Bhayani named director of urologic surgery

Sam Bhayani, MD, a highly regarded urologic oncologist and researcher, has been named to lead the Division of Urologic Surgery in the Department of Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

Bhayani has served on the School of Medicine faculty for nearly two decades. He also is a professor of urologic surgery, the Holekamp Family Chair in Urology at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and the School of Medicine and chief medical officer of Washington University Physicians.

A leader in robotic surgery, Bhayani helped to develop innovative surgical techniques for removing prostate and kidney cancers. In particular, he pioneered robotic surgery techniques for kidney cancer that preserve the function of the healthy portion of the kidney, unlike the standard surgery, which typically involves removing the entire organ.

His research has explored patient safety and quality improvement, and screening and detection for urologic cancers, as well as evaluating surgical techniques to treat kidney and prostate cancers.

Timothy J. Eberlein, MD, the Bixby Professor of Surgery and head of the Department of Surgery, noted that Bhayani brings expertise as an outstanding surgeon, researcher and teacher to the position.

“I have had the opportunity to witness Sam’s growth from junior faculty to a leader in the medical school and hospital system,” Eberlein said. “In each of his roles, Sam has made major contributions to our institution and its success. It is truly exciting to see him leading our urology program.”

Bhayani earned a medical degree from Washington University School of Medicine and completed residencies in surgery and urology at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. He then moved to Johns Hopkins University, where he completed a fellowship in urologic surgery. He also received a master’s degree in patient safety leadership from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

From 2012 to 2017, Bhayani served as the chief medical officer, vice president of medical affairs and chief of surgery at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital. In 2015, he became chief medical officer of Washington University Physicians, one of the five largest U.S. academic group practices, and will remain in that leadership position.

Bhayani succeeds Gerald Andriole, MD, the Robert K. Royce Distinguished Professor of Surgery, who has led the Division of Urologic Surgery since 1999.

As the new director of urologic surgery, Bhayani is looking forward to building on the division’s long tradition of excellence and innovation in urologic surgery, research and training.

“I have been humbled with the honor of working with Dr. Andriole and Dr. Eberlein for the last two decades,” Bhayani said. “I now look forward to partnering with our faculty and other leaders in the school and hospital system to advance our reputation for national leadership in the field of urology. We are committed to providing our patients with the very best urologic care today and to pursue the research and innovation that are necessary to continue to provide the best possible care to our patients in the future.”