{"id":12114,"date":"2025-09-08T05:00:12","date_gmt":"2025-09-08T09:00:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.med.unc.edu\/urology\/?p=12114"},"modified":"2025-09-18T14:42:59","modified_gmt":"2025-09-18T18:42:59","slug":"apoorv-dhir-md-named-2025-2026-urology-care-foundation-research-scholar-awardee","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.med.unc.edu\/urology\/apoorv-dhir-md-named-2025-2026-urology-care-foundation-research-scholar-awardee\/","title":{"rendered":"Apoorv Dhir, MD, Named 2025\u20132026 Urology Care Foundation Research Scholar Awardee"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\nUNC Urology is proud to announce that Dr. Apoorv Dhir<\/a>, a Urologic Oncology Fellow, has been awarded a 2025\u20132026 Urology Care Foundation Research Scholar Award<\/a>. This prestigious award, presented by the American Urological Association (AUA) on behalf of the Urology Care Foundation, provides $40,000 in support of his research project, \u201cDevelopment of a Universal Communication Framework to Improve Shared Decision-Making for Small Renal Masses.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Advancing Shared Decision-Making in Kidney Cancer Care<\/h2>\n

Dr. Dhir\u2019s project aims to design and implement a universal communication framework that enhances shared decision-making between providers and patients with small renal masses. By creating a standardized approach that is both patient-centered and adaptable to diverse care settings, the research seeks to reduce disparities, improve understanding of treatment options, and ultimately support better patient outcomes.<\/p>\n

Guiding this work is his primary mentor, Hung-Jui (Ray) Tan, MD, MSHPM<\/a>, Director of Urologic Oncology, Urologic Oncology Fellowship Program Director, and Associate Professor of Urology, whose expertise in health services research and patient-centered decision-making is nationally recognized.<\/p>\n

Continuing a Legacy of Research Excellence at UNC Urology<\/h2>\n

Dr. Dhir\u2019s recognition continues a proud tradition of earning this competitive national award. Dr. Colton Walker<\/a> (2024 recipient) and Dr. David Friedlander<\/a> (2021 recipient) were both honored for their innovative projects, contributing impactful research on environmental influences in prostate cancer and improving care pathways for kidney stone patients, respectively.<\/p>\n

About Dr. Dhir<\/h2>\n

Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Dr. Dhir earned both his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan\u2019s Ross School of Business and his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School. He recently completed his urology residency at the University of Michigan, where his work focused on improving care quality and addressing disparities for patients with urologic cancers. At UNC, he looks forward to collaborating across disciplines to advance equitable and effective cancer care.<\/div>\n

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Thank you to @AmerUrological<\/a> and @UrologyCareFdn<\/a> for this opportunity! Very grateful for @tanray22<\/a>\u2019s mentorship and the support of @m_e_nielsen<\/a> and @UNCurology<\/a>. Special shoutout to @gpalapa2<\/a> and @arvinkgeorge<\/a> for their guidance in the process as well. https:\/\/t.co\/30SM6aP2N7<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Apoorv Dhir (@ApoorvDhir) August 8, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n