Li-Ming Su, M.D., named chair of the UF department of urology
University of Florida College of Medicine and UF Health leaders have announced the appointment of Li-Ming Su, M.D., as chair of the UF department of urology.
Su, who was recruited to UF Health in 2008, is an internationally recognized leader in the area of minimally invasive urologic surgery. He currently serves as the David A. Cofrin professor of urology, associate chair of clinical affairs and chief of the division of robotic and minimally invasive urologic surgery. He will begin his appointment as chair of the department of urology on March 1.
Su’s appointment comes after a national search that included 22 initial applicants.
"Dr. Su demonstrated his leadership ability and dedication to our patients, learners and faculty at every stage of this search," said Michael L. Good, M.D., dean of the UF College of Medicine. "His vision and plan for the department is extremely compelling, and aligns perfectly with the national preeminence initiatives of the University of Florida, and with UF Health."
Su said his first mission will be to grow the clinical enterprise of UF Health Urology and increase the number of faculty in response to the increasing volume of patients coming into the UF Health system.
"I’m extremely humbled and honored by this opportunity to lead such a tremendous group of gifted physicians and surgeons," Su said.
In particular, Su will look to grow four key areas: urologic oncology, kidney stone disease, pediatric urology and male infertility and andrology.
"We have tremendous growth opportunity in urology, and Dr. Su is the ideal person to lead this expansion in the number of faculty, clinical programs and patients for whom we provide care," added Edward Jimenez, CEO of UF Health Shands.
Su’s area of clinical expertise includes treating kidney and prostate cancers using minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic surgeries, which result in better outcomes and faster recoveries for patients.
"Improving detection, treatment and prevention of cancer is a key strategic goal for UF Health. Dr. Su’s expertise in urologic oncology, and his plan for incorporating regional care and research in urologic cancer into the overall plan for the UF Health Cancer Center, will greatly spur our efforts in this critical area," said David S. Guzick, M.D., Ph.D., senior vice president for health affairs at UF and president of UF Health.
For the past year, Su has already been helping to lead the department, said Thomas F. Stringer, M.D., FACS, medical director of UF Health Urology – Medical Plaza, who has been serving as the department’s interim chair since January 2015.
"Over the course of this last year as my vice chair, Dr. Su has demonstrated his leadership skills not just to our faculty members, but to the entire UF College of Medicine as well," Stringer said. "I completed my residency here, and UF has been important to me for a long time. I’m personally very satisfied the department will be in his capable hands."
Prior to his appointment at UF, Su served as an associate professor of urology and director of laparoscopic and robotic urologic surgery at The Johns Hopkins Medicine’s James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute and was an adjunct associate research scientist at the Engineering Research Center for Computer-Integrated Surgical Systems and Technology within The Johns Hopkins University’s Whiting School of Engineering.
As chair, Su also hopes to increase UF Health’s local, regional and national reputation for urologic care, education and research.
"We’re on strong footing because of the strength of our faculty, residents and staff," Su said. "I am grateful to senior UF Health leadership for believing in our vision and entrusting us with this great opportunity."