Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation Raises More Than $100,000 at its Annual 2022 Urology Research & Education Symposium

Funds raised to benefit the Department of Urology at Hackensack University Medical Center 

Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation raised more than $100,000 for the Department of Urology at Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center at its 2022 Annual Urology Research & Education Symposium on Tuesday, June 7 at the Edgewood Country Club in River Vale. 

The annual event, which raises vital funds in support of the Department of Urology, advances clinical urologic research in benefit of patients and educational opportunities for team members. 

“We are so pleased at this year’s turnout of our Urology Research & Education Symposium,” said Michael D. Stifelman, M.D., chair, Department of Urology, Hackensack University Medical Center. “The generous support of our donors makes so much possible for our department, and we are grateful for all who attended and graciously support the important work we do year after year.”

Event attendees learned about the latest in urologic technologies and were able to get hands-on experience with the same technology used in the care of patients. UroGen, the event’s top sponsor is a biotech company dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative solutions to treat urothelial and specialty cancers. UroGen’s vision to pioneer new treatments is grounded in its innovative drug delivery technology platform RTGel™, its promising pipeline and a collaborative drive for bold results. Additionally, attendees were able to gain hands-on experience with technology provided by Intuitive Surgical, Inc., KARL STORZ Endoscopy-America, Inc. and PROCEPT BioRobotics.

Joan Kates Cowlan and the late Richard H. Cowlan of the Joan & Richard Cowlan Visiting Professor Program were honored for their service and philanthropy to advancing urologic education. The Program invites nationally recognized visiting professors to educate urologists, team members, nurses, students and other healthcare providers on complex clinical cases and innovative diagnostic and treatment methods. The Cowlans’ generosity has helped to educate hundreds who in turn have provided innovative care for current and future patients.

Symposium panel presenters also discussed various topics including  Surgical Training in the 21st Century (Dr. Stifelman), CDI: Advancing Clinical Care through Translational Research (David S. Perlin, Ph.D., chief scientific officer and senior vice president, Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation); and Urologic Oncology: Recent Advances and Future Directions (Nitin Yerram, M.D., co-director, Urologic Oncology, director, Urologic Research, Hackensack Meridian John Theurer Cancer Center). 

“What a fantastic evening it was to come together and learn about the latest advancements in urology with our community, corporate partners, physicians,” said Courtney Klein, director of Development, Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation. “Philanthropy plays such a significant role in the work that our physicians do and we are so thankful for the generous support and gratitude from our donors.”  

The event, chaired by Edward Salzano of River Vale, was well-attended by corporate partners, donors and patients. Salzano, a former board member of Hackensack University Medical Center Board of Trustees, has been a dedicated supporter of the network, hospital and department for many years. 

To learn more about Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation, visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Donate. To learn how you can support the Department of Urology at Hackensack University Medical Center, contact Courtney Klein at courtney.klein@hmhn.org.