Message from the Chair

Kent Chevli, MD.

Department chair Kent Chevli, MD.

Welcome to the Department of Urology at the University at Buffalo’s Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. It is a privilege to lead a department defined by its dedication to providing compassionate care for patients of all ages and with all urologic conditions. 

Our mission rests on three pillars: outstanding clinical care, excellence in education and innovation in research. We serve the Western New York community and beyond with a patient-first mindset, combining advanced diagnostic and treatment techniques with a commitment to patient care. 

Education is at the heart of what we do. We train future physicians through a curriculum that blends strong foundational science with immersive, hands-on clinical experience. Residents work alongside faculty in operating rooms, clinics, and during rounds, gaining exposure to diverse cases and cutting-edge technologies.

Our ACGME-accredited residency program has a long tradition of developing skilled, confident, and compassionate urologists. Residents rotate through multiple high-volume training sites—including Buffalo General Medical Center, Erie County Medical Center, Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, Oishei Children’s Hospital, and the VA Medical Center—ensuring exposure to a broad range of adult and pediatric urologic conditions. They gain extensive surgical experience in open, endoscopic, laparoscopic, and robotic techniques, as well as in advanced imaging and diagnostic modalities. Most of our residents’ current case volumes are over 200% of what is required by the ACGME for a Urology resident to graduate. As a result, our residents graduate extremely well-prepared to handle the full spectrum of urologic practice and patient care. Graduates consistently secure competitive fellowships and positions in both academic and private practice settings, reflecting the comprehensive preparation they receive here.

Our faculty are the cornerstone of our department’s success. They are nationally recognized clinicians, researchers, and educators who bring their expertise across every subspecialty of urology, from oncologic and reconstructive surgery to pediatric and urogynecology. Many hold leadership positions in regional and national organizations, contribute to influential research, and remain dedicated mentors to our students and residents. Their commitment to advancing the field of urology through training the next generation is matched only by their dedication to providing exceptional patient care.

We take pride in our collaborative environment, where learners, faculty, and staff support one another in the pursuit of excellence. We are also deeply committed to expanding our department to include a variety of backgrounds and perspectives that will enrich our department and strengthen the care we provide.

Our research initiatives strive to advance the field of urology through innovation—whether by developing new therapeutic approaches, enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life, or deepening our understanding of disease processes. Residents engage in comprehensive research experiences that include basic science and clinical and translational studies, completing at least one project each year. They are strongly encouraged to present their scholarly work at national meetings and conferences. In addition, residents participate in monthly research meetings to review active projects and design new quality assurance and quality improvement initiatives. Through these experiences, residents gain exposure to evidence-based medicine and emerging technologies, while strengthening their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

As a department, we take great pride in fostering an environment that values discovery, collaboration, and lifelong learning. Our commitment to advancing patient care, training the next generation of urologic leaders, and contributing meaningful research to the broader medical community remains steadfast. Together—with our faculty, residents, and staff—we continue to shape the future of urology in Western New York and beyond.