MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Dear Colleagues and Friends of UW Urology,

As we enter the new academic year, we are energized by renewal on many fronts—welcoming new faculty to the department, launching new initiatives and research endeavors, and greeting a new class of trainees to our educational programs. At the same time, we navigate uncharted territory, both within UW Medicine and across the broader national landscape, where uncertainty in research funding, patient care coverage, and workforce challenges continues to test our adaptability and resilience.

This year also marks a milestone worth celebrating—our 60th year as a Department at the University of Washington, founded in 1965. Dr. Julian Ansell, our inaugural Chair, led the department for 22 years and established the foundation of excellence that still defines us today—building strong clinical programs, embedding research into residency training, and integrating pediatric urology into Seattle Children’s Hospital. Dr. Paul Lange succeeded him in 1988, ushering in a transformative era of research growth, clinical expansion, and national prominence through the creation of multidisciplinary programs. In 2008, Dr. Hunter Wessells became our third Chair, continuing that trajectory of innovation and subspecialization, shaping the department into today’s thriving community of more than 75 faculty, 20 residents, 10 fellows, and over 70 administrative and research staff. There is no doubt UW Urology has become a model for academic collaboration, scientific discovery, and compassionate patient care—one that continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in urologic medicine.

We are also entering the residency recruitment and interview season, a time that reaffirms one of our most important missions: training the next generation of urologists. Reviewing the list of our former residents and fellows, I am deeply inspired by the breadth of their accomplishments and the far-reaching impact of their work. Our graduates now serve patients and lead programs in 33 states across the U.S. and 3 provinces in Canada. Their success reflects the strength of our training model—grounded in clinical excellence, scientific rigor, and mentorship that prepares our learners not only to practice urology, but to push the field forward.

As we reflect on the year ahead, we recognize that “we may come in different boats, but we are in the same storm.” What has always carried UW Urology forward is our sense of unity—our shared purpose as physicians, scientists, trainees, and friends working together to improve lives. Even in times of uncertainty, the strength of this community and its spirit of collaboration keep us moving forward. With your continued partnership, UW Urology will advance discovery, elevate patient care, and shape a future built on our 60 years of compassion and scientific excellence.

Warm regards,

Daniel W. Lin, MD

Professor and Interim Chair