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OOHIO SSTATE UUROLOGY

Inaugural DinnerUrology Celebrates Achieving Department Status

On October 8, 2008 the Department of Urology celebrated the

transition from division to department status. Urology faculty,

staff, and residents were joined by university and medical cen-

ter leadership

as well as local

community lead-

ers and friends

of urology to ac-

knowledge this

important mile-

stone. Depart-

ment chairman,

Dr. Robert Bahn-

son, expressed

gratitude to

individuals who

collectively have

made the depart-

ment a success through service and philanthropy.

Chester C. Winter and Henry A. Wise, II, Emeritus Professors

of Urology and former Division Directors were presented with

oil portraits in their honor. The portraits are on display in the

patient care area and will remind others of their service to

Ohio State and their commitment to urologic surgery.

Tami Longaberger, CEO of The Longaberger Company, and

her daughter Claire Kaido were in attendance to join us in ac-

knowledging their father and grandfather’s generous donation

to the department. The creation of the Dave Longaberger En-

dowed Chair in Urology has helped the department to achieve

its mission to improve people’s lives through research,

2

6Dr. & Mrs. Winter with OSU President Gee

DEVELOPMENT

FACULTY

EDUCATION

RESEARCH

PATIENT CARE

(Continued on Page 2)

Newsletter of the Department of Urology at The Ohio State University

WWW.UROLOGY.OSU.EDU

INSIDE

education, and patient care. “What a profound

sense of obligation we all feel to honor your father

whose life was shortened so abruptly by kidney

cancer. We are certain he is pleased to observe the

fruition of your generous investment in us,” stated

Dr. Bahnson.

Other honorees included Sara Lee Youngs, who

endowed a lectureship in the disease that took

her life; and Irv and Bonnie Babbert, whose gifts

are an indication of their overall concern for the

health and welfare of mankind. George Skestos

was acknowledged as a great friend to Ohio State,

a faithful believer in the OSU Medical Center and

a humanitarian interested in personally donating

to advance medicine to improve others lives. The

Julius and Diana Skestos Chair in Urology will

remind all of George’s love of people, the healing

capacity of urologic surgery and his fervent affec-

tion for this great university.

OHIO STATE UROLOGYDEVELOPMENT

How to GiveGifts to the Department of Urology at The Ohio State University helps us to further our goal of continuously being recognized as a leader in patient care, education and research. All gifts great or small make a difference.

Sara Lee Young’s Memorial Fund (Fund # 311931) This fund was established to support a bladder cancer lectureship.

Bladder Cancer Research Fund (Fund # 312290) Dr. Kamal Pohar.

Robotic Urologic Surg Rsrch & Educa-tion (Fund # 312951) Dr. Ronney Abaza

Urology Education Fund (Fund # 306315) This fund is used for teaching and for partial funding of urology research projects.

Jack N. Taylor M.D. Urology Lecture-ship Fund (Fund # 607129) This fund supports an annual lecture (or lectures).

Michael W. Curran Research Fund (Fund # 660588) This fund was established to support prostate cancer research.

Ronald and Ernesta Fay Endowment Fund to Support Research in Prostate Cancer and Brachytherapy (Fund # 662122)

Urologic Oncology/Robotic Surgery Research and Education Fund (Fund # 313017) Dr. David Sharp.

Urodynamics Urologic Surgery Re-search and Education Fund (Fund # 313016) Dr. Jason Gilleran.

Endourology Urologic Surgery Re-search and Education Fund (Fund # 313015) Dr. Bodo Knudsen.

Minimally-Invasive/Robotic Urologic Surgery Research and Education Fund (Fund # 313014) Dr. Geoffrey Box.

Oncologic and Molecular Urology/Ro-botic Surgery Research & Education Fund (Fund # 313013) Dr. Ahmad Shab-sigh.

Checks payable to: The Ohio State Univer-sity, Department of Urology. Gifts are tax deductible in accordance to the Internal Rev-enue Code. Gifts can be mailed to: 456 W. 10th Ave, Ste 4960, Columbus, OH 43210

2

(Continued from Cover)

Henry Wise, M.D.

I felt it was a great honor to be

included with Chet Winter. He

brought academics to the residen-

cy program, and I was blessed to

be able to be a part of his faculty.

To me the portrait will stand in

tribute to carrying on the teach-

ing example Chet set, and I will never be able to express my grati-

tude for the opportunity to be involved with the education of men

and women interested in the fi eld of urology. They made the days at

The Ohio State University Medical School a joy and a pleasure.

Chet Winter, M.D.

I am very appreciative of the

honor of having my portrait

hanging in the OSU Depart-

ment of Urology. It will bask in

the glow of many contributions

in the fi eld of Urology that I

foresee coming in the future from the Department under the very

competent leadership of Dr. Bahnson.

(Continued on Page 3)

OHIO STATE UROLOGYDEVELOPMENT

3

Top Left: Tami Longaberger, Dr. Robert Bahnson, and Claire Kaido. Top Middle: Tod J. Orlip and Tina Skestos.

Top Right: Dr. E. Gordon Gee and Dr. Robert Bahnson. Middle Left: Dr. Chip Scoba, Dr. Manny Tzagournis, and

John Wolfe. Lower Left: Robert Lafollette and Dr. Chet Winter. Lower Right: Department of Urology Faculty (left

to right - Drs. Ronney Abaza, Bodo Knudsen, Henry Wise, David Sharp, Ahmad Shabsigh, Chet Winter, Kamal

Pohar, Robert Bahnson, Geoffrey Box, and Jason Gilleran).

Appreciation was acknowledged for Manuel Tza-

gournis, Hagop Mekhjian, Dave Schuller, Den-

nis Smith, Chris Ellison and Bob Ruberg. Their

patience, tolerance, and support have been critical

aids on the department’s path to respectability.

A commitment was made to be even better

through improvement and reaffi rmation of

core values. The prime importance of patient

care was underscored. Patients are not an

interruption of work, they are the purpose of it.

The department will continue to perform our

clinical service with alacrity.

“As teachers, we understand our integral role in

the dissemination of urologic problem solving

skill to students and residents. As scholars, we

commit to the scientifi c inquiry which leads to

improved treatments,” concluded Bahnson.

“The department has a committment to per-

form at the highest level so all who observe us

will agree we are the fl agship.”

Faculty in Focus:

Jason Gilleran, M.D.

It is estimated that 1 in 3 women will have a prob-lem with incontinence at some point in their lives, and this number is likely to increase with the current aging population. Since joining the OSU Faculty in September 2005 as the Director of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstruction, Dr. Jason Gilleran has focused his practice on addressing this troubling symptom, as well as other areas of pelvic fl oor dysfunction, including pelvic prolapse, bladder obstruction due to enlarged pros-tate and interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS). Dr. Gilleran specializes in the treatment of complex, refractory cases of incontinence and sees patients from all over central and southeastern Ohio. The Ohio State University Voiding Dysfunction Center offers advanced diagnostic testing, including videourodynamics which in-volves direct physician involvement to better identify the underlying cause and lead to focused treatment. In addition, Dr. Gilleran maintains a tireless determination to help patients with even the most challenging clinical problems.

OHIO STATE UROLOGYFACULTY

4

OSU Urology National Leaders in Resident Education in RoboticsFaculty members at Ohio State’s Department of

Urology are leading the nation in resident train-

ing in robotic surgery. By helping develop a

nationwide curriculum for resident training and

introducing a national two-day program to in-

troduce residents to the most up-to-date robotic

techniques, OSU Urology has become a champion

of resident robotic education.

Last year, Dr. Ronney Abaza, Director of Robotic

Urologic Surgery at OSU, joined prominent robotic

surgeons from around the country from several

specialties as part of a working group to develop a

resident training program in robotics. The group

was convened at the California headquarters of In-

tuitive Surgical, the makers of the da Vinci robotic

system used fi rst at OSU in 1999 and now at medi-

cal centers around the world. The curriculum

developed by the group was piloted at 10 training

programs across the country this past year, includ-

ing OSU Urology, which became the fi rst resident

training program in any specialty to have 100% of

its residents complete the training modules under

instruction from Dr. Abaza, Dr. David

Sharp, and Dr. Ahmad

Shabsigh.

Another milestone in

resident education in

robotics was reached

when on March 20th

and 21st the OSU

Department of

Urology hosted

the fi rst annual

National Urol-

ogy Resident

Preceptorship

in Robotic Uro-

logic Surgery. This

two-day program

exposed residents

...as our new Clinical Associate

Professor of Urology.

Dr. Begun was trained ex-

clusively at the University of

Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI. He

completed a B.S. in Zoology, a

M.S. in Biology, his M.D., and

a residecy in Urology.

He spent the majority of his time in the

Urology Department at the Medical

College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, WI

where he served for 24 years. During

that time he also served as Chief of Urol-

ogy at the U.S. Veterans Administration

Center in Milwaukee, WI.

He has served as President of the Wis-

consin Urological Society, and President of

the the North Central section of American

Urology Association. In his spare time, he

enjoys photography and scuba-diving.

WELCOMEFrank Begun, M.D...

OHIO STATE UROLOGYEDUCATION

5

from training programs around the country to the

latest innovations and procedures in robotic sur-

gery for urologic conditions.

Because robotic surgery is still relatively new and

many urology departments in the country are

still learning robotic surgery, it has not become

a part of all urology training programs such that

many urology residents are graduating from

their training with little or no exposure

to robotics. This event was there-

fore designed by Dr. Abaza to allow

OSU Urology to share its expertise

in robotics

with visiting

residents

so that they

could return

with new

and exciting

information

for their colleagues and mentors.

The guest faculty included Dr. Mani Menon from

Henry Ford Hospital, who pioneered robotic

prostate cancer surgery, and Dr. Matthew Gett-

man from the Mayo Clinic, who published the fi rst

report on removal of kidney tumors robotically

(partial nephrectomy). The local faculty included

Dr. Abaza and the other members of OSU’s Urol-

ogy Department performing robotic surgery for

various conditions, including Dr. Sharp, Dr. Shab-

sigh, Dr. Jason Gilleran, and Dr. Geoffrey Box.

OSU Urology hopes to continue this unique event

on an annual basis as part of its continued com-

mitment to education in addition to its mission of

excellence in clinical care and research. In addi-

tion to preparing OSU’s own residents for robotic

surgery through their training, OSU Urology aims

to continue its role at the forefront of robotic edu-

cation for residents on a national level.

OSU was the first to have a DaVinci robotic system and it is still

in use today.

Currently, The Ohio State University Voiding Dysfunction Center is able to offer advanced cutting-edge treatment, including nerve modulation and botulinum toxin (BoTox) therapy to improve urinary tract function, as well as robotic-assisted laparoscopic pelvic reconstruction that offers patients less blood loss and a quicker recovery compared to the traditional open approach. OSU has also recently revived a dedicated physical therapy rehabilitation program focused on pelvic fl oor dysfunction and pelvic pain. Dr. Gilleran is excited about the opportuni-

ties he can provide and encourages patients to seek care for this condi-tion and, in turn, a better

quality of life.

Meet our Newest ResidentsRyan Novak, M.D.I was very pleased with matching at OSU. I quickly learned

during interviews that the Urology Department at OSU has an

invaluable resource- its people and the leadership. The environ-

ment and culture within the department facilitates a rewarding

and positive learning experience. It will provide a very sturdy platform from

which I am able to continue my urology training for the next four years.

Matthew Johnson, M.D.Once I realized that urology was the area of medicine that

interested me most, the next step was identifying a residency

program that embodied the ideals that would shape me into

the type of urologist that I wanted to become. These ideals are

hard work, compassionate care, and utmost professionalism.

After my interview at the Ohio State University, I realized that

this is a place where I could fi nd collegial role models who per-

sonifi ed these same ideals and I am ecstatic and eager for the opportunity

to receive my urology training at THE Ohio State University.

Humberto Martinez-Swarez, M.D.Before I began, I knew that the department of Urology at OSU

placed heavy emphasis on professionalism and graduated sur-

gical skills development. Thus far the program has exceeded

my expectations in terms of its supportive and enthusiastic fac-

ulty, resident camaraderie, and overall excellence in patient

care. I look forward to my residency and am confi dent that I

will fi nish the program a well-trained urologist.

Neurogenic Bladder Study

Jason Gilleran, M.D.

Contact: Lisa Hafer

(614) 293-7877.

Interstitial Cystitis Study

Jason Gilleran, M.D.

Contact: Jennifer Theadore

(614) 293-3648.

Renal Tumor Imaging Study

Robert Bahnson, M.D.

Contact: Cathy Mojzisik, RN, MS

614-366-7937

OHIO STATE UROLOGYRESEARCH

Clinical Trials Now Recruiting

6

A Closer

Look

AUAF Research Grant AwardedImaging Prostate Cancer Biomarkers

Guang Jia, Ph.D., a Post-Doctoral Researcher in Biophysics

and Radiology, recently received a grant from the American

Urological Association Foundation(AUAF).

The proposal was to examine the ability of amide-proton trans-

fer MRI to diagnose prostate cancer in situ with a noninvasive

approach. The project involves imaging a small number (30) of

prostate cancer patients to assess the levels of “Mobile Pro-

teins” in prostate tumors and their ability to serve as a bio-

marker of prostate cancer.

The AUAF stated that OSU’s training facility was the “strength

of the proposal”.

Dr. Jia will be co-mentored by Drs. Michael Knopp, a Professor

at OSU and Dr. Robert Bahnson, Professor and Chair of Urol-

ogy at OSU. According to the AUAF, “Both mentors are felt to

be of extremely high caliber and the co-mentorship identifi es a

unique potential mentoring environment that could nurture the

development of new imaging technologies for Urology”.

Neurogenic Bladder Study

Dr. Jason Gilleran retains an academic interest in a number of female urology fi elds but one area of particular interest is studying a potential biomarker (i.e., blood test) for the con-dition of interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS). This condition is characterized by urinary urgency, frequency, and bladder pain. In conjunction with Dr. Tony Buffi ngton from the College of Veterinary Medicine and Dr. Rodriguez-Saona from the Department of Food Science and Nutrition, a simple test has been developed to help distinguish between individuals with IC/PBS from those with-out the condition (“con-trols”) as well as those with other bladder condi-tions. The test has been refi ned to the point where

one can be tested using only a few small drops of blood from a fi nger stick, which can be evaluated by a technique called “Near Infra-Red Spectroscopy.”

Individuals with interstitial cystitis/

painful bladder syndrom who would

like to be evaluated for this study can

contact Dr. Gilleran at 614-293-3648

or 614-293-8155.

Grateful PatientErv & Bonnie BabbertWhen Ervin and Bonnie Babbert were invited to the recent depart-ment celebration, they thought it was in honor of Dr. Bahnson, so they were surprised when he rec-ognized them for their donations to the department.Mr. Babbert has been a patient of Dr. Robert Bahnson’s since 1998. Erv recalls when he fi rst met Dr. Bahnson, he wouldn’t say a word, but then “we got on a roll” he stated. Mr. Babbert was referred to Dr. Bahnson by a family friend in 1998 when the physician he was seeing left town. Dr. Bahnson encouraged him to stop smoking. Ervin had six operations and is doing well today. Bonnie had told Dr. Bahnson that she wanted to keep Erv healthy until their 50th anniversary, and he has given her that plus an extra fi ve years. They both appreciate the fact that Dr. Bahn-son has always explained things. He always makes sure to include Bonnie in conversations about Erv’s patient care.

The urology staff are “like fam-ily” and “have been wonderful”, stated the Babberts. With Urology becoming a department and the addition of new faculty, Mr. Babbert stated that “they couldn’t have picked a better guy to do it”, he further stated that Dr. Bahnson “has a knack of getting good people.” Ervin and Bonnie Babbert were married at 19 and founded a company, E.C. Babbert, Inc.,

in 1960. During the early days of the company they mostly installed septic tanks, pumps, and softeners. When the city of Columbus needed concrete barriers for a downtown sport car race E.C. Babbert was awarded the contract, placing the busi-ness on its road to big success. The Babberts state that they use money from investments to support Hospice and Children’s Hospital as well as their continued donations to the Department of Urology. “We are living well, we would rather give to good people than hoard,” states Bonnie Babbert.

OHIO STATE UROLOGYPATIENT CARE

7

Patient Profi leRichard Ronevich

Richard Ronevich, a man of simple

faith, feels his faith has been reward-

ed. He wants to make sure others

are aware of the InterStim and how the

physicians at OSU Urology can help.

Richard has lived with urinary problems for 18

years. In addition he battles refl ex sympathetic dys-

trophy and fi bromyalgia. He had a suprapubic catheter

placed in February 1989. About seven months later

the spasms began. At times they were so bad they put

him in the fetal position. He was hospitalized multiple

times for infections. At one point the doctor couldn’t do

a cystoscopy because of the spasms.

He lived 10 years with a catheter and was worried

about bladder cancer. When he came to OSU Urology,

he was seen by Dr. Jason Gilleran.

Dr. Gilleran discussed the option for the InterStem,

but cautioned Richard not to be overly optimistic

since he had the catheter for so long and was worried

there may be additional damage. When Dr. Gilleran

implanted the device the outcome was

better than anticipated. Richard said,

“I could kiss his hands. His hands did

the job. I got a whole new life.” He

shared a simple example of taking a

shower. He used to have to clamp off

and disconnect the catheter. Now he

doesn’t. “I have to retrain myself; my

bladder is the size of a 2 year-old.”

Richard lives on a small 12 acre farm, about 20 minutes

from Wheeling, West Virginia, in Mt. Pleasant ,Ohio.

He showed dogs and poultry and hopes to get back to

his hobby. He is a eucharistic minister at St. Josephs

Catholic Church. One day after mass when he was

cleaning up and putting vessels away, he noticed he

was wet through his robe, even through his depends.

He felt he had to stop assisting with services; his

bladder spasms caused him to pull away from going

to church. “If it wasn’t for my faith, I don’t know how I

would have gotten through,” Richard noted. Richard

offered,” If sharing my experience can help anyone,

by all means they should consider seeing the Urology

team at Ohio State and consider this treatment option.

“If you want a good urologist go to Dr.

Bahnson. I would recommend him to anyone.”

Department of Urology4960 Cramblett Medical Clinic

456 West Tenth Avenue

Columbus, Ohio 43210-1228

Nonprofi t Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDColumbus, OhioPermit No. 711

OSU East1492 E. Broad St.

Columbus, OH 43205

(614) 257-2396

2009 Sara Lee Youngs Visiting ProfessorHarry Herr, M.D.

Dr. Harry W. Herr, MD, FACS from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center pre-

sented a lecture on Optimal therapy of muscle-invasive bladder cancer at a recent

Grand Rounds. Dr. Herr is a urologic surgeon specializing in bladder cancer. His

expertise is in devising treatment strategies designed to cure and improve the

quality of life of patients with bladder cancer. Dr. Herr’s lecture was followed by

case presentations by the urology residents encouraging Dr. Herr’s views of the

current level of evidence and opinions of various topics in bladder cancer.

OSU Hospital’s Clinic456 West 10th Ave., Ste 3C

Columbus, OH 43210

(614) 293-8155

James Cancer Hospital300 West 10th Ave.

Columbus, OH 43210

(614) 293-8155

Martha Morehouse Plaza2050 Kenny Rd.

Columbus, OH 43210

(614) 293-8155