Welcome to the UCSF Urology newsletter. This quarterly publication is an opportunity to highlight the people, achievements and initiatives that are shaping the future of our department. We have much to be proud of. UCSF Urology was recently ranked #1 in the nation for NIH funding, a reflection of our deep commitment to advancing impactful, high-quality research. Our faculty continue to earn national recognition for their work. We’re pleased to welcome new outstanding faculty and a new class of interns and fellows who represent the next generation of urologic leaders. 

As we look ahead, our focus remains on driving innovation, strengthening mentorship, and expanding our impact across clinical care, research and education. I hope this newsletter serves as a reflection of the shared purpose and momentum we continue to build together. 

Fresh Look, Same World-Class Urology 

We’ve officially launched our brand-new website: urology.ucsf.edu! With a modern design, easier navigation, and clearer info on our clinical, research, and education programs, it’s built to serve you and everyone we care for even better. Take a peek and let us know what you think. 

We’re excited to welcome our newest class of urology interns to UCSF who started in June! This talented group brings a wide range of experiences, interests and perspectives, along with some great fun facts, from Chipotle marathons to Vegas hikes. Get to know a little more about each of them below. We’re so glad to have them on the team.

• Medical School: Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine  
• Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada  
• Fun fact: I was born and raised in Las Vegas, and I currently live only 10-15 minutes from the strip. Vegas has incredible hiking spots when the weather isn't too hot!  
• Why UCSF: UCSF not only offers world-class training, but also an exceptional culture. I am so excited to be a part of the UCSF family while also being closer to my own hometown.  

• Medical School: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine  
• Hometown: Union City, CA 
• One fun fact: I’m a huge foodie. I love trying new cuisines and all types of food.  
• Why Urology/Why UCSF: I chose Urology because it is a constantly evolving and innovative field that deals with a wide variety of pathologies and patients. I’m excited to join UCSF and have the opportunity to learn from leaders in the field in a beautiful city. 

• Medical School: UCSF 
• Hometown: Bay Area! 
• Fun fact: My favorite food is a chicken bowl from Chipotle. I once ate it nearly every day for three months while studying for an exam. 
• Why Urology/Why UCSF: Urology is the best specialty in medicine, and UCSF is where I’ve always hoped to train. Urologists have a tremendous impact on patients' quality of life, and I’m excited to learn surgery from the people I’ve looked up to since day one. 

• Medical School: Geisel SOM at Dartmouth 
• Hometown: Born in Colombia but grew up in Houston, TX 
• Fun fact: I love crocheting, painting and drawing. 
• Why Urology/UCSF: I chose Urology because I loved the ability to practice medicine in a way that could be impactful to a patient's quality of life and an avenue to restore autonomy. I am excited to join the team at UCSF because the people were some of my favorites that I worked with during my sub-i season. 

Incoming Fellows

We’re also thrilled to welcome our new fellows who began July 1: Zachary Kornberg, Elizabeth Lynch, and John Myrga – we’re lucky to have you!

Zachary Kornberg, MD

Elizabeth Lynch, MD

John Myrga, MD

Christi Butler, MD

New Associate Residency Program Director for GME

Yi Li, MD

New Faculty Lead

UCSF Urology Mentorship Program

John Lindsey, MD

New Faculty Lead

UCSF Urology Mentorship Program

UCSF researchers, co-led by Chief of Urologic Oncology Sima Porten, MD, MPH, have identified a potential target for treating a rare and aggressive form of bladder cancer using CAR-T cell therapy – offering new hope for patients whose tumors are often resistant to standard treatments. Their findings, published in Nature Communications, were made possible through NIH funding. 

UCSF Urology ranked #1 in the nation for NIH funding, securing over $7.5 million in 2024. It’s a reflection of the bold, life-changing science our teams are driving every day. 

“Research is the engine that drives better care,” said Benjamin Breyer, MD, MAS, Chair of the UCSF Department of Urology. “This support helps us generate the evidence needed to improve outcomes, advance equity, and shape the future of our field. It’s absolutely essential to ensure patients receive the best care possible – not just today, but in the decades to come.” 

Across the department, investigators are working to answer some of the most pressing questions in urologic health from developing new treatments for cancer to addressing disparities in care, improving surgical outcomes, and understanding the causes of pediatric and congenital urologic conditions. 

UCSF urology experts presented groundbreaking research and clinical insights at the 2025 American Urological Association annual meeting in April, covering topics from AI in prostate cancer care to financial toxicity, environmental health, and bladder cancer treatment innovation. Our faculty and researchers were highly represented across sessions, panels, and presentations— read the full article for a detailed look at UCSF’s presence at AUA 2025.

UCSF Urology has named Sima P. Porten, MD, MPH as Chief of Urologic Oncology, a role that recognizes her exceptional clinical expertise, research leadership, and long-standing commitment to advancing care for patients with genitourinary cancer. She began the position on July 1, 2025.

Following former President Joe Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis, UCSF Professor of Urology Matthew Cooperberg, MD, MPH, joined NPR’s Science Friday to help unpack the complexities of prostate cancer screening and discuss what truly defines best practice in early detection. 

Firefighters face a higher risk of bladder cancer, a link confirmed in 2022 when firefighting was classified as a Group 1 carcinogen. While this doesn’t change treatment, it can offer insight into how the cancer developed, says Chief of Urologic Oncology Sima P. Porten, MD, MPH. In Urology Times, she stressed the need to raise awareness about risk factors, early signs like hematuria, and the importance of protective gear. “They risk their lives for their jobs,” she said. “It’s on all of us to help keep them safe.”

Davide Ruggero, PhD, professor of urology at UCSF and member of the Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, has received a rare renewal of his American Cancer Society (ACS) Professorship – one of the most prestigious and selective honors in cancer research. Reserved for visionary scientists whose work has reshaped their fields, the ACS Professorship is awarded to only a handful of researchers nationwide. 

Jonathan Chou, MD, PhD, has been named a 2025 Damon Runyon Clinical Investigator – a prestigious award that includes $600,000 in research funding and support for early-career physician-scientists. Dr. Chou is developing new cellular therapies for bladder cancer by identifying novel, cancer-specific surface proteins that could serve as safer and more precise drug targets.

Matthew Cooperberg, MD, MPH, has received the 2025 Special Award for Advocacy from Active Surveillance Patients International, recognizing his leadership in restoring Active Surveillance as the preferred treatment for low-risk prostate cancer and his continued efforts to champion evidence-based care and patient choice.

PGY-1 urology resident Sudarshan V. Srirangapatanam, MD has received the 2024–25 ZSFG Krevans Award for outstanding clinical performance, professionalism and teamwork during his intern year at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital.

Meet Director of Research Resource Imelda Tenggarra, the powerhouse behind the scenes of UCSF Urology research. From navigating complex regulations to mentoring teammates, Imelda brings energy and heart to everything she does. 

Reconnect with colleagues and the UCSF Urology community at the first-ever Hinman Society Conference.

When: Oct. 16-17, 2025

Where: San Francisco, CA

Details: Event will include CME lectures, group activity, social gathering, and more.

Thank you for being part of the UCSF Urology community. We’re proud to share the work of our faculty, learners, and staff – and even prouder of the impact it has on the lives of our patients and the field of urology.

Have a story, highlight or accomplishment you'd like to share in a future issue? Email us at Rebecca.Wolfson@ucsf.edu.

Until next time,

The UCSF Department of Urology