Urology

History of the Department of Urology

The Department of Urology’s history dates back to the earliest days of the University of Rochester School of Medicine, founded in 1925. Dr. D. M. Davis, a urologist from Johns Hopkins Medical School was the first appointee to the newly established Division of Urology. He was appointed by the first Dean of the Medical School, the Nobel laureate Dr. George Whipple and the first Chief of Surgery, Dr. John Morton.

In 1928, Dr. Winfield W. Scott, replaced Dr. Davis as Chief of Urology. Dr. Scott formally organized the Division of Urology within the Department of Surgery and established an independent residency program. Dr. Scott's tenure as chairman lasted 30 years. He was known as an outstanding teacher of medical students and residents, but perhaps his greatest contribution was his recognition that research was of critical importance for furthering the long-term goals of Urology.

Dr. Donald McDonald was the next chairman in the Division of Urology. He further developed the excellent urology residency program and was the Chair from 1958 to 1967. Dr. Irwin N. Frank was appointed the acting Chair of Urology from 1967 to May 30, 1969. Dr. Abraham T. K. Cockett was appointed as Chair on June 1, 1969 and energetically built the program further, strengthening its research activities and clinical reach. Urology achieved departmental status in January 1983. The department’s national and international reputation was enhanced by Dr. Cockett’s leadership as President of the American Urological Association from 1993-1994. His 26-year tenure as Chair, ending in June 1995, prepared the department well for the changes and challenges developing in health care.

In July 1995, Dr. Edward M. Messing, Chief of Urologic Oncology at the University of Wisconsin, joined the University of Rochester faculty as Winfield W. Scott Professor and Chair of the Department of Urology. A national leader in the field of urologic oncology and principal investigator on numerous NIH grants and contracts, Dr. Messing has brought his clinical and research expertise to all facets of the department — building on D r. Cockett’s legacy. In October 1996, Dr. Messing was also named Acting Director of the University of Rochester’s National Cancer Institute’s designated Cancer Center. Upon appointment of a full-time director in 1997, Dr. Messing has continued his role at the Center as Deputy Director.

Today, the Department of Urology operates a state-of-the-art research laboratory. The department is currently involved in research in the detection, prevention, and treatment of bladder and prostatic cancer, female and male urinary incontinence, and renal calculi. There is an enlarging clinical research program. Recent years have seen a significant increase in outpatient urological procedures, such as urodynamics, ultrasound, prostate biopsy, cystoscopy, and minor surgical procedures. This expansion of outpatient services in Urology, as well as in many other departments throughout the Medical Center, has led to the creation of the Ambulatory Center which opened in May of 1996. The Urology Outpatient Clinic is now located in this patient-friendly facility.