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.
A Prolific Scholar and Voice in Urologic Oncology
Dr. Westerman brings with her a distinguished record of research and scholarship. She has been a co-investigator for several prestigious grants, including an R01 for bladder cancer treatment in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. She serves as Patient Reported Outcomes Co-Chair of the ARCHER cooperative trial, which is studying adaptive chemotherapy and radiation for muscle invasive bladder cancer. She previously served as site PI for the PCORI funded CISTO trial (Co-PI Dr. Angela Smith) and the BRIDGE trial sponsored by SWOG that aim to advance treatments for non-invasive bladder cancer.
Her research interests focus on advancing treatment for complex urologic cancers such as bladder, kidney, prostate, and testicular cancers, as well as improving surgical outcomes for women undergoing radical cystectomy. Dr. Westerman has authored over 50 peer-reviewed articles on a range of urologic topics and has been a speaker at national and international conferences, particularly in the realm of robotic surgery. In addition to being a peer reviewer for five major urologic journals, she serves on the Steering Committee for the Young Urologic Oncologist section of the Society of Urologic Oncology (SUO), and the Board of Directors for the Society of Urologic Oncologists – Clinical Trials Committee (SUO-CTC). Dr. Westerman’s involvement in these collaborative studies and organizations demonstrates her commitment to bridging the gap between research and patient care.
A Commitment to Innovative Care and Education
Dr. Westerman’s clinical expertise includes treating a broad spectrum of urologic cancers through both open and minimally invasive approaches, with experience in retzius-sparing robotic prostatectomy, intracorporeal bowel diversion, and single-port robotic surgery. Her research into locally advanced kidney cancer and non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma has set a high standard for care, and her ongoing efforts to improve outcomes for women undergoing radical cystectomy will expand the range of options UNC Urology offers to patients. As the former Residency Program Director for LSU Urology, Dr. Westerman is deeply invested in medical education and advancing surgical training.
Distinguished Academic Background
Dr. Westerman’s academic journey reflects her commitment to excellence. She earned her BA in Chemistry from Dartmouth College, where she was recognized as an Academic All-American in Lacrosse. After a few years in finance, she pursued her passion for medicine, completing her MD at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. She then trained in urology at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, followed by a fellowship in urologic oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas.
Her research contributions at MD Anderson were recognized early in her career, earning the Harold C. and Mary L. Dailey Endowment Fellowship for her work in biochemistry and oncology.
A Bright Future for UNC Urology
Dr. Westerman’s arrival early next year will represent a significant boost for UNC Urology’s research, education, and clinical missions. Her expertise, dedication, and leadership experience will further strengthen our Urologic Oncology Division.
We are excited for the innovation and energy she will bring to our department, and we look forward to the impact she will have on our patients, trainees, and the broader urology community.