Assistant Professor of Urology
Director, Robotic Urologic Surgery
Co-Director, Center for Advanced Robotic Surgery
Recent News
The James Performs First Robotic Thyroidectomy In Central Ohio
What do you like best about practicing medicine at OSU Medical Center?
I greatly appreciate the culture of high-quality service among nurses, staff, administration and my colleagues, many of whom are nationally recognized in their fields. The research and clinical trials we conduct at the Medical Center and the OSUCCC – James allow us not only to help our own patients, but also to make a contribution to the health of people we may never meet or treat ourselves.
What excites you most about the future of medicine?
The speed at which medicine changes today amazes me. The robotic surgeries I
perform for patients on a daily basis didn’t even exist 10 years ago. It makes me wonder how long it will be before what I am doing now will be replaced with something new and even better.
How do you think P4 Medicine (medicine that is more predictive, preventive, personalized, and participatory) will change your specialty over the next 10 years?
In urology, the same prostate cancer we treat in one patient might be best treated in a completely different way in another patient, both because of the characteristics of the cancer and the patient’s personal characteristics, beliefs and overall health. As P4 Medicine advances, we find the “one-size-fits-all” solution becomes increasingly rare.
Name one of your medical career mentors and tell us what you learned from him or her.
If I were forced to pick one of many, it would be Dr. Kenneth Kropp, the pediatric urologist who trained me. I use lessons I learned from him in ways that are integral to how I treat patients, my team, my teachers, my family and myself. Dr. Kropp remains my greatest role model, both as one of the best surgeons I have ever had the pleasure to learn from and, more importantly, as one of the greatest men I have known in my life.
What advice do you have for young physicians early in their careers?
I’m still early in my own career and, despite how much I feel I have learned, I know it’s only a fraction of what I will learn as I move forward. It’s a humbling feeling, but it can also be motivating. As physicians, we have a unique responsibility and honor that no other calling has in our society, and those who persevere are those who continue to challenge themselves to learn, grow and improve.
Who in history would you most like to meet and why?
I wouldn’t know what to ask if I met a historical figure, and I don’t get too excited about meeting celebrities. I guess I would just like to meet some good people who could help me become a better person myself.
What are your hobbies or volunteer activities? What has been your greatest accomplishment outside of your work?
My three beautiful children are my hobbies and my greatest accomplishment. I have been blessed with a wonderful wife and family, which makes me feel more lucky than accomplished.
Rising Star: Debra Zynger, MD, clinical assistant professor of Pathology. I consider Dr. Zynger a rising star here at Ohio State because she is an example of our Medical Center’s excellence across disciplines. She goes beyond the call of duty to bring the people in her department together to improve the quality of care we can provide as a Medical Center.
CV summary
Undergraduate Degree: BA, Honors Economics, University of Michigan
Medical Degree: Northwestern University Medical School
Residency: Department of Urology, University of Toledo College of Medicine
Offices or Board Positions:
• Member at Large, Board of Directors, Ohio Urological Society
• Reviewer: Journal of Urology; World Journal of Surgical Oncology; Ibnosina Journal of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; Journal of Medical Case Reports; Clinical Medicine: Urology; Journal of Endourology
Clinical and Research Interests: Robotic urologic surgery; minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques; prostate cancer; bladder cancer (those referred for cystectomy); kidney masses; adrenal masses; kidney and ureter obstruction for reconstruction (e.g., hydronephrosis, UPJO, strictures, etc.); upper tract cancer (ureteral, renal pelvis).
