Department head Q&A

Department Head Badrinath Konety, M.D., M.B.A., joined the University of Minnesota Medical School in the fall of 2009. Here are his thoughts on the Department of Urology, the benefit of academic medicine, and more.

What sets the University of Minnesota Department of Urology apart from others in the country?

Dr. Konety: At the University of Minnesota, our multi-disciplinary approach to medicine allows us to come up with—and participate in—several new advancements in care that other people might not have access to. We have an active training program and conduct ongoing, in-house research that puts us at the forefront of pioneering techniques to better deliver care to our patients.

Describe the department’s approach to care.

Dr. Konety: We take a very team-centered approach to patient care. Today, common urologic cancers are no longer managed under one model of care.

That’s why our physicians at the Institute of Prostate and Urologic Cancers work with radiologists, oncologists and pathologists to determine the best treatment for each patient. And once a treatment plan is in place, we have the resources and expertise to provide the entire spectrum of care for patients—in one location.

What are the advantages of an academic medical center?

Dr. Konety: Because we are part of an academic medical center, our physicians are more likely to be attuned to the latest advances and discoveries that can be delivered for diseases. Not only that, but we are pioneering many in-house, ongoing efforts that may be used to treat diseases that may benefit patients more than using a standard approach.

The University places an emphasis on community involvement. How is the Department of Urology actively engaging community members in its work?

Dr. Konety: We know the importance of educating the community about our work. That’s why we offer numerous seminars and symposiums for the public.

We also invite high school students to experience – and see—what we do. While one campus, they hear lectures from faculty and experience our simulation center—the same one we use to train medial students and nurses. Our primary objective is to get the best and brightest students in high school interested in urology so that they’ll hopefully pursue a career in the field.