Dr. Gonzalez named urology chair at Case

Christopher M. Gonzalez, MD, MBA, has been named chairman of urology at University Hospitals Case Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland.

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“Dr. Gonzalez is a nationally and internationally known expert in genitourinary reconstruction. We also were attracted by his strong commitment to community service.  He has led initiatives to enhance community access to preventive screenings among medically underserved populations as well as international missions. Furthermore, he has led efforts to improve patient care quality and control costs through new technologies. His breadth of expertise will help him to expand the Department of Urology’s presence in our community as well as strengthen our research and clinical care,” said Fred C. Rothstein, MD, president of University Hospitals Case Medical Center, in a UH press release.

Dr. Gonzalez was previously professor of urology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, director of the genitourinary reconstruction and prosthetics fellowship program, and director of surgery for Northwestern Memorial Hospital, the 259 E. Erie Ambulatory Surgery Center, and Prentice Women’s Hospital. He is the current vice chair of Public Policy and Practice Support for the AUA, and recently completed a 4-year term on the American Board of Urology Examination Committee.

Next: Dr. Knudsen named director of Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center

In other recent appointments, Karen E. Knudsen, PhD, has been named the director of the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia and the Hilary Koprowski Chair of the department of cancer biology of the Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University. Dr. Knudsen had been serving in these roles in an interim capacity since January of this year.

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A leading expert in the molecular basis of hormone-dependent cancer development and progression, Dr. Knudsen’s research is focused on developing new means to prevent or treat lethal prostate cancers, according to Thomas Jefferson University. Her studies that identify tumor suppressor and hormone receptor alterations have uncovered new targets for treating advanced disease, and have led to innovative, biomarker-driven clinical trials.

Dr. Knudsen also has joint appointments in the departments of urology, radiation oncology, and medical oncology. She served as the first vice provost for Thomas Jefferson University, overseeing and integrating basic and clinical research across the colleges.

Next: LUPGA names first CEO

In association news, LUGPA announced that Celeste Kirschner will be the organization's first chief executive officer.

“With more than 20 years of experience in medical society management and a record of growth, innovation and leadership, Celeste is the ideal person to lead LUGPA. She understands the challenges and opportunities for our member practices and I look forward to a partnership that enhances independent urology,” said LUGPA President Gary Kirsh, MD, in a LUGPA press release.

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Kirschner joins LUGPA from the American Society of Anesthesiologists, where she served as perioperative surgical home executive.

“Healthcare in the U.S. is at a critical crossroads with substantial Medicare payment change and shifts in physician employment and autonomy underway,” Kirschner said in the release. “As someone who understands the mentality and business needs of physician groups, I look forward to putting my experience to work to help LUGPA members navigate the rapidly changing environment in which they practice medicine.”

Next: Society for Basic Urologic Research announces Young Investigator award

Finally, the Society for Basic Urologic Research has awarded Xin Li, PhD, of New York University College of Dentistry its Young Investigator Award “in recognition of her significant contributions to urologic research,” according to a press release from NYU College of Dentistry.

Dr. Li is an assistant professor in the department of basic science and craniofacial biology. She also holds a secondary appointment in the department of urology at the NYU School of Medicine. Her research focuses on causes and progression of prostate cancer and bone metastasis, observing metformin’s molecular mechanisms in mesenchymal and epithelial cells.

The award will be presented at the society’s fall annual meeting in November in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

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