Department of Urology physicians honored with UCSF Health Exceptional Physician Award

The annual UCSF Health Exceptional Physician Awards recognize UCSF Health physicians that have provided highest quality of patient care, contributed to UCSF Health's mission, and demonstrated UCSF Health's PRIDE Values of professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity, and excellence.

“These physicians set an example of what we aspire to be at UCSF – they are compassionate and committed experts at what they do” said Peter Carroll, MD. Interim Chair of the Department.

The Department of Urology is thrilled to honor two of their esteemed physicians recognized this year as UCSF Health Exceptional Physicians, Dr. Avi Baskin and Dr. Katsuto Shinohara for their extraordinary work. “These physicians set an example of what we aspire to be at UCSF – they are compassionate and committed experts at what they do” says Peter Carroll, Interim Chair of the Department.

Dr. Avi Baskin is a Chief Resident. He has been with the UCSF Department of Urology for the past 6 years. He is recognized by his colleagues as consistently demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and mindfulness. The respect, equity and kindness he always shows speaks to his character and his commitment to excellence in patient care. He does this by going above and beyond to ensure patients are educated, informed, listened too and followed up with throughout their time in his care. "he is patient, kind, and treats every patient with the respect that he would afford his own family" stated one of his colleagues. In addition, many of his colleagues highlight Dr. Baskin's great communication skills, reliability, thoughtfulness and proactiveness. He is quick to take on tasks himself to help the team. He promotes work/life balance, shares his clinical expertise and teaches technical skills with junior residents. Another colleague shared, "I have no doubt that he will be an excellent academic surgeon as he has already shown his dedication to a tripartite mission of teaching others, dedication to meaningful research, and providing compassionate clinical care with excellent outcomes. He has shown his ability to be a leader during his time as chief resident, and I fully expect this star to continue to rise."

Dr. Katsuto Shinohara is Professor of Urology and Helen Diller Family Chair in Clinical Urology. He specializes in urologic cancers, with focus on prostate diseases. His expertise and clinical interests are in prostate imaging and prostate cancer diagnosis and his research interests include interventional therapy of prostate diseases. He is involved in professional societies including Japanese Urological Association, Japan Society of Ultrasonics in Medicine, American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, American Urological Association and Engineering & Urology Society.

Dr. Shinohara is described as a "go-to" doctor, dedicated, hardworking, approachable, innovative, selfless, calm with a sense of humor. He is thought very highly of; known throughout the world. He is admired for his exceptional skills and knowledge of prostate ultrasound. Often his colleagues will refer patients to him to perform ultrasounds and biopsies. Patients seek him out specifically for their care. He demonstrates excellence in patient care by his compassion, respect and dedication to help. In his busy clinic and OR he ensures that he is educating, addressing and listening to patient needs while ensuring he is available to support staff and colleagues. Often, he is first to arrive and last to leave clinic. He is proactive and reliable. He communicates in a thoughtful, honest and clear way. He shows people that he values their opinions and doesn't hesitate to support staff in becoming most successful in their career path. His excellence and strive for high quality care shows through trust he has built in his relationships. In his career he has and continues to mentor medical students, residents, fellows, nurses, scribes and medical assistants and is a valuable resource and beloved to his colleagues. "Dr. Shinohara's ability to provide guidance and show patience and compassion has inspired us all to be the best versions of ourselves." notes a colleague. Another colleague shares "Dr. Shinohara will not hesitate to teach and foster an environment of learning and inclusivity."