Hackensack University Medical Center Physicians Host Second Annual Evening on Urology Advances Event raises $156,000 for urologic research, education, and innovation

On November 6, Hackensack Meridian Health Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation held an event, Innovative Evening on Urology, to highlight advances and promising projects for the future in the field of urology. More than 200 guests — including physicians, Hackensack University Medical Center leaders, clinicians, vendors, and urology patients —attended the second annual fundraiser at the Edgewood Country Club.  The event highlighted the Urology Department’s world-class team and groundbreaking technologies to raise critical philanthropic support for current research projects, educational programs, and innovative initiatives.

"It is an honor for me to lead the #1 Urology Department in New Jersey, which includes more than 40 urologists who are passionate about research and innovation,” noted Michael Stifelman, M.D., chair of Urology, Hackensack University Medical Center, medical professor and chair of Urology at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine at Seton Hall University and director of Robotic Surgery, Hackensack University Medical Center.  “Together we have published more than 500 scholarly articles in the last decade alone, making us one of the most prolific departments in the country. My team and I are committed to advancing the field through our research and bringing those advances to the patients we serve to improve their care and enhance their lives."

Dr. Stifelman joined these three Hackensack University Medical Center experts who shared their input about urology advances in a panel discussion:

David Shin, M.D., Chief of Center for Sexual Health and Fertility, Hackensack University Medical Center

Debra Fromer, M.D., Chief of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Hackensack University Medical Center

Olivier Loudig, Ph.D., Associate Member of the Center for Discovery and Innovation,

Hackensack Meridian Health Hackensack University Medical Center's urology team is especially known for pioneering the use of robotic-assisted surgery to treat prostate cancer, perform partial nephrectomy techniques for kidney cancer, and rebuild the bladder and ureters using robotic reconstruction procedures.  Today the department has the latest robotic technology and five dedicated robotic surgical systems, replacing the need for traditional open surgical procedures in more than 90 percent of patients. Surgeons from around the world visit Hackensack University Medical Center to learn the latest robotic surgical advances and approaches developed by the urologic team.

During the presentation, Dr. Stifelman spoke extensively about the types of research performed at Hackensack University Medical Center, including clinical outcomes research, bioengineering, translational research, and laboratory investigations.

At the event, Dottie Purcell was honored as a generous benefactor for the Urology Fellowship. The event was co-chaired by Leo T. Ehrline and Gerard S. LaRocca.