Department of Urology Welcomes New Chair

With an eye toward expansion of an already distinguished program, Michael O. Koch, MD, has joined the Department of Urology as the new chairman. Dr. Koch succeeds John P. Donohue, MD, who served as department chair for 23 years.

"I am interested in expanding the urology practice at IU, particularly in prostate and bladder cancer," Dr. Koch says. "Indiana currently is a world leader in the treatment of testes cancer. I would like to bring the treatment of prostate and bladder cancer up to the same level."

Dr. Koch, who notes he is very clinically oriented, says he wants to develop the urologic oncology program by building the clinical practice and by increasing the focus on both clinical and basic science research.

In addition to his emphasis on clinical practice, Dr. Koch has proven abilities as an administrator. While at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, he served as interim chairman and vice chairman of the Department of Urology, which gained recognition under his leadership for efficiency and streamlined practice procedures. Building on this success, Dr. Koch was asked to implement a similar approach for the University's hospitals. These efforts advanced Vanderbilt from the least cost-efficient academic institution in the nation to its current position as a model for other institutions and the leader in cost efficiency in Tennessee.

Prior to taking the helm as an administrator, Dr. Koch's clinical practice involved all aspects of urologic oncology with an emphasis on prostate and bladder cancer. He is a recognized expert in cystectomies, performing 60 to 70 procedures each year.

Dr. Koch received his undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College and his medical degree from Dartmouth Medical School. He completed his internship and residency at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.

Dr. Koch has been on the faculty of Vanderbilt University School of Medicine since 1987. He is a member the American College of Surgeons and the American Urological Association among other professional societies. In addition to frequent appearances as a guest lecturer, Dr. Koch's research has been published in more than 130 periodicals, abstracts and book chapters.