Specialists in Childhood Bladder and Kidney Treatment

In the heart of Rochester, New York, the University of Rochester Medical Center's Department of Urology has made significant strides in providing exceptional urological care for children. The practice, which works closely with physicians at the Wilmot Cancer Center, has become the largest in Upstate New York.

Jean Joseph, M.D., M.B.A., the head of the department, emphasises the focus on delivering the best possible urological care for children. The practice offers treatment for a wide range of pediatric urological conditions, from common issues like urinary tract infections to complex cases such as neurogenic bladder, voiding dysfunction, and kidney abnormalities.

One of the key figures in the practice is Jimena Cubillos, M.D., an expert in minimally invasive, laparoscopic, and robotic pediatric urology. Cubillos' leadership in robotic pediatric urologic surgery has attracted numerous referrals from surrounding areas, including Buffalo, Syracuse, Watertown, Ithaca, and northern Pennsylvania. With robotic surgery, the practice can treat kidney blockage through small incisions, resulting in faster recovery times for patients.

The practice's commitment to innovation doesn't stop at robotic surgery. They also employ video urodynamics to examine how a child's bladder functions and use video game-like biofeedback therapy to help children relax pelvic muscles for more effective voiding.

The journey of the practice's founder, Ronald Rabinowitz, M.D., is a testament to its success. Rabinowitz, who originally thought he would become a pediatric general surgeon, became interested in pediatric urology during his rotations. After his time at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto and the University of Rochester Medical Center, Rabinowitz established himself in pediatric urology at the University of Miami.

Rabinowitz's career had a strong connection to David Williams, the world's first full-time pediatric urologist, as the urologist he trained under at the Hospital for Sick Children was also trained by Williams. Rabinowitz has trained over a hundred urology residents and medical students and has authored or co-authored more than 200 scientific articles and textbook chapters.

In recent years, the practice has expanded its services to include in-office circumcisions for infants from newborns to age 5 or 6 months, eliminating the need for general anesthesia. This expansion, along with the practice's dedication to providing comprehensive care for a broad spectrum of urologic diseases, has solidified its position as a leader in pediatric urology in Upstate New York.

Rabinowitz was honoured with the AUA's Lifetime Achievement Award this year for his contributions to the field of urology. His career, which began with a tennis match that brought him to the University of Rochester Medical Center 45 years ago, has made a lasting impact on the lives of countless children.