A. Personal Statement

I am a pediatric urologist and physician-scientist with more than two decades of experience in clinical research focused on improving outcomes for children with urinary tract infections, vesicoureteral reflux, bladder and bowel dysfunction, and congenital anomalies of the urinary tract. My research has emphasized risk stratification, natural history, and evidence-based management strategies that challenge historical dogma and inform contemporary clinical guidelines. I have served as a principal investigator and senior author on multicenter clinical studies and systematic reviews addressing prevention of renal injury, optimization of imaging and prophylaxis strategies, and patient-centered decision-making in pediatric urology. As Division Chief, I have extensive experience building collaborative research teams, mentoring trainees and junior faculty, and translating clinical research into practice. My background, leadership experience, and sustained scholarly productivity position me well to contribute meaningfully to NIH-funded research aimed at improving outcomes for children with genitourinary disease.

B. Positions, Scientific Appointments, and Honors

Academic and Professional Appointments

• Professor of Urology and Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences
• Chief, Division of Pediatric Urology, Children’s National Hospital
• Attending Pediatric Urologist, Children’s National Hospital

Honors and Professional Service (selected)

• Leadership roles within national pediatric urology organizations
• Editorial and peer-review service for pediatric urology and surgical journals
• Invited lecturer and visiting professor on pediatric urology topics

C. Contributions to Science

1. Pediatric Urinary Tract Infection and Renal Outcomes

My early and sustained work has focused on the diagnosis, epidemiolog, and management of pediatric urinary tract infections, particularly febrile UTIs and their relationship to renal scarring. These studies helped clarify risk factors for recurrent infection and long-term renal injury, contributing to a shift toward more selective imaging and treatment strategies.

2. Vesicoureteral Reflux and Bladder–Bowel Dysfunction

I have contributed extensively to the understanding of vesicoureteral reflux, including natural history, predictors of resolution, and the role of bladder and bowel dysfunction in reflux persistence and infection risk. This body of work has informed contemporary management algorithms and reduced unnecessary interventions in low-risk children.

3. Evidence-Based Management of Congenital Urinary Tract Anomalies

My research includes clinical outcomes studies on ureteroceles and other congenital anomalies, emphasizing minimally invasive and nonoperative approaches when appropriate. These studies have supported individualized treatment pathways based on function, anatomy, and patient-specific risk factors.

4. Patient-Centered Research and Clinical Decision-Making

Recognizing the importance of family engagement in pediatric care, I have investigated parental perspectives on research participation and clinical decision-making. This work underscores the ethical and practical importance of shared decision-making in pediatric surgical research.

D. Scholastic Performance and Professional Experience

Relevant Experience

• Clinical investigator in pediatric urology outcomes research
• Mentor to residents, fellows, and junior faculty
• Division chief with experience leading clinical research infrastructure