The newest member of the UCSF Department of Urology, i
s urologic oncology specialist, Samuel L. Washington III, MD MAS who joins as Assistant Professor. This long-time California resident and father of twins will specialize in the diagnosis and management of genitourinary malignancies using minimally invasive robotic and laparoscopic approaches to the surgery.
Dr. Washington received his undergraduate education at University of California, Davis with a Bachelors of Science in Genetics, and minor in Latin in 2012. He finished his medical school training at University of California, San Francisco and was matched with the Department of Urology to complete his urology residency. In 2018, he stayed on at UCSF to complete his urologic oncology fellowship and complete a Masters in Clinical Research.
“Dr. Washington first came to us as a medical student wishing to pursue research in prostate cancer while under the tutelage of Dr. Peter Carroll,” explains Raj S. Pruthi, Department of Urology, UCSF. “He quickly became part of our family absorbing surgical techniques, mastering complex research, and observing compassionate care from the best minds in the field.”
During his time at UCSF, he has received grants from the UCSF Academy of Medical Educators and the UCSF Center of Aging in Diverse Communities, through the National Institute of Aging. Dr. Washington’s primary research focus is healthcare disparities in patients with genitourinary malignancies with specific interests in understanding racial/ethnic disparities in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of clinically localized prostate cancer. This includes examining how differences in treatment strategies based on race and socioeconomic factors impact survival outcomes for patients diagnosed with bladder cancer. He has presented at several national conferences with his research.
“My training and the support I have received at UCSF has allowed me to flourish as a clinician and clinical researcher,” says Dr. Washington. “My present and past mentors Drs. Carroll, Porten, and Pruthi and so many others, have contributed to my success throughout every step of my advancement. I am very excited for my future within this institution.”
Additionally, Dr. Washington has obtained grant funding for projects focused on examining racial disparities in survival resulting from race-based differences in the management of muscle-invasive bladder cancer and how socioeconomic factors impact healthcare utilization after cystectomy.
“His knowledge of urologic cancers and passion for uncovering the sources of disparities in our field makes him an invaluable member for UCSF and the broader community,” says Dr. Pruthi. “We are thrilled in his decision to join us.”