UNC Urology is proud to recognize Dr. Mary Beth Westerman for her recent participation as a recently featured speaker for the Triangle Bladder Cancer Support Group, in which she discussed “Breaking News in Bladder Cancer Treatment.”
Dr. Westerman spoke in person to an audience of survivors, patients and caregivers at the Ronald McDonald House in Chapel Hill, NC, as well as many who joined the discussion via Zoom for a highly interactive session.
National Recognition Combined with Local Commitment
A Urologic Oncologist and Associate Professor of Urology at UNC, Dr. Westerman is widely regarded as a leading expert and frequent national speaker regarding the treatment of complex urologic cancers, including bladder, kidney, prostate, and rare malignancies.
She is also known for bringing a patient-centered, research-driven approach to care, and ensuring that individuals and families are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to navigate their health journeys.
The support group’s leader, Ritchie Briggs thanked Dr. Westerman, saying her talk was, “A ‘WOW’ moment thanks to your insight, warmth and willingness to share. We could have gone all night long, and folks were buzzing about how informative your talk was.”
Community Outreach is Core to our Mission
Her interest in engaging directly with patients outside of the clinical setting, such as through support groups, reflects a philosophy for which UNC Urology is widely recognized: bridging world-class expertise with meaningful community connection.
Leading Clinician, Researcher, and Member of the Local Community
In addition to her clinical excellence, Dr. Westerman is an internationally recognized thought leader in urologic oncology. She has authored more than 70 peer-reviewed publications and serves as a reviewer for multiple leading journals in the field, reflecting her significant contributions to advancing evidence-based care.
Her research focuses on improving oncologic outcomes, enhancing surgical techniques, and addressing barriers to care, particularly for patients undergoing complex procedures such as radical cystectomy.
At the national level, Dr. Westerman plays a key leadership role in shaping the future of urologic care. She serves on the American Urological Association (AUA) Practice Guidelines Committee and holds leadership positions within the Society of Urologic Oncology, including participation on its Clinical Trials Consortium Board of Directors.
Since joining UNC Urology, Dr. Westerman has also helped bring innovative surgical techniques to Chapel Hill, including advanced robotic approaches such as intracorporeal urinary diversion, which can improve recovery and quality-of-life outcomes for patients undergoing bladder cancer surgery.
Her recent outreach to the Triangle Bladder Cancer Support Group exemplifies how her focus on patient care extends far beyond the operating room and research arena, reaching directly into the lives of patients and families in meaningful, lasting ways.
Dr. Westerman’s support is the latest example of the longstanding commitment from UNC Urology and UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer in support and partnership with the Triangle Bladder Cancer Support Group, including providing numerous expert speakers on key topics of interest.
About the Support Group
The group got its start in 2010 as an outgrowth of the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network’s Regional Forum held in Chapel Hill, NC. The UNC Department of Urology’s Chair, Dr. Matthew Nielsen, was one of the co-founding leaders who helped influence its future direction by providing support and input, including helping to develop the group’s Vision Statement and Mission Statement – with a clear focus on helping bladder cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, friends, and others.
Since that time, the group has steadily grown in reach and scope, making a significant difference for all who are affected by this disease, throughout NC and the Southeast.