About

What is Urology?

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The American Urological Association defines Urology as a specialty that deals with diseases of the male and female urinary tract (kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra). It also deals with the male reproductive organs (penis, testes, scrotum, prostate, etc.).

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Overview

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Urology is a surgical specialty. Besides surgery, a urologist is a doctor with knowledge of internal medicine, pediatrics, gynecology and other parts of health care. This is because a urologist encounters a wide range of clinical problems. The scope of urology is broad and includes areas of subspecialty, including:

  • Pediatric Urology (children’s urology)
  • Urologic Oncology (urologic cancers)
  • Renal (kidney) Transplant
  • Male Infertility
  • Calculi (urinary tract stones)
  • Female Urology
  • Neurourology (nervous system control of genitourinary organs)
  • Urinary Tract Reconstruction
  • Male Sexual Health

Fast Facts

People

UW Urology has faculty, fellows and residents who work with multiple administrative staff to deliver the highest quality patient care. We are proud to serve our community at UW Medicine and partner locations throughout the greater Seattle area.

Our experts see patients with a wide range of urological conditions at the top hospitals in the region, including Harborview Medical Center, UW Medical Center-Montlake, UW Medical Center-Northwest, Eastside Specialty Center, UW Medical Center-Roosevelt, Fred Hutch Cancer Center, and Seattle Children’s Hospital.

 

Research Centers

The Department of Urology has an outstanding research program that is at the core of its mission. The model that has been successful in the Department is a close alliance of basic and clinical researchers in Research Centers of Excellence jointly led by a Physician-Scientist and PhD faculty member(s).

IPCR (Institute for Prostate Cancer Research)

IPCR supports research activities of approximately 15 programs at the UW and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Professor of Urology Dr. Daniel Lin is the Director of the IPCR.

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WWAMI WISH (Institute for Simulation in Healthcare)

WISH strives to improve the quality of healthcare education through technology, providing learners with a safe training environment where they can learn and practice their skills before ever using them on a patient.

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Genitourinary Cancer Research Lab

Researchers at the GU Cancer Research Lab devise novel therapeutic strategies to improve survivorship of patients affected by cancer, particularly those of the bladder and prostate.

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Center for Health Outcomes Research & Dissemination (CHORD)

CHORD strives to design and implement research studies that impact clinical practice and health policy to improve the health and well-being of patients with urologic problems.

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Support

Every day, UW Medicine makes a difference in the lives of our patients and families. At our hospitals and clinics, we help them move from difficult diagnoses toward brighter, healthier futures.

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