As part of the Mount Sinai Health System, the Department of Urology offers a training program that provides residents with the resources of one of the largest networks of hospitals in New York. The program, accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, is designed to train residents in all aspects of the medical and surgical evaluation and treatment of genitourinary disease.
Recent graduates have matched into the most competitive fellowship positions and have secured prestigious academic and private practice positions. In addition, the program has been growing and is one of the largest of its kind in the United States.
“Over the past five years, I have enjoyed the support and encouragement of the Department for my clinical, surgical, and academic growth,” says Ali Zahalka, MD, PhD, one of the chief residents. “Under Dr. Tewari's mentorship, I have traveled to Serbia to pursue a novel nerve transplantation collaboration, have conducted an investigator-initiated phase 1 clinical trial, and published numerous abstracts and articles. The Mount Sinai urology residency has prepared me for a career as a surgeon-scientist.” Ash Tewari, MBBS, MCh, FRCS (Hon.), Dsc (Hon.), is Chair of the Milton and Carroll Petrie Department of Urology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
“There aren’t many schools that can offer the breadth and depth of expertise we’re able to as part of the didactic experience for students,” says Jeffrey A. Stock, MD, Professor and Chief of Pediatric Urology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and Director of the Urology Residency Program.
A key focus for program leaders—and one reason for its enduring success—is a culture of continuous improvement. Residents are encouraged to propose changes that directly shape the evolution of the program.
For example, recognizing the unique challenges faced by elderly cancer patients post-discharge, residents suggested enhancements to care transitions. Leadership responded swiftly, forming partnerships with Social Services, Rehabilitation Medicine, and Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine to improve post-operative support.
“They came to us and made the case that some of these patients are 85 and older and live in walk-ups, and we need to make sure they’re able to get the hands-on care, medications, and support they require once they return to their homes,” says Jeffrey A. Stock, MD, Professor and Chief of Pediatric Urology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and Director of the Urology Residency Program.
The program’s responsiveness extends into the classroom. Residents called for stronger preparation for board exams—and the curriculum adapted.
“Our residency curriculum isn’t static—it evolves with advancements in urology, feedback from our residents, and changes in how the next generation of physicians learns best,” says Priyanka Dwivedi, EdD, MAEd, Senior Director of Medical Education and Faculty Affairs.
“Medical education today must be agile, evidence-informed, and deeply responsive to learner needs,” says Priyanka Dwivedi, EdD, MAEd, Senior Director of Medical Education and Faculty Affairs. “Our residency curriculum isn’t static—it evolves with advancements in urology, feedback from our residents, and changes in how the next generation of physicians learns best.”
Dr. Dwivedi further emphasizes that resident input doesn't just influence curriculum—it drives innovation: “We’re not just reacting to change—we’re shaping it. When our residents speak up, they’re helping us imagine the future of urology education.”
Quarterly town halls provide a platform for these conversations to flourish.
“These town halls are more than just meetings—they’re a forum for innovation,” Dr. Dwivedi says. “We actively seek out resident perspectives, not just to respond but to anticipate future needs in areas such as robotics, AI, or even care delivery models we’ve yet to imagine.”
Another point of pride is the site coach mentoring initiative, which ensures consistent guidance at every training location across New York City.
The Department’s size and specialty depth give residents access to one of the most comprehensive urologic training environments available.
“There aren’t many schools that can offer the breadth and depth of expertise we’re able to as part of the didactic experience for students,” says Dr. Stock.
That includes state-of-the-art exposure to robotic surgery. After residents requested more hands-on experience, the Department annually hosts a unique training event featuring instructors from Belgium’s ORSI Academy.
Raghav Gupta, MD, called the opportunity “immensely valuable” and noted the unwavering support of leadership: “With the backing of program leadership, who are both receptive and dedicated to ensuring our success, we have the tools needed to flourish.”
Ryan Blake, MD, added: “My mentors at Mount Sinai have prepared me to be an excellent surgeon and compassionate clinician. They listen to feedback from residents and give us what we need to become successful urologists.”
Dr. Dwivedi believes that’s the real foundation of the program: “True excellence happens when leadership listens. When residents feel heard and valued, they not only thrive—they elevate the entire program.”