCloskey (East Carolina University) – our UNC Urology Residency Class of ’28. We look forward to greeting you all in Chapel Hill later this year.
View Last Year’s (2022) Education News
Patient Care
UNC Urology is committed to providing our patients with a personalized and caring experience that supports health, delivers value, and is free from harm.
UNC Urology’s Newest Faculty Member: Kathryn Hacker Gessner, MD, PhD
We are thrilled to announce that Kathryn Hacker Gessner, MD, PhD is the latest addition to our esteemed faculty at UNC Urology – joining us in December of 2023 as an Assistant Professor of Urology.
Pioneering UNC Urologist Employs Advanced, Minimally Invasive “Robotic” Surgeries For Pediatric Patients
When Dr. Hans Arora recently performed two particularly complex urologic surgeries simultaneously on a young patient, he utilized the most advanced techniques and robotic tools available. As a result, the child experienced far less discomfort than with a traditional “open” procedure, had several very small ½-inch scars vs. one large 12-inch scar the length of her abdomen, and went home in less than two days instead of spending five to seven days in the hospital.
Celebrating Outreach Excellence: Dr. Zach Feuer, MD, Delivers Prostate Cancer Education in Spanish
In conjunction with UNC Lineberger’s Community Outreach and Engagement Office, Dr. Zach Feuer took the stage, delivering a comprehensive session addressing crucial aspects of prostate cancer, including screening, diagnosis, and treatment, entirely in Spanish.
UNC Urology and Pediatric Urology Ranked #40 & #23 in the Nation in U.S. News & World Report
UNC Hospitals Urology program was recently ranked as 40th in the Nation in the latest edition of the U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals”
UNC Urology Welcomes Dr. Minh Pham
UNC Urology is thrilled to announce the addition of Dr. Minh Pham. Dr. Pham’s return to North Carolina marks not only a professional milestone for him but also a significant moment for our urology department as we continue to grow our esteemed faculty.
UNC Urology Patients Benefit from Minimally Invasive “Rezum” Procedure for Enlarged Prostates
Rezum is a minimally invasive, in-office procedure for men with mild to moderately enlarged prostates. It involves injecting hot water vapor (steam) directly into the part of the prostate that compresses the urethra. This heated vapor results in a shrinking of the enlarged tissue over a period of several weeks.
UNC Urologists Perform Innovative “Transperineal Biopsies” to Reduce Risks and Optimize Prostate Cancer Detection
Urologists at UNC are at the forefront of performing a highly effective procedure called “transperineal biopsies” of the prostate, in which the biopsy needle enters through the patient’s perineum instead of the rectum. At UNC, traditional transrectal biopsies have a very low risk of serious infection.
UNC’s Advanced Robotic Surgery Tools Provide Less Invasive “Single Port” Procedures For Urology Patients
We only need to make a single incision instead of multiple incisions, which typically translates into less post operative pain, and the patient being able to leave the hospital sooner,” says Dr. Bjurlin.
Urologists at UNC Perform Advanced “Fusion” Biopsies, Helping to Provide Enhanced Prostate Cancer Detection
University urologists have extensive training and experience with fusion biopsies, having collectively completed over 1,000 procedures to date.
UNC Health Named One of the Top Places to Work in Healthcare
UNC Health has been recognized as one of the “Top 150 Places to Work in Healthcare” by Becker’s Hospital Review.
FORTUNE Recognizes UNC Health as One of America’s Most Innovative Companies
FORTUNE has named UNC Health one of “America’s Most Innovative Companies” in its inaugural release of the FORTUNE’s Most Innovative list.
Hung-Jui (Ray) Tan Announced as New Director of Urologic Oncology Program
The Department of Urology is excited to announce that Hung-Jui (Ray) Tan, MD, MSHPM has been named the new Director of Urologic Oncology and will also become the Co-Director of the Urologic Oncology Program within the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.
UNC Brings Innovative HoLEP Procedure for BPH Treatment to Patients in the Southeastern U.S.
UNC is one of only a handful of centers in the Southeastern U.S. offering the advanced, minimally invasive, HoLEP procedure for BPH.
UNC Urology’s ‘Castle Connolly Top Doctors’ Grows to 12
Congratulations to Drs. Borawski, Bukowski, Chan, Figler, Nielsen, Raynor, Ross, Smith, Sutherland, Tan, Viprakasit, and Wallen, who received the ‘Top Doctor’ designation from Castle Connolly.
View Last Year’s (2022) Patient Care News
Professional Development
UNC Urology attracts the most talented faculty from around the country, and we are proud of their development into leading experts in their field.
UNC Urology Trainees Spratte and Walker Shine at AUA Early Career Investigators Workshop
UNC Urology is proud to announce that Drs. Brooke Spratte and Colton Walker were selected to participate in the prestigious AUA Early Career Investigators Workshop.
Kristy Borawski Elected to UNC Faculty Physicians Board
UNC Urology is delighted to announce the recent election of, Dr. Kristy Borawski, to the UNC Faculty Physicians Board.
UNC Urology Names Drs. Arora and Friedlander “Co-Directors of Quality Improvement”
UNC Urology is excited to announce the creation of two new positions that will play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of patient care and furthering our commitment to excellence. We are proud to announce that Drs. Hans Arora and Dave Friedlander will serve as the Department’s inaugural Co-Directors of Quality Improvement (QI).
Katherine Chan Selected for AAMC’s “Mid-Career Women Faculty Leadership Development” Seminar
We are pleased to announce that Katherine Chan, MD, MPH, has been selected to attend this year’s AAMC Mid-Career Women Faculty Leadership Development Seminar in Atlanta.
Celebrating Excellence: Highlights from UNC Urology’s Annual Faculty Retreat
UNC Urology recently came together for its much-anticipated annual Faculty Retreat. As we reflect on the event, our achievements collectively underscore the dedication and excellence that define UNC Urology.
Arora and Pham Selected for Inaugural Expansion of LAMP Program
Hans Arora, MD, PhD, and Dr. Minh Nguyen Pham, MD, have been selected for participation in the Leadership in Academic Medicine Program (LAMP) 2023-2024 cohort. Designed to support junior faculty within their first three years, LAMP aims to build a sense of community, purpose, direction, and confidence, facilitating a thriving career at UNC.
Celebrating Dr. Davis Viprakasit’s Promotion to Professor of Urology
We are delighted to announce the promotion of Dr. Davis Viprakasit to the position of “Professor of Urology.” Dr. Viprakasit’s journey – throughout his career – has been notable due to his dedication to providing outstanding clinical care, and many invaluable contributions to the field of urology.
Kristy Borawski Promoted to Professor of Urology
We are delighted to announce the recent promotion of Dr. Kristy Borawski to the position of “Professor of Urology” within the Department of Urology, effective July 1st, 2023.
Kristy Borawski Selected for Newly Launched Leading Transformation in Academic Medicine (LTAM) Program
Kristy Borawski, Professor of Urology, has been accepted to participate in the Leading Transformation in Academic Medicine (LTAM) program – an immersive leadership development opportunity designed to foster the growth and expertise of exceptional faculty
Brooke Spratte Selected as Resident Representative on the Strategic Plan Steering Committee
We are excited to announce that Dr. Brooke Spratte, a resident in the Department of Urology, has been selected as one of the Resident Representatives on the newly formed Strategic Plan Steering Committee for the UNC School of Medicine.
Chan and Smith Complete UNC SOM Coaching Academy ‘Level 2 Coach Training’
Katherine Chan and Angela Smith, have recently completed the intensive Level 2 Coach Training program offered by the UNC School of Medicine’s Coaching Academy, in collaboration with Pyramid Resource Group’s Healthcare Coaching Institute (HCI)
Friedlander Selected as UNC IHQI Improvement Scholar
David Friedlander, an Assistant Professor of Urology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, has been selected as an Improvement Scholar by the UNC Institute for Healthcare Quality Improvement (IHQI).
Working Smarter, Not Harder: UNC School of Medicine’s Professional Development Series with Dr. Angela Smith
The FALD presents a new Professional Development Series led by Dr. Angela Smith. The first session, “Harnessing your Habits to Work Smarter, Not Harder,” is an interactive event on March 23rd, 2023, that aims to help participants build good habits and leave with a personalized strategy for creating the academic life they really want.
Hung-Jui (Ray) Tan, MD, MS Promoted to Associate Professor with Tenure
Please join us in congratulating Dr .Hung-Jui (Ray) Tan on his promotion to Associate Professor with Tenure.
UNC School of Medicine Names Dr. Angela Smith as Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Leadership Development
The UNC Department of Urology is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Angela Smith as the new Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Leadership Development. In this new role, Dr. Smith will be responsible for leading initiatives aimed at enhancing the professional growth and development of faculty members within the school.
View Last Year’s (2022) Professional Development News
Research
Our faculty are leading a variety of innovative and practice-changing research efforts that will help to define the standards of care in their field.
UNC Men’s Health Program & Carolina Demography Launch Innovative Web Tool to Combat Prostate Cancer Disparities in North Carolina
Eric Wallen, Professor of Urology and UNC Men’s Health Program Director, is co-leading the effort to improve diagnostic and health outcomes for all North Carolinians with prostate cancer, including Black Men and Native Americans, who are disproportionately affected. Prostate cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer death for men in North Carolina.
Kathryn Gessner Receives BCAN’s 2023 Young Investigator Award
Kathryn Gessner, MD, PhD, a Clinical Fellow specializing in Urologic Oncology, has been honored with the esteemed Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network’s (BCAN) 2023 Young Investigator Award.
Marc Bjurlin Takes the Stage in Florence, Italy at the 8th Annual European Conference on Tobacco Control
Bjurlin was honored with an invitation to lead a plenary lecture focusing on the intricate relationship between smoking and bladder cancer at the 8th Annual European Conference on Tobacco Control (ECTC) hosted in Florence, Italy
UNC Urology Department Participating in NC KUH TRIO Program
In a groundbreaking initiative, universities across North Carolina are joining forces to enhance nephrology, benign urology, and hematology research. The NC Kidney, Urology, Hematology (KUH) Training, Research, Innovation, Outreach (TRIO) Program aims to push scientific boundaries and nurture the next generation of researchers.
Tan is Interviewed by UroToday on The Effect of Visual and Numeric Risk Information on Surgeon Behavior
In an interview with UroToday, Dr. Ray Tan discussed a study he presented at the 2023 AUA annual meeting. The study, titled “The Effect of Visual and Numeric Risk Information on Surgeon Behavior: a Randomized Clinical Vignette Experiment”, examined how different forms of information presentation might impact surgical recommendations made by urologists.
Celebrating Drs. Hung-Jui (Ray) Tan and Ibardo Zambrano for Receiving the “Promoting Clinical Research in Southeastern NC” Award
We are thrilled to extend our warmest congratulations to Drs. Tan and Zambrano on receiving the “Promoting Clinical Research in Southeastern NC” award. This award will fund their submitted research pilot program, titled “Reducing disparities in prostate cancer counseling and care through visual decision support.”
AUA Introduces New Data Research Program with Key Involvement from UNC Urologists
Hung-Jui (Ray) Tan and Dr. Matthew Nielsen have worked on developing the American Urological Association’s (AUA) new initiative; the AUA Data Research Program
Enhancing Patient-Centered Communication in Small Renal Mass Management – Dr. Kathryn Hacker Gessner
In an interview with UroToday, Dr. Kathryn Gessner discusses her focus on improving patient-centered communication for managing small renal masses, an issue faced by 30% of such patients.