The nationally-ranked urology department at Hackensack University Medical Center made a major impact at the American Urological Association (AUA) Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., which took place from May 15-18, 2026. The team took center stage with an impressive and diverse slate of more than 30 presentations, showcasing groundbreaking research and innovation across the spectrum of urologic care. With 33 accepted abstracts and videos, Hackensack Meridian Health Urology was among the top three contributing urology programs nationally at this year's meeting.
This year's exceptional showing underscored the department's role as a powerhouse in urological innovation. Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the #1 Urology Department in New Jersey and a top program in the nation, the team continues to set the standard for excellence. The diverse range of research covered robotic oncology, reconstruction, kidney and adrenal surgery, AI and analytics, 3D modeling, surgical education, and multi-institutional single-port research collaborations.
The department's success at the conference was further highlighted by several prestigious accolades. Research fellow Jacob O'Hara was awarded "best poster in the surgical technology session" for his work on a novel technique in single-port robotic prostatectomy. Additionally, the department received the award for "most abstracts presented by a residency program with 15 or less residents," a testament to the dedication and productivity of the entire team. Adding to the accolades, Jacob O’Hara and Bruce Haik were both honored with "Rising Star" awards, recognizing their exceptional potential and contributions to the field.
This remarkable output at the world's largest urology conference not only highlights the dedication of the department's faculty, fellows, and residents but also solidifies its reputation as a global leader in improving patient outcomes through groundbreaking research.
"We are incredibly proud of the breadth and depth of the research our team presented at this year's AUA meeting," said Dr. Michael Stifelman, Chair of the Department of Urology at Hackensack University Medical Center. "Our extensive involvement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our faculty, residents, and fellows, who continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in urology."
In addition to the scheduled presentations, the Hackensack team's presence was bolstered by the contributions of several key faculty members. Dr. Mutahar Ahmed, a distinguished Professor of Urology at the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine and the Director of the Center for Bladder Cancer at Hackensack University Medical Center, was in attendance. Dr. Ahmed is a pioneer in robotic surgery, having performed over 2,000 single-port robotic procedures, and leads the Robotic Oncology Urological Fellowship at New Jersey Urology. Also in attendance was Dr. Mubashir Billah, an attending urologist at Hackensack University Medical Center and an expert in men's health and robotic surgery. Dr. Billah is the Assistant Program Director for the Robotic Oncology Urological Fellowship and has a strong research focus on the application of artificial intelligence in urology.
Other members of the Hackensack urology team who attended the AUA included Dr. Christopher Koller, Dr. Ravi Munver, Dr. David Shin, Dr. Marie Valovska, Dr. Kevin Basralian, and Dr. Michael Stifelman.
This significant achievement is a result of the tremendous efforts of our faculty, research staff, residents, fellows, and highly engaged medical students. The institutional support from Hackensack Meridian Health makes this level of academic and clinical innovation possible, and the team is proud to have represented HMH on the national stage at AUA 2026.
For the full list of abstracts, please click here.
For a comprehensive look at the clinical and academic achievements that have solidified the team's position as a national leader, you can view the 2025 Urology Year in Review, by clicking here.