Urology
The Division of Urology leads nationally and internationally in research, education and innovative patient-centered care and accesses state-of-the-art clinical facilities and technology, including surgical robots.
University of Alberta Urology - Virtual Residency Program Tour 2020
Research
The Division of Urology has had a strong focus on both basic science research and clinical outcomes research. Basic science research is focused on oncology, photodynamic therapy and laser technology. The division actively participates in a number of clinical trials in bladder, prostate and renal cancer. In addition, there are trials open in endo-urology, transplantation and reconstruction.
Working in partnership with Alberta Health Services, the division has developed a research strategy and is planning the Alberta Centre for Urologic Research and Excellence.
The division is actively recruiting patients to the Alberta Prostate Cancer Research Initiative: an effort focused on biomarker development for the improvement of prostate cancer diagnosis.
Each year we hold a Division of Urology Resident Research Day as we support both residents and students to pursue urological research: students from the University of Calgary also present their research. We present to both surgeons and allied health professionals who are part of urological patient care delivery each day. The day includes attendees from nephrology and obstetrics and gynecology.
Technology and Facilities
We access the brand new Dianne and Irving Kipnes Urology Centre at the Kaye Edmonton Clinic. This state-of-the-art ambulatory urologic facility is second-to-none. It enhances the patient experience by centralizing care in a single location for all urologic ambulatory services. In addition, there are spaces for procedure, simulation, and integrated clinical research. It also has education facilities for the public, learners and residents. The centre is the culmination of the $30 million Campaign for Prostate Health completed in conjunction with the University Hospital Foundation. The Crown Jewel is the $10 million C. J. Woods Prostate Health Clinic.
It provides men, who have a suspected diagnosis of prostate cancer, with timely urologic assessment, biopsy or imaging, and consultation regarding therapeutic options and patient and family support. Its facilities include lithotripsy, cystoscopy and urodynamics, and the centre is developing a prostate cancer survivorship clinic. In addition to other general and subspecialty urology clinics, there are clinics dedicated to acute stone disease, and a multi-disciplinary clinic for advanced prostate cancer. The Misericordia Hospital offers integrated outpatient urologic surgery and has one of Canada’s largest outpatient end-urology services. Major inpatient procedures are performed at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, University of Alberta Hospital, and Lois Hole Women’s Hospital. The division accesses three da Vinci surgical robots – one at each of these hospitals. The division leads in robotic surgery with respect to prostatic, renal and women’s pelvic floor dysfunction.
Clinical
The division, which recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of renal transplantation at the university, offers nearly the entire breadth of the urologic spectrum: general urology, urologic oncology, reconstructive urology, endourology, pediatric urology, female urology, and transplantation. Division members are well-respected Canadian leaders in the fields of robotic surgery and endourology. The urethroplasty program is the highest-volume program in Western Canada. The surgeon involved presents internationally on the success of the program. Recent centralization of advanced bladder cancer care also attracts international interest with respect to surgical outcomes. In addition to contributing to the Canadian Bladder Cancer Network, the University of Alberta is an active participant in the Canadian Kidney Cancer Information System.
Teaching
Division members are active in developing the undergraduate surgical curriculum for the Canadian Urological Association and developing postgraduate education initiatives. In addition, members have taken leadership roles in the strategic planning for development and implementation of Competence By Design for urologic surgery at a national level. Our program includes at least two residents per year.
Leadership
Division members have regional, national and international leadership roles, including a former president of the Canadian Urological Association. Members serve on the Canadian Urological Association executive and are involved in guideline development, and patient information efforts.
Members have recently served or are serving in surgical leadership roles, including the Chief of Surgery at the Royal Alexandra and Misericordia hospitals, and in the Surgery Clinical Network. Dr. Keith Rourke is the chair of the Royal College Urology subspecialty committee, and the Fellowship Committee Chair for the Genitourinary Reconstructive Surgeons.
Contact Us
Dianne and Irving Kipnes Urology Centre
7th Floor Kaye Edmonton Clinic
11400 University Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1Z1
780 407 5800 (P)
888 414 6282 (F)