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 2024:
Awards
We are proud to have the excellence and leadership of our faculty consistently recognized by patients, peers, and national organizations.
Tan Named One of the AUA’s 2024 Young Urologists of the Year
Hung-Jui (Ray) Tan, MD, MSHPM has been named one of the American Urological Association’s 2024 Young Urologists of the Year Award Winners, representing the Southeastern Section of the AUA.
Dr. Kathryn Hacker Gessner Receives ASCI’s Emerging-Generation Award
Dr. Kathryn Hacker Gessner, MD, PhD, has been honored with one of The American Society for Clinical Investigation’s (ASCI) 2024 Emerging-Generation Awards. This recognition underscores Dr. Gessner’s engagement and meaningful contributions as a physician-scientist.
Bjurlin, Nielsen and Schultz Receive 2024 “Award for Carolina Care Excellence”
Congratulations to Heather Schultz, NP, FAUNA, Marc Bjurlin, DO, MSc, FACOS, and Dr. Matthew Nielsen, MD, MS, FACS for receiving the UNC Health 2024 “Award for Carolina Excellence.”
UNC Urology Welcomes Dr. Carpinito and Celebrates His Prestigious Pope Fellowship Award
We are proud to announce that Dr. Gianpaolo (Gino) Carpinito, who recently joined the UNC Urology team as a Urologic Oncology Fellow, has been awarded the distinguished Pope Fellowship Award through the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Leslie Donnelly Lorbacher Awarded UNC Health APP Excellence Award for Excellence in Leadership
UNC Urology is proud to announce that Leslie Donnelly Lorbacher, AGNP, MSN, RN, was recently honored with the UNC Health APP Excellence Award for Excellence in Leadership. Leslie was acknowledged during the APP Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.
2024 End of Year Department of Urology Awards
This year’s Resident of the Year Award was presented to Dr. James Frisbie, and the Attending of the Year award was presented to Dr. Dave Friedlander.
View Last Year’s (2023) Awards News
National Leadership
Alongside their efforts in Chapel Hill, UNC Urology faculty members provide substantive leadership in service to multiple national organizations in urology.
UNC Urologist Dr. Hung-Jui (Ray) Tan Named Chair-Elect for AUA Data Committee
Dr. Hung-Jui (Ray) Tan has been selected as the Chair-Elect for the American Urological Association’s (AUA) Data Committee, effective June 1, 2024.
Nielsen Selected for National Academy of Medicine (NAM) Scholars in Diagnostic Excellence Program
Dr. Matthew Nielsen has been selected for the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) Scholars in Diagnostic Excellence Program. The program, funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation in collaboration with the Council of Medical Specialty Societies, seeks to cultivate a cadre of leaders equipped to drive implementation of effective diagnostic strategies.
Dr. David Friedlander’s Contribution to AUA Healthcare Performance Measurement Primer
Dr. Friedlander recently co-authored a new American Urological Association resource titled “Healthcare Performance Measurement: A Primer for Urologists.”
Drs. Nielsen and Friedlander Spotlight Diagnostic Excellence in Urology on AUA’s Podcast
UNC Urology is pleased to share that Drs. Matthew Nielsen and Dave Friedlander were featured in a recent episode of the American Urological Association’s podcast, AUA Inside Tract titled “Diagnostic Excellence in Urology Care.”
Bjurlin Shares Expertise with the Oncological Urology Section of the Polish Urological Society in Warsaw, Poland
UNC Urology is proud to recognize Dr. Marc Bjurlin for his contributions as an invited speaker at the 11th Symposium of the Oncological Urology Section of the Polish Urological Society held in Warsaw, Poland.
Empowering Women in Urology: SWIU’s 13th Annual Clinical Mentoring Conference Highlights
UNC Urology’s Drs. Katherine Chan, Kathryn Hacker Gessner, and Angela Smith presented at the SWIU’s 13th Annual Clinical Mentoring Conference.
Celebrating Dr. Ethan Basch: A 2024 Giant of Cancer Care
UNC Urology is proud to announce that Dr. Ethan Basch, an Adjunct Faculty member of ours, has been honored as one of the 2024 Giants of Cancer Care by OncLive. This prestigious award recognizes Dr. Basch’s pioneering work in the field of patient-reported outcomes, highlighting his dedication to improving the quality of life and care for cancer patients.
Dr. Matthew Nielsen Discusses AQUA Registry with The American Journal of Managed Care
Dr. Matthew Nielsen recently shared his insights on the AUA’s Quality (AQUA) Registry with the AJMC. Dr. Nielsen delves into the significance of the AQUA Registry, which aims to enhance urological care through robust quality measures and data collection.
UNC Urology’s Dr. Nielsen Co-Authors AUA Advocacy Report on Access to Specialty Care
In a recent publication featured in the AUA’s June 2024 Advocacy Focus Issue, Dr. Matthew Nielsen, alongside Dr. Logan Galansky, has shed some light on the pressing issue of patient access in the field of urology, and outlined innovative strategies to address this challenge.
UNC Department of Urology Celebrates Recognition for Equitable Healthcare Access
We are proud to amplify that UNC Hospitals has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the “Best Regional Hospitals for Equitable Access.”
UNC Urology Highlights the Importance of the AUA Census: Insights from Dr. Matthew Nielsen
The AUA Annual Census is a cornerstone in understanding the current state and future trends of the urology workforce. The census collects critical data from urologists around the globe, informing healthcare providers, policymakers, patients, and other stakeholders about the urology field’s evolving landscape. UNC Urology is proud to spotlight the vital role of Dr. Matthew Nielsen in leading this effort.
Dr. Arora is Interviewed by UroToday on Advancing Urology Priorities Through the AMA House of Delegates
In an interview with UroToday, Dr. Hans Arora discussed his extensive involvement in organized medicine through the AMA and the AUA.
View Last Year’s (2023) National Leadership News
Education
The UNC Urology residency program continues to attract candidates from top medical schools around the country, who go on to be leaders in urology across the spectrum of practice settings.
UNC Urology Announces Dr. Kristy Borawski as New Residency Program Director
We are excited to announce that Dr. Kristy Borawski has been appointed as the new Residency Program Director for UNC Urology.
Welcoming Dr. Rebecca Heidenberg to the UNC Urology Residency Program
UNC Urology is thrilled to welcome Dr. Rebecca Heidenberg to the residency training program as a member of the class of 2028. After completing her surgical internship she will join the residency as a PGY2.
Match Day 2024 – UNC Urology Residency Class of ’29
Congratulations Charlene Brown (UNC School of Medicine), Maggie Stroud (Medical University of South Carolina), and Krupa Nathan (UNC School of Medicine) – our UNC Urology Residency Class of ’29. We look forward to greeting you all in Chapel Hill later this year.
The Art of Medicine: An Honors Carolina Seminar Series with Dr. Matthew Nielsen
This semester, Honors Carolina students will get engaging and thought-provoking classroom discussions with UNC Urology’s Chair, Dr. Matthew Nielsen, MD, MS, FACS.
How to Foster a Growth Mindset in Medicine: Insights from Dr. Angela Smith | BackTable Podcast Ep. 71
Dr. Angela Smith was featured on an episode of BackTable Urology Podcast and defined the concept of a growth mindset and emphasizes the importance of expecting failures, seeking help, and being open about vulnerabilities.
UNC Medical Student Liz Nazzal Awarded AUA Medical Student Fellowship
We are excited to announce that Liz Nazzal, a talented medical student from the UNC School of Medicine (Class of 2025), has been awarded one of the American Urological Association’s (AUA) 2024–2025 Medical Student Fellowships.
Dr. Eric Wallen Appointed Chair of the Department of Urology at the Medical University of South Carolina
With mixed emotions, we announce Dr. Eric Wallen’s departure from UNC Urology. Dr. Wallen has accepted the prestigious role of Chair of the Department of Urology at the Medical University of South Carolina. While we are sad to see him leave, we are also excited for him as he embarks on this new chapter in his illustrious career.
UNC Urology Matches Apoorv Dhir, MD for Urologic Oncology Fellowship
We are thrilled to announce that UNC Urology will be welcoming Dr. Apoorv Dhir as our newest SUO Urologic Oncology Fellow.
Celebrating the Graduation of UNC Urology Residents Abu-Salha, French, and Reines
Join us in celebrating the achievements of UNC Urology Residency Program graduates, Drs. Yousef Abu-Salha, William French, and Katy Reines.
View Last Year’s (2023) Education News
Patient Care
UNC Urology is committed to providing our patients with the highest quality, personalized and compassionate care.
UNC Urology Welcomes Dr. Mary Elizabeth Westerman
We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Mary Beth Westerman will be joining UNC Urology in January 2025. The addition of Dr. Westerman marks another important milestone for our Department and the Urologic Oncology Division.
UNC Urology Welcomes Dr. Zachary Feuer to the Faculty
We are excited to announce that Dr. Zachary Feuer, one of our current Urologic Oncology Fellows, will be joining the UNC Urology faculty. Dr. Feuer will complete his fellowship in July 2025 and transition to his new role as Assistant Professor in Urology later that summer.
Celebrating Dr. David Johnson’s Promotion to Associate Professor
UNC Urology is pleased to announce the promotion of Dr. David Johnson, MD, MPH, to Clinical Associate Professor on the fixed-term track. His work transcends traditional academic boundaries, bridging the worlds of clinical care, research, and real-world health system innovation. We are immensely proud to have Dr. Johnson on our team and look forward to his continued contributions as he helps lead the charge in transforming healthcare delivery.
Dr. Bradley Figler Promoted to Clinical Professor of Urology
UNC Urology is proud to announce the well-deserved promotion of Dr. Brad Figler to Clinical Professor, effective April 1, 2024. Dr. Figler has made exceptional contributions and commitments to patient care, education, and scholarly pursuits – embodying the values of our department.
Heather Schultz, NP, FAUNA: Newly Appointed APP Supervisor for ENT, Neurosurgery, and Urology
Heather Schultz, NP, FAUNA, has accepted the role of Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Supervisor for Adult ENT, Neurosurgery, and Urology. Heather will remain deeply connected to the Department of Urology, where she will continue to serve patients and contribute to the department’s mission
New Program Cuts Wait Times in Half for Patients With Suspected Prostate Cancer
Previously, it could take up to three months for patients with elevated PSA levels to see a urologist. But a new program being used in the UNC Department of Urology is helping to cut those wait times in half.
Perioperative Strategies for Radical Cystectomy Patients: Insights from Dr. Angela Smith | BackTable Podcast
Dr. Angela Smith was featured on the BackTable Urology Podcast for a two-part discussion focusing on the perioperative strategies for radical cystectomy patients.
UNC Urology’s Dr. Marc Bjurlin Spotlights Prostate Cancer on ABC11 Eyewitness News
UNC Urology Associate Professor and Director of Clinical Trials, Dr. Marc Bjurlin, spoke on a recent ABC11 Eyewitness News segment addressing Prostate Cancer Awareness. The segment, led by Bianca Holman, sheds light on the heightened risk for prostate cancer faced by black men.
It Starts with Caring…and Results in Quality: UNC Urology Launches Innovative “Quality Improvement” Program, Naming Dr. Hans Arora and Dr. Dave Friedlander as Co-Directors
A newly launched “Quality Improvement” (Q.I.) initiative further enhances the patient experience by implementing a systematic yet dynamic means of identifying best practices and measuring outcomes in order to enhance all aspects of the Department’s three core activities; 1) Patient Care, 2) Research, and 3) Education of tomorrow’s leading urologists.
UNC Men’s Health Program Joins Lumbee Tribe of NC’s Veteran Stand Down Event
The UNC Men’s Health Program recently participated in the Lumbee Tribe of NC’s Veteran Stand Down event, held at the Pembroke Boys & Girls Club.
UNC Urology’s 2024 ‘Castle Connolly Top Doctors’ Grows to 14
Congratulations to Drs. Borawski, Bukowski, Chan, Figler, Friedlander, Johnson, Nielsen, Raynor, Ross, Smith, Sutherland, Tan, Viprakasit, and Wallen received the ‘Top Doctor’ designation from Castle Connolly.
View Last Year’s (2023) 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.
Dr. Stephanie Sexton Joins UNC Urology as Part of the Carolina Military Education Immersion Center (M.Ed.I.C.) Program
Dr. Stephanie Sexton, Major, U.S. Army Medical Corps, will be joining our team as part of the Carolina Military Education Immersion Center (M.Ed.I.C.) program. Dr. Sexton brings a wealth of experience and expertise in urologic surgery, and her addition further strengthens the collaboration between UNC Health and the U.S. Army’s Forward Resuscitative Surgical Teams (FRST).
Dr. Hans Arora Accepted into UNC School of Medicine’s Academy of Educators FLAGship Program
We are delighted to announce that Dr. Hans Arora, Assistant Professor of Urology and Director of Robotic Surgery in Pediatric Urology, has been accepted into the UNC School of Medicine’s Academy of Educators (AOE) FLAGship (Faculty/Fellow Leadership and Growth) Program.
Dr. Angela Smith: ICF Credentialed Coach in UNC School of Medicine’s Coaching Academy
Dr. Angela Smith has become a credentialed coach in the UNC SOM Coaching Academy by attaining the prestigious Professional Credentialed Coach (PCC) certification from the International Coaching Federation (ICF).
Dr. Kristy Borawski Completes Leading Transformation in Academic Medicine (LTAM) Program
Congratulations Dr. Kristy Borawski for successfully completing the UNC School of Medicine’s Leading Transformation in Academic Medicine (LTAM) Program as part of the inaugural cohort.
UNC Department of Urology Shines at the AOE’s Alan W. Cross Evening of Scholarship
Three UNC Urology members were highlighted at the recent Alan W. Cross Evening of Scholarship. Congratulations Drs. Minh Pham, Brooke Spratte, and Wesley Pate for their achievements and contributions. Their recognition reflects the department’s ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of excellence in teaching, and academic leadership.
Drs. Arora and Pham Graduate from Leadership in Academic Medicine Program’s (LAMP) First Interdisciplinary Cohort
We are pleased to announce the graduation of Hans Arora, MD, PhD, and Minh Nguyen Pham, MD, from the inaugural interdisciplinary Leadership in Academic Medicine Program (LAMP) 2023-2024 cohort.
Empowering Oncology Professionals: Genitourinary (GU) Oncology Nursing Education Program Series
The first series of the Genitourinary (GU) Oncology Nursing Education Program, Prostate Cancer 101, is part of an initiative spearheaded by UNC Urology’s Mary Dunn, MSN, NP-C, OCN, RN is an online education series designed to equip nurses, advanced practice providers (APPs), and other healthcare professionals actively engaged in the care of genitourinary cancer patients.
View Last Year’s (2023) 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.
Tan, Bennett, Roberts, and Milowsky Awarded $1.5 million Department of Defense Testis Cancer Research Grant
A multidisciplinary research team led by PI Dr. Hung-Jui (Ray) Tan by has been awarded a Department of Defense “Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program (PRCRP) Patient Well-Being and Survivorship Award – Pilot Clinical Trial” grant to address important survivorship issues testicular cancer survivors.
Dr. Friedlander Awarded AHRQ K08 Career Development Award
Dr. Dave Friedlander has been awarded the K08 Career Development Award from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to support a project, titled “Using Mixed Methods to Reduce Disparities in Renal Colic Care: A Model for Surgical Value Transformation.”
UNC Urology Participates in Cutting Edge Clinical Trial of Potential New “Combination Therapy” for Bladder Cancer
A multi-center Phase 3 clinical trial named “QUILT” is exploring a potential new treatment that involves administering BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin) combined with an experimental drug known as N-803 (Nogapendekin alfa inbakicept), with the goal of providing a synergistic therapeutic effect to some Bladder Cancer patients.
Dr. David Friedlander Selected for AUA’s Early-Career Investigator’s Showcase
Dr. David Friedlander has been nominated to present at the “Early-Career Investigator’s Showcase” during the upcoming 2024 Annual Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA).
Kathryn Gessner, MD, PhD, Co-authored an article discussing currently available research regarding Epstein-Barr virus and MS
Kathryn Gessner, MD, PhD, co-wrote an opinion piece providing perspectives regarding recently published work provided by other researchers on this important topic.
Chan Awarded UNC Center for Health Innovation 2024 Innovation Pilot Award
Dr. Katherine Chan, MD, MPH has been announced as a recipient of a 2024 Innovation Pilot Awards. Dr. Chan’s project, “A pilot feasibility study of a small group professional coaching intervention to decrease burnout and improve well-being among UNC Health physicians,” was selected alongside 4 other projects by the UNC Center for Health Innovation.
Medical Student Avani Desai’s Publications Address Financial Issues in Healthcare Delivery
Avani Desai, UNC School of Medicine (Class of 2026) has recently featured in several published articles, including alongside UNC Urology’s Dr. Angela Smith on the impact of financial toxicity on patient recovery and well-being.