In 2025, the Department of Urology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was recognized as the highest-ranked urology program in North Carolina by U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals for Urology – a milestone that reflects the department’s continued strength across clinical excellence, national reputation, and patient experience.

Throughout the year, UNC Urology advanced its mission across patient care, education, and research, strengthening its impact locally, nationally, and internationally. Grounded in a commitment to patient-centered care, our faculty, trainees, and staff worked across disciplines to deliver innovative clinical programs, expand access to evidence-based care, and improve outcomes for the people of North Carolina and beyond.

UNC Urology faculty were also recognized as leaders in academic medicine, shaping national conversations through research, quality improvement, education, and professional service. From the clinic and classroom to national stages and international collaborations, the department remained deeply invested in mentoring the next generation of urologists and advancing the field through scholarship and innovation.

Please join us in reflecting on and celebrating the many accomplishments of UNC Urology in 2025.

Awards

We are proud to have the excellence and leadership of our faculty consistently recognized by patients, peers, and national organizations.

Dr. Angela Smith Inducted into the Order of the Golden Fleece, UNC’s Highest Honor Society (04/09/25):
We are proud to share that Dr. Angela Smith has been inducted into the Order of the Golden Fleece – the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s oldest and most prestigious honorary society.

Zachary Feuer, MD, Receives Prestigious 2025 Pope Clinical Trainee Award (05/19/25):
Dr. Zachary Feuer, Urologic Oncology Fellow and incoming UNC Urology faculty member, has been named a recipient of the 2025 Pope Clinical Trainee Award.

Dr. Hersh Trivedi Receives 2025 Robert C. Cefalo House Officer Award (06/24/25):
UNC Urology is proud to announce that Dr. Hersh Trivedi, a current resident in the class of 2027, has been named a recipient of the 2025 Robert C. Cefalo House Officer Award–an honor that recognizes house officers who demonstrate exceptional academic and clinical promise, along with a commitment to compassionate patient care.

2025 End of Year Department of Urology Awards (07/14/25):
UNC Urology honors outstanding residents and faculty at the 2025 End of Year Awards. Congratulations to Drs. Hersh Trivedi, Brooke Spratte, Kevin Neuzil, and Hans Arora for their exceptional contributions.

UNC Urology and Pediatric Urology Ranked #31 & #32 in the Nation by U.S. News & World Report (07/30/25):
UNC Urology and Pediatric Urology have once again been recognized among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report in its annual “Best Hospitals” rankings for 2025–2026. UNC Urology is ranked #31 nationally, and Pediatric Urology at North Carolina Children’s Hospital is ranked #32 out of nearly 5,000 hospitals nationally evaluated.

UNC Pediatric Urology Among Nation’s Best in 2024–25 U.S. News Rankings (10/08/25):
Among these honors, North Carolina Children’s Hospital Pediatric Urology was ranked #27 in the nation in the U.S. News & World Report 2024–25 Best Children’s Hospitals rankings.

View Last Year’s (2024) Awards News

National Leadership

Alongside their efforts in Chapel Hill, UNC Urology faculty members provide substantive leadership in service to multiple national organizations in urology.

Dr. Marc Bjurlin Spotlights Connection Between Smoking and Bladder Cancer on BCAN Podcast (02/24/25):
In a recent episode of the Bladder Cancer Matters podcast titled “Unpacking Smoking and Bladder Cancer,” Dr. Marc Bjurlin shared critical insights into the connection between smoking and bladder cancer.

Leslie Donnelly Lorbacher Selected as At-Large Member of the 2025 APP Advisory Council (03/04/25):
UNC Urology is proud to share that Leslie Donnelly Lorbacher, AGNP, MSN, RN, has been selected as an At-Large Member of the newly formed 2025 Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Advisory Council.

Dr. Westerman Appointed to AUA’s Practice Guidelines Committee, Strengthening UNC Urology’s Influence in National Leadership (03/26/25):
UNC Urology proudly announces that Dr. Mary Beth Westerman, a newly appointed faculty member, has been selected to serve on the American Urological Association’s (AUA) Practice Guidelines Committee, a key subcommittee of the Science & Quality Committee.

Dr. Matthew Nielsen Featured in The Technician on the Legacy of Prostate Cancer Detection (03/28/25):
Dr. Matthew Nielsen was recently featured in The Technician, NC State University’s student newspaper, discussing the profound impact of Dr. T. Ming Chu’s groundbreaking work in prostate cancer detection.

UNC Urology and Men’s Health Program Featured in Statewide Spotlight on Prostate Cancer Screening (03/31/25):
A recent article in N.C. Health News highlighted a proposed legislative effort to expand access to early prostate cancer screening in North Carolina. The article included numerous quotes from UNC Urology’s Dr. Matthew Nielsen.

Dr. Nielsen Featured on AUA’s Inside Tract Podcast: Spotlight on Advancing Diagnostic Excellence in Prostate Cancer (04/07/25):
Dr. Matthew Nielsen joined Dr. Andrei Purysko of the Cleveland Clinic on a recent episode of the AUA’s Inside Tract podcast to discuss the role of high-quality prostate MR imaging in advancing prostate cancer diagnosis.

Dr. Matthew Nielsen Leads National Efforts to Advance Diagnostic Excellence in Prostate Cancer (04/11/25):
Dr. Matthew Nielsen leads national conversations on advancing diagnostic excellence in prostate cancer, emphasizing imaging quality, interdisciplinary collaboration, and addressing disparities. Explore insights shaping the future of urologic care.

UNC Urology’s Rapid Access Pathway Featured at AUA’s Diagnostic Excellence Summit (04/16/25):
Drs. Tan and Feuer shared how UNC Urology’s rapid access program for prostate cancer diagnosis program reduced biopsy wait times by 70% and improved cancer detection at the AUA’s Diagnostic Excellence Summit.

UNC Urology’s Dr. Hans Arora Featured in Urology Times for Advocacy Leadership at the AUA Summit (05/12/25):
Dr. Hans Arora, Assistant Professor and Director of Robotic Surgery in Pediatric Urology, was recently featured in Urology Times for his leadership in health policy and physician advocacy at the 2025 AUA Advocacy Summit

Improving Prostate Cancer Care Through Diagnostic Excellence: UNC Urology Faculty Highlight National Framework in AUA Spotlight (05/27/25):
In an AUA Spotlight article, Drs. David Friedlander and Matthew Nielsen bring attention to how diagnostic excellence can help reduce disparities and improve prostate cancer care for all patients.

UNC Urology Spotlights MRI-Driven Precision in National Push for Diagnostic Excellence (06/02/25):
UNC Urology faculty continue to lead the national conversation on advancing diagnostic excellence, as highlighted in a recent AUA Spotlight article authored by Drs. Zach Feuer, Hung-Jui (Ray) Tan, and Matthew Nielsen.

New AUA Guideline on GSM Highlights Urology’s Role in Menopause Care (07/11/25):
A newly released AUA guideline developed in collaboration with the Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogenital Reconstruction (SUFU) and the American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS), is bringing national attention to the diagnosis and treatment of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM).

Dr. Mary Beth Westerman Helps Lead 2025 AUA Guideline Amendment on Microhematuria (07/28/25):
Dr. Mary Beth Westerman helps lead the 2025 AUA Guideline Amendment on Microscopic Hematuria, advancing risk-based, patient-centered care.

UNC Urology Alumna Dr. Pauline Filippou Featured on BackTable Urology Podcast (08/04/25):
The UNC Department of Urology is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of alumna Dr. Pauline Filippou (Residency Class of 2020), who was recently featured on the BackTable Urology podcast in Episode #249, Palliative Care in Urology.

UNC Urology and Lineberger Stand Out at the 2025 BCAN Bladder Cancer Think Tank (08/26/25):
UNC Urology and Lineberger had a strong showing at the 2025 BCAN Bladder Cancer Think Tank in Washington, D.C. (July 30–August 1). This year’s attendees included UNC Urology’s Mary Dunn, MSN, NP-C, OCN, RN; Meredith Crabtree, FNP-C; and Angela Smith, MD, MS, along with UNC Lineberger members Matthew Milowsky, MD; William Kim, MD; and Jeffrey Damrauer, PhD

Dr. Matthew Milowsky Provides Expert Insight in National Coverage of Deion Sanders’ Bladder Cancer Diagnosis (08/28/25):
Dr. Milowsky noted that Sanders’ diagnosis — described by his surgeon as very high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer — can present complex treatment decisions.

Julie Farmer and Colleagues Provide Insights at National Cancer Center Community Impact Forum (10/07/25):
Julie Farmer, DrPH, MHA, Associate Chair for Administration in the Department of Urology, recently attended and presented at the annual Cancer Center Community Impact Forum (CCCIF), hosted this year in Raleigh by North Carolina’s NCI-Designated Cancer Centers.

Dr. Zachary Feuer Appointed to National PI-RADS Quality Assurance and Practice Improvement Subcommittee (11/04/25):
Zachary Feuer, MD has been selected to serve on the American College of Radiology’s Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) Quality Assurance and Practice Improvement Subcommittee.

Dr. Hung-Jui “Ray” Tan Featured on BackTable Podcast to Discuss Shared Decision Making in GU Cancer Care (12/15/25):
Dr. Ray Tan explores how empathy, communication, and evidence-based tools improve decision making for patients with GU cancers.

UNC Urology Faculty Featured Prominently at the 26th Annual SUO Scientific Meeting (12/17/25):
UNC Urology advanced national dialogue at the 2025 SUO Meeting, with faculty leading major panels and program development in urologic oncology.

View Last Year’s (2024) National Leadership News

Education

The UNC Urology residency program continues to attract candidates from top medical schools around the country, who go on to be leaders in urology across the spectrum of practice settings.

Zachary Feuer, MD, Receives Prestigious 2025 Pope Clinical Trainee Award (05/19/25):
Dr. Zachary Feuer, Urologic Oncology Fellow and incoming UNC Urology faculty member, has been named a recipient of the 2025 Pope Clinical Trainee Award.

Dr. Kristy Borawski Appointed Vice Chair of Education for UNC Urology (06/04/25):
Dr. Kristy Borawski has been appointed the department’s Vice Chair of Education, a new role that builds on her longstanding leadership in medical education and underscores the department’s commitment to shaping the future of urologic training across all levels.

Dr. Hersh Trivedi Receives 2025 Robert C. Cefalo House Officer Award (06/24/25):
UNC Urology is proud to announce that Dr. Hersh Trivedi, a current resident in the class of 2027, has been named a recipient of the 2025 Robert C. Cefalo House Officer Award–an honor that recognizes house officers who demonstrate exceptional academic and clinical promise, along with a commitment to compassionate patient care.

UNC Urology Welcomes Incoming Urologic Oncology Fellow Dr. Brandon Wilson (06/25/25):
Dr. Brandon Wilson has matched into our 2026–2028 Urologic Oncology Fellowship, following the 2025 Society of Urologic Oncology (SUO) Fellowship Match.

Match Day 2025 – UNC Urology Residency Class of ’30 (02/03/25):
Congratulations Katherine Bobrek (Emory University School of Medicine), Stephen Flinn (University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine), and Salil Ghamande (Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University) – our UNC Urology Residency Class of ’30. We look forward to greeting you all in Chapel Hill later this year.

Dr. Kristy Borawski Delivers White Coat Ceremony Address to UNC School of Medicine Class of 2027 (04/02/25):
On Sunday, October 13, 2024, the UNC School of Medicine gathered in celebration of the Class of 2027’s White Coat Ceremony, marking a profound moment of transition as students formally began their journey into the field of medicine. Among the speakers selected for this milestone event was Dr. Kristy Borawski, Professor of Urology, Residency Program Director for UNC Urology, and Director of the Learning Environment for Undergraduate Medical Education.

UNC Urology Resident Dr. Hannah Kay Matches into Urologic Oncology Fellowship at UC San Diego (06/25/25):
Dr. Hannah Kay, MD (Residency Class of 2026), has successfully matched into the Urologic Oncology Fellowship at UC San Diego—a premier training program renowned for its excellence in cancer research and surgical innovation.

UNC Urology Resident Dr. Asia Matthew-Onabanjo Matches into Men’s Health/Andrology Fellowship at Henry Ford (06/26/25):
Asia Matthew-Onabanjo, MD, PhD (Residency Class of 2026), has successfully matched into the Men’s Health/Andrology Fellowship at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, Michigan.

UNC Urology Welcomes Incoming Genitourinary Reconstructive Surgery Fellow Dr. Jennifer Griffith (07/09/25):
UNC Urology is proud to announce the successful match of Dr. Jennifer Griffith into our 2026–2027 Genitourinary Reconstructive Surgery (GURS) Fellowship, following the national GURS match.

Celebrating the Graduation of UNC Urology Residents: Class of 2025 (07/14/25):
Join us in celebrating the achievements of UNC Urology Residency Program graduates, Drs. Abimbola, Emmerling, and Neuzil

2025 End of Year Department of Urology Awards (07/14/25):
UNC Urology honors outstanding residents and faculty at the 2025 End of Year Awards. Congratulations to Drs. Hersh Trivedi, Brooke Spratte, Kevin Neuzil, and Hans Arora for their exceptional contributions.

UNC Urology Welcomes Incoming Endourology Fellow Dr. Ashley-Marie Green-Lott (07/30/25):
UNC Urology is pleased to announce that Ashley-Marie Y. Green-Lott, MD, Capt, USAF, has matched into our 2026–2027 Endourology/Minimally-Invasive Surgery Fellowship.

Apoorv Dhir, MD, Named 2025–2026 Urology Care Foundation Research Scholar Awardee (09/08/25):
Dr. Apoorv Dhir, a Urologic Oncology Fellow, has been awarded a 2025–2026 Urology Care Foundation Research Scholar Award presented by the AUA on behalf of the Urology Care Foundation in support of his research project, “Development of a Universal Communication Framework to Improve Shared Decision-Making for Small Renal Masses.”

Ruby Abror: Patient-Centered Inquiry, Mentorship, and Momentum through the Castillo Scholars Program (09/15/25):
UNC medical student Ruby Abror joined UNC Urology and set out to tackle a deceptively simple question with real clinical stakes: how should outcomes after rectourethral fistula (RUF) repair be reported so surgeons and patients can reliably compare approaches?

UNC Urology Resident Dr. Brooke Spratte Presents Innovative Pediatric Case at ESPU 35th Congress in Vienna, Austria (10/13/25):
UNC Urology PGY-4 resident Dr. Brooke Spratte was on the international stage at the European Society for Paediatric Urology (ESPU) 35th Congress in Vienna, Austria presenting a pediatric case report that showcases a thoughtful, safety-minded approach to complex continence surgery.

Guided By Discovery: How Research And Mentorship Shape Future Physicians (11/17/25):
Fourth-year student Avani Desai and Dr. Angela Smith advance patient-centered urology research through mentorship and innovation at UNC.

View Last Year’s (2024) Education News

Patient Care

UNC Urology is committed to providing our patients with the highest quality, personalized and compassionate care.

UNC Urology Welcomes Dr. Zachary Feuer to the Faculty (01/06/25):
Dr. Zachary Feuer, one of our Urologic Oncology Fellows, will be joining the UNC Urology faculty as an Assistant Professor of Urology in the Summer of 2025.

State-of-the-Art Robotic Surgery Techniques Minimize Urinary Complications For Men Undergoing Prostatectomy (Removal of Prostate) (02/17/25):
Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy (RALP) is a minimally invasive surgery for men with prostate cancer. The procedure involves making a series of small holes in the abdomen through which robotic arms controlled by the surgeon are used to remove the prostate with a high degree of accuracy and precision. RALP is now the most common type of prostatectomy performed in the U.S.

Dr. Marc Bjurlin Spotlights Connection Between Smoking and Bladder Cancer on BCAN Podcast (02/24/25):
In a recent episode of the Bladder Cancer Matters podcast titled “Unpacking Smoking and Bladder Cancer,” Dr. Marc Bjurlin shared critical insights into the connection between smoking and bladder cancer.

UNC Urology and Men’s Health Program Featured in Statewide Spotlight on Prostate Cancer Screening (03/31/25):
A recent article in N.C. Health News highlighted a proposed legislative effort to expand access to early prostate cancer screening in North Carolina. The article included numerous quotes from UNC Urology’s Dr. Matthew Nielsen.

UNC Urology’s Rapid Access Pathway Featured at AUA’s Diagnostic Excellence Summit (04/16/25):
Drs. Tan and Feuer shared how UNC Urology’s rapid access program for prostate cancer diagnosis program reduced biopsy wait times by 70% and improved cancer detection at the AUA’s Diagnostic Excellence Summit.

Supporting Survivors: UNC Urology’s Role in Testicular Cancer Survivorship (05/29/25):
For many testicular cancer survivors, completing treatment is the beginning of a new and uncertain journey. That journey is met with expert guidance, compassion, and long-term care, thanks in large part to the Testicular Cancer Survivorship Clinic, co-led by UNC Urology’s Dr. Ray Tan and nurse practitioner Mary Dunn, MSN, NP-C, OCN, RN.

UNC Urology Faculty Recognized as 2025 Castle Connolly ‘Top Doctors’ (07/17/25):
Congratulations to Drs. Arora, Borawski, Bukowski, Chan, Figler, Friedlander, Johnson, Nielsen, Raynor, Ross, Smith, Sutherland, Tan, Viprakasit, and Westerman who all received the 2025 ‘Top Doctor’ designation from Castle Connolly.

UNC Urology and Pediatric Urology Ranked #31 & #32 in the Nation by U.S. News & World Report (07/30/25):
UNC Urology and Pediatric Urology have once again been recognized among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report in its annual “Best Hospitals” rankings for 2025–2026. UNC Urology is ranked #31 nationally, and Pediatric Urology at North Carolina Children’s Hospital is ranked #32 out of nearly 5,000 hospitals nationally evaluated.

Dr. Matthew Milowsky Provides Expert Insight in National Coverage of Deion Sanders’ Bladder Cancer Diagnosis (08/28/25):
Dr. Milowsky noted that Sanders’ diagnosis — described by his surgeon as very high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer — can present complex treatment decisions.

Dr. Mary Elizabeth Westerman Brings Intracorporeal Diversions to UNC Urology (09/04/25):
Urologic oncologist Mary Elizabeth Westerman, MD has introduced robotic intracorporeal urinary diversions to Chapel Hill, expanding advanced options for patients who require bladder removal (radical cystectomy).

UNC Urology Launches Focal Therapy Program for Prostate Cancer Treatment Using High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) (09/29/25):
UNC Urology is proud to announce the launch of a new Focal Therapy Program offering patients with prostate cancer access to High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), an innovative, minimally invasive treatment option designed to precisely target cancer while preserving healthy tissue and quality of life.

UNC Pediatric Urology Among Nation’s Best in 2024–25 U.S. News Rankings (10/08/25):
Among these honors, North Carolina Children’s Hospital Pediatric Urology was ranked #27 in the nation in the U.S. News & World Report 2024–25 Best Children’s Hospitals rankings.

UNC Urology and UNC Lineberger Join Forces at the 2025 ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk in Raleigh (10/28/25):
UNC Urology joined colleagues from the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center at the annual ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk in Raleigh.

Advancing Men’s Health: Highlights from Omega Psi Phi’s Public Health Forum (11/24/25):
UNC Urology spotlights Omega Psi Phi’s Public Health Forum, where UNC Lineberger partners and community clinicians led discussions on prostate cancer, chronic disease, and men’s health awareness.

3 Things to Know About Prostate Cancer (12/10/25):
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, but many don’t know their risk factors or when to get screened. We talked to UNC Health urologist Matthew Nielsen, MD, and learned three things men need to know about prostate cancer.

View Last Year’s (2024) Patient Care News

Professional Development

UNC Urology attracts the most talented faculty from around the country, and we are proud of their development into leading experts in their field.

Dr. Marc Bjurlin Appointed Vice Chair of Research for UNC Urology (02/19/25):
UNC Urology is proud to announce that Marc Bjurlin, DO, MSc, FACOS, has been appointed the department’s Vice Chair of Research, a role that will further elevate our research mission and commitment to advancing urologic care.

Leslie Donnelly Lorbacher Selected as At-Large Member of the 2025 APP Advisory Council (03/04/25):
UNC Urology is proud to share that Leslie Donnelly Lorbacher, AGNP, MSN, RN, has been selected as an At-Large Member of the newly formed 2025 Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Advisory Council.

Dr. Kathryn Hacker Gessner Named to UNC’s Physician Scientist Training Program (05/21/25):
Dr. Kathryn Hacker Gessner, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Urology, has been selected for the UNC School of Medicine’s Physician Scientist Training Program (PSTP). She is the first member of UNC Urology to receive this honor since the program’s inception in 2020.

Dr. Angela Smith Appointed Interim Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Leadership Development (05/22/25):
Dr. Angela Smith has been named Interim Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Leadership Development for the UNC School of Medicine. She will assume the role on June 1, 2025.

Dr. Kristy Borawski Appointed Vice Chair of Education for UNC Urology (06/04/25):
Dr. Kristy Borawski has been appointed the department’s Vice Chair of Education, a new role that builds on her longstanding leadership in medical education and underscores the department’s commitment to shaping the future of urologic training across all levels.

Dr. Zachary Feuer Selected as UNC IHQI Improvement Scholar (10/15/25):
Dr. Zachary Feuer has been selected for the UNC Institute for Healthcare Quality Improvement (IHQI) Improvement Scholars Program for the 2025–2026 cohort for his project, “Integration of PSA Screening Pathways to Improve High-Risk Screening Rates and Reduce Low-Value Diagnostic Evaluation.”

Dr. Hans Arora Promoted to Associate Professor of Urology (11/10/25):
UNC Urology proudly announces the promotion of Hans Arora, MD, PhD, FAAP, FACS to Associate Professor of Urology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine.

Dr. Sherry Ross Named Associate Dean for Outreach Initiatives at the UNC School of Medicine (11/13/25):
Dr. Sherry Ross, UNC Urology’s Chief of Pediatric Urology and Associate Professor of Urology, who has been named the Associate Dean for Outreach Initiatives for the UNC School of Medicine.

View Last Year’s (2024) Professional Development News

Research

Our faculty are leading a variety of innovative and practice-changing research efforts that will help to define the standards of care in their field.

Dr. Marc Bjurlin Appointed Vice Chair of Research for UNC Urology (02/19/25):
UNC Urology is proud to announce that Marc Bjurlin, DO, MSc, FACOS, has been appointed the department’s Vice Chair of Research, a role that will further elevate our research mission and commitment to advancing urologic care.

UNC Urology Partners in PCORI-Funded Study to Personalize Patient-Reported Outcomes Using Machine Learning (02/26/25):
Dr. Ray Tan and UNC Urology join a PCORI-funded study led by Dr. Andrew Krumm (University of Michigan) and Dr. Nnenaya Mmonu (NYU) to enhance personalized patient-reported outcomes using machine learning, improving recovery insights for prostate cancer patients.

UNC Urology Ranks Among Nation’s Best for NIH Research Funding (03/17/25):
UNC Urology was ranked 28th nationally and 14th among public universities in NIH research funding for 2024, according to the latest Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research (BRIMR) report.

Supporting the Whole Survivor: Nielsen Joins NCI-Funded Collaboration to Reduce Cancer-Related Distress in Young Adults (04/18/25):
UNC Urology’s Dr. Matthew Nielsen joins a new NCI-funded project led by the University of Michigan to develop a mobile support tool that reduces distress in young adult cancer survivors.

Dr. Kathryn Hacker Gessner Named to UNC’s Physician Scientist Training Program (05/21/25):
Dr. Kathryn Hacker Gessner, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Urology, has been selected for the UNC School of Medicine’s Physician Scientist Training Program (PSTP). She is the first member of UNC Urology to receive this honor since the program’s inception in 2020.

Submissions Closing Soon for 2026 AUA Data Research Program (06/19/25):
Originally launched in June 2023, the AUA Data Research Program was created to address critical knowledge gaps and emerging research questions in urologic care, workforce development, and health policy. At the center of its inception were two leaders from UNC Urology: Dr. Hung-Jui (Ray) Tan and Dr. Matthew Nielsen.

Research Presented at SWIU by Dr. Angela Smith and Avani Desai Underscores Simple, Patient-Directed Strategies to Ease Anxiety and Pain (09/02/25):
Dr. Angela Smith and UNC Medical Student Avani Desai were recently highlighted by SWIU as authors of a published paper that illustrates the innovative research and patient-centered approach to care for which UNC Urology is renowned.

Apoorv Dhir, MD, Named 2025–2026 Urology Care Foundation Research Scholar Awardee (09/08/25):
Dr. Apoorv Dhir, a Urologic Oncology Fellow, has been awarded a 2025–2026 Urology Care Foundation Research Scholar Award presented by the AUA on behalf of the Urology Care Foundation in support of his research project, “Development of a Universal Communication Framework to Improve Shared Decision-Making for Small Renal Masses.”

Ruby Abror: Patient-Centered Inquiry, Mentorship, and Momentum through the Castillo Scholars Program (09/15/25):
UNC medical student Ruby Abror joined UNC Urology and set out to tackle a deceptively simple question with real clinical stakes: how should outcomes after rectourethral fistula (RUF) repair be reported so surgeons and patients can reliably compare approaches?

Julie Farmer and Colleagues Provide Insights at National Cancer Center Community Impact Forum (10/07/25):
Julie Farmer, DrPH, MHA, Associate Chair for Administration in the Department of Urology, recently attended and presented at the annual Cancer Center Community Impact Forum (CCCIF), hosted this year in Raleigh by North Carolina’s NCI-Designated Cancer Centers.

Dr. Zachary Feuer Selected as UNC IHQI Improvement Scholar (10/15/25):
Dr. Zachary Feuer has been selected for the UNC Institute for Healthcare Quality Improvement (IHQI) Improvement Scholars Program for the 2025–2026 cohort for his project, “Integration of PSA Screening Pathways to Improve High-Risk Screening Rates and Reduce Low-Value Diagnostic Evaluation.”

Guided By Discovery: How Research And Mentorship Shape Future Physicians (11/17/25):
Fourth-year student Avani Desai and Dr. Angela Smith advance patient-centered urology research through mentorship and innovation at UNC.

NC TraCS Program Alumni Are Researching The Patient Side Of Clinical Trials (12/19/25):
UNC physician Marc Bjurlin teamed up with his colleagues from the Clinical Trialist Training Program on a unique series of studies aimed at improving and expanding clinical trials.

View Last Year’s (2024) Research News

Originally published at tracs.unc.edu

Clinical trials, the scientific process of testing the safety and effectiveness of new medications and medical techniques, require a lot of work to get off the ground. Researchers need lab space and equipment, board reviews, data management plans, expertise in statistical analysis, research assistants, and clinicians to work on the trial—and, of course, funding to pay for the whole thing.

But most of all, to run a clinical trial, researchers need patients to actually sign up to participate in that clinical trial.

Marc Bjurlin, a urologic oncologist at the University of North Carolina, is now trying to solve the puzzle of how to get more people into the scientific research process, and offer more patients cutting-edge medicine.

A few years ago, Bjurlin signed up for the Clinical Trialist Training Program (CTTP) offered by the North Carolina Translational and Clinical Sciences (NC TraCS) Institute, which guides researchers through the nitty-gritty logistics of overseeing a clinical trial. With support from his colleagues in the program, Bjurlin has now also published a series of papers looking at patient perspectives and experiences in clinical trials.

“The Clinical Trialist Training Program gave us a lot of resources and foundation and structure to run and develop a clinical trial. And I think this set of studies we did kind of added a new flavor into how our patients may actually think from their side of the clinical trial, rather than from our side as the physician running the trial.”

– Bjurlin

When Bjurlin joined UNC, part of his responsibility as the urology department’s director of clinical trials was to bring more trials to the hospital. At the time, he had some experience with clinical trials, including a master’s in clinical investigation from his fellowship at New York University, but not the level of formal training offered by the CTTP at NC TraCS.

The CTTP is a one-year program that provides researchers and clinicians the skills and expertise they need to run and design clinical trials, such as budgeting, patient recruitment, and working with institutional review boards. This includes regular meetings and a four-part clinical trial “bootcamp” that covers many of these topics. For faculty members at the UNC School of Medicine, the CTTP can even cover 10% of their salary for the year.

Bjurlin says the program gave him “way more depth, knowledge, nuts and bolts of how to vet a study, how to assess it, how to get it up and running, how to accrue, how to enroll.”

Around this time, Bjurlin was also doing some research with the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS), which gathers data on how Americans understand, learn, and think about healthcare, with a focus on cancer. He was interested in learning more about why people may or may not participate in clinical trials. And as he got into this work, he thought that his fellow participants in the CTPP—Donna Culton, a dermatologist at UNC, Kristalyn Gallagher, a breast surgical oncologist at UNC, and Kimberly Weaver, a gastroenterologist formerly at UNC—would be a great resource and sounding board for this research.

“Let me do the analysis and then I’ll circle back with the group to see what they have to think in terms of, does this data make sense? Is this an interesting finding? Is it something we could write up into a paper?” Bjurlin says.

Bjurlin, his CTTP cohort, and some other colleagues have now published three papers looking into patient experiences on clinical trials. The most recent, published in June in Tumori Journal, dove into the HINTS data to study patient participation in trials among people who have had cancer.

The paper notes that many trials never recruit enough patients—and according to HINTS, just 7.4% of people with cancer participate in a clinical trial. But prior research has found that, if given the opportunity, around 32% of Americans would be interested in being part of a clinical trial for cancer.

Awareness and patient education may help solve part of this puzzle. More than half of the survey respondents said they had a little knowledge of clinical trials, around a third said they had no knowledge, and less than 10% reported a lot of knowledge. Just 13.5% of respondents said that a clinician discussed a clinical trial for cancer with them, and only 15.7% of people reported being invited to participate in a clinical trial—but nearly 38% of people who were invited to a trial reported participating in that trial.

Logistics may play a role in clinical trial participation, too. About 42% of people said that transportation, childcare, or getting paid time off work would be at least somewhat important to their ability to be in a trial.

Some patients also seemed to be more aware of, or more likely to be invited to, trials than others. For example, patients with less education were more likely to have discussed clinical trials with a clinician. At the same time, being invited to a clinical trial was associated with higher education, as well as living in a metro area (as opposed to more rural areas.)

The paper covered a range of other nuances around potential roadblocks to participation—and Bjurlin has seen patients navigate some of these challenges himself. He notes that many of the cancer patients at the UNC hospital in Chapel Hill aren’t local and come to the Triangle from other parts of the state to receive care, which can be challenging.

“I need to find someone to take care of my daughter, I need to make sure my significant other is taken care of, I need to pay for the gasoline to get here and back, I need a hotel to spend the night,” Bjurlin says.

In addition, he points out that clinical trials are often run out of large practices or academic centers like the hospital in Chapel Hill, but many patients get care from other kinds of healthcare settings. As a result, their doctors may not even be aware if there is a clinical trial available for them.

And yet, the team’s recent paper also revealed that people have all kinds of reasons for wanting to participate in a trial. Almost three-quarters of respondents said getting a chance to try a new treatment would have an influence, with almost 89% listing “wanting to get better” as a potential motivating factor. Around 40% said being paid would be a motivating factor—and more than 70% of people said that getting a chance to help others would influence their choice to participate.

To help get more people connected to trials, Bjurlin notes the importance of simply raising awareness of clinical trials. He also points out that UNC has the Research for Me website where patients can check to see if there are any clinical trials available they might qualify for.

Overcoming these challenges could help more patients participate in clinical trials and get next-generation medical treatments. And on top of that, getting more people into clinical trials today can expand the boundaries of medical knowledge and opportunities—helping future patients get safe and effective treatment tomorrow.

Advancing Patient-Centered Outcomes in Cancer Research

Angela Smith, MD, MS
State of the Art Session I: From Patients to Practice: Harnessing PROs to Improve Cancer Outcomes

Dr. Smith joined colleagues from the University of Kansas and Vanderbilt to examine how patient-reported outcomes (PROs) can be translated into meaningful improvements in cancer care. Her talk, “Turning PRO Results into Actionable Data (CISTO),” highlighted emerging strategies to strengthen decision-making and care pathways using real-world patient experiences.

Shaping National Policy Discussions in Urologic Oncology

Hans Arora, MD
State of the Art Session III: Health Policy Impact of the 2024 Election

In a panel moderated by Vanderbilt’s Dr. Ruchika Talwar, Dr. Arora spoke on “Physician Payments,” contributing to a multidisciplinary discussion on how shifting federal priorities influence access, workforce stability, and research funding in urologic oncology. His participation underscores UNC’s growing leadership at the intersection of health policy and cancer care delivery.

Driving Innovation in Trial Design and Health Services Research

Hung-Jui (Ray) Tan, MD, MSHPM
Health Services & Research Session: Designing Efficient Prospective Studies

Dr. Tan presented new work exploring how randomized experimental designs can shed light on surgeons’ recommendations for or against surgery, emphasizing the tension between data and intuition in clinical decision-making. The panel brought together national leaders in trial methodology and health services research, reflecting the increasing importance of generating pragmatic, patient-centered evidence in urologic oncology.

A National Presence Reflecting UNC Urology’s Mission

UNC Urology’s multi-layered presence at the SUO Annual Meeting, through scientific program leadership and faculty expertise showcased on national stages, illustrates the department’s sustained commitment to advancing cancer care, improving outcomes, and shaping the future of the field.

From helping architect the meeting’s scientific priorities to contributing original insights in outcomes science, health policy, and clinical trial innovation, UNC faculty continue to elevate discussions that influence how urologic oncology is practiced across the country. Their contributions reflect a culture grounded in collaborative scholarship, patient-centered inquiry, and service to the people of North Carolina and beyond.

UNC Urologist Dr. Hung-Jui (“Ray”) Tan recently joined host Dr. Ruchika Talwar on the BackTable Urology Podcast to unpack a central but often overlooked challenge in genitourinary cancer care: how patient fear and uncertainty can shape risk perception and treatment preferences and how communication can impact how patients take in and act upon clinical evidence.

In the episode, titled “Shared Decision Making in GU Cancer Management,” Dr. Tan outlines emerging evidence on decisional conflict – a measurable form of uncertainty that predicts patient satisfaction, regret, and downstream health outcomes. His research demonstrates that even in clinically low-risk conditions, such as small renal masses or low-risk prostate cancer, patients frequently perceive their situation as high-stakes and urgent, often arriving with significant anxiety and a strong presumption that surgery is necessary.

Evidence, Emotion, and the “Temperature” of the Room

Drawing from his team’s ongoing research, Dr. Tan emphasizes the importance of “turning down the temperature” before introducing data or options. Many patients feel they have a significant risk of metastasis from a small renal mass despite robust data showing that true metastatic risk is extremely low in most cases. Clinicians may be prepared to talk about surveillance, but patients may not yet be emotionally ready to hear it.

“Acknowledging a patient’s fear—before sharing data—can change the trajectory of the visit,” Tan notes, pointing out that empathy and reassurance create space for informed, collaborative decision-making.

Decision Aids, Visualization, and Communication Strategies

Dr. Tan discusses several practical strategies to support patients facing complex choices:

• Showing imaging of the tumor, which helps patients visually contextualize its size and seriousness.
• Using simple, evidence-based messaging that integrates empathy, not just probabilities.
• Leveraging structured communication frameworks such as Best Case/Worst Case or Better Conversations.
• Considering short-interval “trial periods” of surveillance, which reduce pressure to decide immediately.

These approaches facilitate shared decision making without sacrificing clinical rigor, while helping patients avoid feeling rushed toward an irreversible choice.

AI, Technology, and the Next Phase of Decision Science

The episode also explores how AI and digital tools may change risk communication and health information-seeking behaviors. While patients increasingly consult tools like ChatGPT, Dr. Tan notes that trust, empathy, and human connection continue to shape patient decisions more than any technological interface.

His team is actively testing personalized messaging frameworks that deliver tailored education prior to clinical visits, with the goal of reducing patient anxiety, improving preparedness, and enhancing shared decision making.

A Call to Action for Clinicians

Dr. Tan  emphasizes that shared decision making is not just a soft skill—it is a clinical competency with measurable impact on outcomes, adherence, and resource utilization. Urologists, he says, are uniquely positioned to lead in this domain.

“What we say has an outsized influence on what patients feel and ultimately decide. With that comes a lot of responsibility—and opportunity.”

About Dr. Tan and His Research Program

Dr. Hung-Jui “Ray” Tan serves as Division Chief of Urologic Oncology at the UNC Department of Urology. His research program focuses on decision science, risk communication, and cancer survivorship, with ongoing studies examining:

• Drivers of decisional conflict
• The role of renal mass biopsy in decision-making experience
• Patient-centered communication strategies
• Frameworks for guiding treatment vs. surveillance conversations

This work reflects UNC Urology’s broader commitment to patient-centered, evidence-based care and to advancing national leadership in academic urology.

The forum included an in-depth discussion on prostate cancer prevention led by William Moore, Men’s Health Project Coordinator with the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) Team. Moore has been a key partner in statewide prostate cancer and men’s health outreach efforts, working in close collaboration with UNC Urology and the UNC Men’s Health Program’s broader commitment to reducing cancer disparities among men.

Moore was joined by three additional panelists, each bringing a complementary clinical perspective:

• Kenneth Fitz, RN, Health Initiatives Committee, Chair for Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. – Iota Iota Chapter and registered nurse, who discussed preventive health and early engagement in primary care including blood pressure and diabetes education.
• Cynthia Lewis-Wallace, PhD, clinical psychologist, Army Reserve Major, and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., who addressed mental health and the experiences of Black men navigating stress, trauma, and access to care.
• Chrishaunda Vick, FNP-C, and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., who offered insights on breast cancer, cerbical cancer and community health practice.

Panelists (from left): Vick, Lewis-Wallace, Moore, Fitz

The forum reflected the power of community partnership in advancing health—bringing trusted voices together to share evidence-based information and engage directly with questions that matter most to the community.

For Avani Desai, a fourth-year student, that transformation began under the mentorship of Dr. Angela Smith, Professor of Urology and a member of the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. Working with Dr. Smith throughout all four years, Desai helped to pilot a study that could fundamentally change the way patients experience a key aspect of bladder cancer care.

The study focused on improving patient comfort during office cystoscopy, a procedure performed on millions each year and often associated with pain and anxiety. This initial feasibility study will lay the groundwork for a larger, multi-institutional trial on interventions to reduce patient stress and discomfort during office cystoscopy.

“This seemed like an amazing opportunity to participate in research that directly translated to a better understanding of patient care. Also, I was really excited to work with Dr. Smith and learn from someone who is an international expert in bladder cancer and outcomes research.”

Avani Desai
4th Year UNC Medical Student

Desai said that along with being a distinguished researcher and physician, Smith is an incredibly present and supportive mentor, not only guiding her research projects, but challenging her to grow and take on new initiatives.

Desai’s role in the feasibility study helped her build skills in quality improvement, research design and implementation, and patient engagement. And it solidified her interest in urology and academic medicine, especially in research that improves how care is delivered, and how patients experience that care.

Smith described how the prevalence of faculty-led research at UNC SOM creates a true learning health system culture, “where students move from a focus on ‘What is the right answer?‘ to ‘How do we prove it, implement it, and measure it for our patients?‘”

Being immersed in research helps students develop leadership skills and creates a deeper understanding of how to improve patient care. “By designing protocols, engaging with data and teammates, and listening to patients, students learn a disciplined way of improving care with a leadership mindset,” Smith said.

Desai described a research project on resident education that she was able to lead, with Dr. Smith’s support. Desai was ultimately able to present her findings at national conferences and produce a manuscript for future publication.

“Dr. Smith has truly been such an incredible mentor, not only guiding my research projects, but encouraging me to push myself,” she said.

Desai’s journey reflects the kind of experience that UNC strives to foster through faculty-led research and mentorship.

“The best part about working with medical student researchers is witnessing that full arc from curiosity to design to execution and knowing that the confidence and leadership skills they gain will stay with them long after the project ends.”

Angela B. Smith, MD, MS, FACS
Vice Chair of Academic Affairs
Professor of Urology

The UNC Department of Urology is proud to celebrate a significant milestone for Dr. Sherry Ross, UNC Urology’s Chief of Pediatric Urology and Associate Professor of Urology, who has been named the Associate Dean for Outreach Initiatives for the UNC School of Medicine.

This new leadership role marks a natural progression from Dr. Ross’s appointment last year as Faculty Director of Outreach Initiatives where she helped advance the School of Medicine’s strategic partnerships across the state. Now, as Associate Dean, she will guide efforts to strengthen academic integration among UNC, Novant, New Hanover, and SEAHEC—work that directly supports the School of Medicine’s mission of education, research, and service across North Carolina.

For more than a decade, Dr. Ross has been a driving force in expanding pediatric urologic care at UNC. Since joining the department in 2014, she has steadily built a statewide footprint of outreach clinics and multidisciplinary collaborations, always with the goal of increasing access to high-quality care for children and families. Her clinical expertise in complex congenital and pediatric urologic conditions, combined with her efforts to bring advanced minimally invasive surgery to North Carolina Children’s Hospital, has made her a trusted leader across the health system.

Dr. Ross’s new role in the Dean’s Office reflects not only her deep commitment to improving health care delivery statewide but also her ability to bring teams together across disciplines, institutions, and regions. Her experience directing research at Duke, leading pediatric surgical services at UNC, and mentoring learners at every stage of their training further equips her to guide this next phase of statewide partnership and academic integration.

As she steps into the role of Associate Dean for Outreach Initiatives on January 1, 2026, we look forward to the vision, collaboration, and dedication she will continue to bring to UNC School of Medicine and to the patients and communities we serve.

A Champion of Quality and Innovation

Dr. Arora serves as Co-Director of Quality Improvement for the Department of Urology and as Director of Robotic Surgery in Pediatric Urology. In these roles, he has helped formalize a department-wide framework for continuous quality improvement, advancing UNC Urology’s mission to deliver safe, efficient, and patient-centered care.

When the department launched its innovative Quality Improvement Initiative in 2023, Dr. Arora helped lead the effort to bring data-driven processes to every aspect of care delivery—from clinical workflows to residency education and research.

Advancing Care in Pediatric and Robotic Urology

Clinically, Dr. Arora specializes in pediatric urology, with a focus on robotic-assisted and minimally invasive reconstructive surgery for children with congenital and acquired urologic conditions. His work exemplifies the integration of advanced surgical innovation with compassionate, family-centered care.

Dr. Arora has also been instrumental in expanding access to pediatric urologic services across North Carolina through telemedicine, outreach, and collaboration with community hospitals—efforts that reflect his commitment to improving access and equity in pediatric surgical care.

Excellence in Teaching and Mentorship

This year, Dr. Arora was selected by the graduating resident class of 2025 as the Urology Attending of the Year—one of the department’s most respected and meaningful honors.

The award recognizes exceptional teaching, mentorship, and dedication to resident education—qualities that define Dr. Arora’s approach in the clinic, classroom, and operating room.

His educational philosophy centers on mentorship, patient-centered care, and innovation. He is deeply involved in the School of Medicine’s Academy of Educators and has completed multiple faculty development and leadership programs, including Leadership in Academic Medicine, Lean Six Sigma, and the TeamSTEPPS Master Trainer certification.

Through these efforts, Dr. Arora continues to shape how surgical education incorporates quality improvement principles and interprofessional collaboration.

Translating Research into Policy and Practice

Dr. Arora’s research portfolio spans pediatric urology, health services research, and health policy, with publications in Urology, PNAS Nexus, Frontiers in Urology, and the Journal of Pediatric Urology. His early PhD work in cancer biology and nanotechnology at Northwestern University helped develop novel nanotherapeutic approaches for drug-resistant ovarian cancer—an experience that shaped his data-driven, systems-oriented approach to modern healthcare.

Today, his scholarly focus centers on health services and outcomes research, telemedicine, and quality improvement in pediatric urology. As Co-Investigator on an NIH-funded R01 study, Dr. Arora is helping evaluate a parent-centered tool to promote shared decision-making in hypospadias care. He also co-leads a growing Pediatric Urology Research Group at UNC, mentoring residents and students in studies aimed at improving care for congenital urologic conditions.

A Voice for Physicians and Patients

Beyond his academic roles, Dr. Arora is a nationally recognized advocate for health policy and organized medicine. He currently serves as President of the Durham-Orange County Medical Society, Secretary/Treasurer and Board Member of the North Carolina Urological Association, and a member of the North Carolina Medical Society’s Nominating and Leadership Development Committee.

At the national level, Dr. Arora represents the American Urological Association (AUA) in the American Medical Association’s House of Delegates, where he serves as Chair of the AMA Urology Caucus, Treasurer of the AMA Surgical Caucus, and Board Member of the AMA’s Political Action Committee (AMPAC). He is also Chair-Elect of the AMA’s State Advocacy Committee, Chair of the AUA’s Young Urologists Committee, and Chair of the AUA’s Regulatory Workgroup, among numerous other leadership positions.

In a 2025 Urology Times feature, Dr. Arora emphasized the importance of physician advocacy at every level:

“Developing a relationship with your legislator is just as important at the state level as it is at the federal level. You’re actually more likely to get to know your legislator at the state level because it’s a much smaller scale—and that’s where real change often begins.”

Dedicated to Education, Advocacy, and Service

A graduate of Northwestern University’s Medical Scientist Training Program, Dr. Arora earned both his MD and PhD in Cancer Biology, along with a Graduate Certificate in Management for Scientists and Engineers from the Kellogg School of Management. He completed his urology residency at the Cleveland Clinic, followed by a pediatric urology fellowship at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.

Since joining UNC in 2021, Dr. Arora has combined his expertise in pediatric robotic surgery, quality improvement, and health policy to strengthen the department’s educational, clinical, and research missions. His promotion to Associate Professor recognizes not only his scholarly and clinical achievements but also his leadership in mentoring trainees and advocating for a stronger, more equitable healthcare system.

The UNC Department of Urology is pleased to announce that Zachary Feuer, MD, Assistant Professor of Urology, and member of the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, has been selected to serve on the American College of Radiology’s Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) Quality Assurance and Practice Improvement Subcommittee. This  initiative focuses on advancing imaging quality and standardization in prostate cancer diagnostics.

This subcommittee—comprising international leaders in radiology and urology—aims to optimize prostate MRI acquisition, interpretation, and reporting through targeted quality improvement efforts. The group will focus on several strategic priorities, including:

1. Image Acquisition
   • Patient preparation and standardization of pre-imaging protocols
   • Technical parameter updates, emphasizing critical imaging variables such as spatial resolution, phase-encoding direction, and the integration of AI-accelerated pulse sequences for T2-weighted and diffusion-weighted imaging
2. Reporting
   • Implementation and refinement of image quality scoring systems to ensure consistency across imaging centers
3. Performance Monitoring
   • Establishing benchmarks and data monitoring solutions to support continuous quality improvement in prostate MRI practices

Dr. Feuer’s participation reflects UNC’s growing leadership in diagnostic excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration between urology and radiology. Through this role, he will contribute to international efforts to enhance the reliability and clinical value of prostate MRI, supporting more precise detection and management of clinically significant prostate cancer.

“This work represents an opportunity to optimize and standardize MRI performance to ensure that this important diagnostic tool provides the clarity and confidence necessary to guide patient-centered care.”

Zach Feuer, MD
Assistant Professor of Urology

This appointment builds upon UNC’s ongoing quality initiatives, including system-wide pathways for prostate cancer detection and multidisciplinary efforts to improve imaging performance and equity in access across the state.