08/15/2025
Stepping Down After a Terrific Ride: My Journey with Tulane Urology
It has been a terrific ride. Having joined Tulane Urology on July 1, 1977, as a resident and then as a faculty member on July 1, 1982, I have enjoyed a wonderful 43-plus years at Tulane, more than 31 of which I have had the privilege of serving as Chair. As the saying goes, all great things must come to an end, and now it is time for me to pass the baton to the next leader who will carry this department even farther.
To the residents, with whom I have been so closely connected since 1982, I fondly remember how we embraced emerging technologies and brought them into the Gulf South and New Orleans. Many of you participated in these efforts—from maintaining clinical databases to presenting our innovations at conferences and publishing manuscripts. Those were truly formative years for Tulane Urology.
For those who may want to reflect, here are just a few milestones that were the firsts in this region:
- In 1982, we introduced PCNL for kidney stones, making Tulane a regional referral center for complex stone disease—a status that continues today.
- In 1984, we adopted rigid ureteroscopy for ureteral stones, followed by advances in flexible ureteroscopes and laser technology.
- In 1985, we partnered with local urologists to introduce ESWL, bringing minimally invasive stone treatment to the Gulf South for the first time.
- In 1987, we introduced continent urinary diversions, including numerous modified Indiana pouches. I still follow some of these patients.
- In 1991, we introduced laparoscopy, initially performing varicocelectomies and pelvic lymph node dissections.
- In 1992, we combined laparoscopy with the resurgence of radical perineal prostatectomy, becoming one of the few centers in the country to offer this approach for prostate cancer.
- In 1994, we introduced transperineal cryosurgery for prostate cancer.
- In 1995, we expanded by offering laparoscopic kidney surgery.
- In 1998, we obtained one of the first robotic surgery systems (Zeus by Computer Motion) and also offered the Gyrus Bipolar TUR system for safe transurethral resection of the prostate.
- In 2002, we became the first in the Gulf South to offer da Vinci robotic surgery (S model), continuing with successive platforms (Si, Xi, and SP [Single Port]) as they became available, thanks to close collaboration with hospital leadership.
What a ride it has been, and what a privilege to have had residents over the past four decades actively learning, adapting, and applying cutting-edge technology that shaped their future practices. I have also been fortunate to work alongside remarkable colleagues, including Drs. Wayne Hellstrom, Rodney Davis, James Roberts, Ronald Lewis, Jorgen Schlegel, Blackwell Evans, Gamal Ghoneim, Benjamin Lee, Suresh Sikka, Gerald Domingue, Asim Mageed, and many others including our present faculty—all brilliant minds and tireless contributors to Tulane Urology’s growth and resilience. I remain grateful for the opportunities that this department and institution have given me, as well as for the AUA, where I served as President in 2022.
As I look back at a terrific career, the one outstanding role that I cherish is relocating and rebuilding the department in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. That chapter of my career still resonates loudly with me.
As I step down, I am honored to introduce Dr. Brian Eisner, a national leader in endourology and kidney stone disease, who joins us from the faculty of Harvard Medical School. I am confident that under his leadership, Tulane Urology will continue to thrive and evolve.
Finally, I want to express my deep appreciation for the many residents (more than 100) whom I have had the privilege of training. Each of you has shaped this program, and I thank you for the energy, loyalty, and curiosity you brought to your training.
And no, I am not heading for a rocking chair just yet! I'm looking forward to spending time with Ginny, my bride of 40 years! I have been asked to remain on the faculty, hopefully, through the AUA Annual Meeting in May 2028, which will be hosted right here in New Orleans. I look forward to that gathering as a true celebration of Tulane Urology’s legacy and future.
Please mark these dates!
Yours truly,
Raju Thomas, MD, FACS, FRCS, MHA
rthomas@tulane.edu
