HF01-18: Fortune of Foresight: The Evolution of Pediatric Urology at Boston Children's Hospital (BCH)
Friday, May 3, 2024 4:29 PM to 4:36 PM · 7 min. (US/Central)
206
Abstract
History of Urology Forum
Information
Full Abstract and Figures
Author Block
Jonathan T Xu*, Burlington, MA, Eric Bortnick, Carlos Estrada, Stuart Bauer, Boston, MA
Introduction
While BCH currently comprises the largest institutional cohort of pediatric urologists in the US, its beginnings as a nascent division were far from auspicious. In tracing the history of Urology at BCH from the late 1970s to it becoming a full-fledged Department, we aim to contextualize how events have historically defined and subsequently impacted the development of the field of pediatric urology.
Methods
An initial Google search was conducted to identify source material pertaining to the history of pediatric urology at BCH. Specific sources included a memoir authored by Alan Retik, oral history transcripts by W. Hardy Hendren, and oral interviews from Stuart Bauer.
Results
When Dr. Retik was appointed Chairman of the Division of Urology at BCH in 1977, pediatric urologic conditions were predominantly managed by pediatric surgeons and general urologists. Dr. Retik envisioned carving a niche for pediatric urologists to manage issues from incontinence in spina bifida to congenital genital anomalies. In those early days with Drs. Colodny and Bauer, Dr. Retik worked tirelessly to convince pediatricians of the necessity of providing specialized care for urologic disorders. When Dr. Hendren was appointed Chief of General Pediatric Surgery at BCH in 1982, Dr. Retik strived to maintain a cordial relationship with him without compromising his own aspirations and helped foster an environment where pediatric urologists and surgeons worked collaboratively to manage patients. Dr. Retik’s passion for integrating physiologic studies of the lower urinary tract and basic research with interdisciplinary care led to the development of the first dedicated pediatric urodynamics laboratory headed by Dr. Bauer and appointed a pediatric radiologist, Dr. Robert Lebowitz, to join the division. Dr. Retik’s penchant for mentorship also attracted recently graduated urologists with like-minded aspirations, culminating in the establishment of a pediatric urology fellowship in 1979. In 1996, the Division of Urology at BCH became a Department—a milestone which played an important role in cementing the legitimacy of pediatric urology as a separate specialty at BCH.
Conclusions
Today, BCH Urology continues to impact the field with advancements in clinical care, research, and mentoring the next generation of pediatric urologists. Despite Dr. Retik’s passing in 2022, his legacy lives on through the many lives he has touched – patients and providers – now and into the future.
Source Of Funding
None
Author Block
Jonathan T Xu*, Burlington, MA, Eric Bortnick, Carlos Estrada, Stuart Bauer, Boston, MA
Introduction
While BCH currently comprises the largest institutional cohort of pediatric urologists in the US, its beginnings as a nascent division were far from auspicious. In tracing the history of Urology at BCH from the late 1970s to it becoming a full-fledged Department, we aim to contextualize how events have historically defined and subsequently impacted the development of the field of pediatric urology.
Methods
An initial Google search was conducted to identify source material pertaining to the history of pediatric urology at BCH. Specific sources included a memoir authored by Alan Retik, oral history transcripts by W. Hardy Hendren, and oral interviews from Stuart Bauer.
Results
When Dr. Retik was appointed Chairman of the Division of Urology at BCH in 1977, pediatric urologic conditions were predominantly managed by pediatric surgeons and general urologists. Dr. Retik envisioned carving a niche for pediatric urologists to manage issues from incontinence in spina bifida to congenital genital anomalies. In those early days with Drs. Colodny and Bauer, Dr. Retik worked tirelessly to convince pediatricians of the necessity of providing specialized care for urologic disorders. When Dr. Hendren was appointed Chief of General Pediatric Surgery at BCH in 1982, Dr. Retik strived to maintain a cordial relationship with him without compromising his own aspirations and helped foster an environment where pediatric urologists and surgeons worked collaboratively to manage patients. Dr. Retik’s passion for integrating physiologic studies of the lower urinary tract and basic research with interdisciplinary care led to the development of the first dedicated pediatric urodynamics laboratory headed by Dr. Bauer and appointed a pediatric radiologist, Dr. Robert Lebowitz, to join the division. Dr. Retik’s penchant for mentorship also attracted recently graduated urologists with like-minded aspirations, culminating in the establishment of a pediatric urology fellowship in 1979. In 1996, the Division of Urology at BCH became a Department—a milestone which played an important role in cementing the legitimacy of pediatric urology as a separate specialty at BCH.
Conclusions
Today, BCH Urology continues to impact the field with advancements in clinical care, research, and mentoring the next generation of pediatric urologists. Despite Dr. Retik’s passing in 2022, his legacy lives on through the many lives he has touched – patients and providers – now and into the future.
Source Of Funding
None
Sessions
History of Urology Forum
206