Ahmed E. Ghazi, MD, MS

Professional Titles

• Director of Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery
• Director of Surgical Simulation Training

Primary Academic Title

Associate Professor of Urology

Background

Find a Clinical Trial

Videos

• Ahmed Ghazi, M.D. | Urologic Oncologist

Recent News Articles and Media Coverage

• Surgery Simulation Program Garners International Recognition· November 15, 2018 University of Rochester Medical Center urologist Ahmed Ghazi, M.D., has been awarded first place at the Falling Walls Lab Finale in Berlin, Germany.

  Exact Replicas of Organs Help Surgeons Get Ready for Operations· July 07, 2018 17:04...ks before undergoing surgery for a cancerous kidney tumor, Tim Wainwright met with his surgeon. Dr. Ahmed Ghazi reached into a plastic bag and pulled out a lifelike model of Wainwright’s kidney — right down to t...

  Practice Make Perfect -- Fake Organs Guide the Way for 'Impossible' Cancer Surgery. June 06, 2018 17:34...y. His journey would ultimately lead him to University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) urologist Ahmed Ghazi, M.D., who would build an exact replica of Anthony’s kidney – complete with tumors…

  Simulated Surgery Makes Headway at UR Medical Center· January 08, 2017 11:00...e-like replicas of organs to practice surgery. (November 2016) Video by James Goodman Buy Photo Dr. Ahmed Ghazi of the University of Rochester Medical Center has helped come up with a way to take some of the unc...

  Model Patient· January 08, 2017 10:21...edure to improve patient outcomes and physician preparation when it comes to complex surgeries. Dr. Ahmed Ghazi and Dr. Jonathan Stone began their quest four years ago with a question. "So, the question we wanted...

  University of Rochester Medical Center: New 3D Printed Medical Models for Training Even Bleed· November 29, 2016 10:57...organ, Simulated Inanimate Model for a Physical Learning Experience (SIMPLE), has been headed up by Ahmed Ghazi, M.D., M.Sc., an assistant professor in the Department of Urology…

  Creating the “Model Human” to Practice Surgery. November 19, 2016 10:43...ubbed Simulated Inanimate Model for a Physical Learning Experience, or SIMPLE, is the brainchild of Ahmed Ghazi, M.D., M.Sc., an assistant professor in the Department of Urology...

   

Research Summary

My through understanding of learning theories, curriculum design and assessment methods has allowed me to help advance evidence-based surgical simulation research. I developed and validated a novel approach for fabricating high-fidelity, realistic, 3D physical models that offer a comprehensive simulated experience. I have expanded the application of extended reality technologies, remote proctoring, and machine learning in my laboratory. I strive to offer a patient-centered approach to surgical simulation, where trainees can master the specific maneuvers of individual operations, but also the entire gestalt of the operative experience with foreknowledge of anatomic details and surgical pitfalls for that specific patient.

PubMed - Publications

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Ghazi+A&cauthor_id=35254490

Selected Publications

• Chen IA*, Ghazi A, Sridhar A, Stoyanov D, Slack M, Kelly JD, Collins JW. Evolving robotic surgery training and improving patient safety, with the integration of novel technologies. World J Urol. 2021 Aug;39(8):2883-2893. doi: 10.1007/s00345-020-03467-7.  

• Ghazi A*, Erturk E. & Joseph J. Modifications to facilitate extraperitoneal robot assisted radical prostatectomy (E-RARP) post kidney transplant. JSLS. 2012 Apr-Jun;16(2):314-9.

• Ghazi A*, Saba P, Melnyk R, Joseph J. Utilizing 3D Printing and Hydrogel Casting for the Development of Patient-Specific Rehearsal Platforms for Robotic Assisted Partial Nephrectomies. Urology. 2021 Jan;147:317. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2020.10.023. 

• Ghazi A*, Scosyrev E, Patel H, Messing EM, Joseph JV. Complications associated with extraperitoneal robot-assisted radical prostatectomy using the standardized Martin classification. Urology. 2013 Feb;81(2):324-31. 

• Ghazi A*, Sharma N, Radwan A, Rashid H, Osinski T, Frye T, Tabayoyong W, Bloom J, Joseph J. Can preoperative planning using IRISTM three-dimensional anatomical virtual models predict operative findings during robot-assisted partial nephrectomy? Asian Journal of Urology, 2023, ISSN 2214-3882, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajur.2022.12.003.

• Ghazi A*. Patient specific simulation in urology: where are we now and what does the future look like? World J Urol. 2022 Mar;40(3):617-619. doi: 10.1007/s00345-022-03977-6. 

• Ghazi A, Schuler N, Shepard L, Holler T, Frye T, Tabayoyong W, Bloom J, Rashid R, Joseph J. Clinical application of 3D anatomical modeling software (IRISTM) during Robot-assisted Partial Nephrectomy for complex renal masses. Urology Video Journal. 2023;17:100202, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urolvj.2022.100202. 

• Ghazi A, Schuler N, Shepard L, Holler T, Saba P, Joseph J. Validity of a Patient-Specific Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) Simulated Surgical Rehearsal Platform: Impact on Patient and Surgical Outcomes. Urology Video Journal.2023;17:100203. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urolvj.2022.100203.

• Ghazi A, Shepard L, Schuler N, Saba P, Joseph J. The development & implementation of a 3D printing perfused hydrogel Robotic Assisted Partial Nephrectomy Surgical Training Platform: Advancing from generic to patient specific simulation-based translational research. Urology Video Journal. 2023;17:100205 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urolvj.2022.100205. 

• Gurung P*, Melnyk R, Holler T; Oppenhimer D; Witthaus M; Rashid HH; Frye T; Wu G; Joseph JV; Ghazi A.  Application of IRIS™ 3D anatomical models as preoperative surgical planning tools in the management of localized renal masses. J Endourol. 2021 Mar;35(3):383-389. doi: 10.1089/end.2020.0405

• Saba P, Melnyk R, Holler T, Oppenheimer D, Schuler N, Tabayoyong W, Bloom J, Bandari J, Frye T, Joseph J, Weinberg E, Hollenberg G, Ghazi A.  Comparison of Multi-Parametric MRI of the Prostate to 3D Prostate Computer Aided Designs and 3D-Printed Prostate Models for Pre-Operative Planning of Radical Prostatectomies: A Pilot Study. Urology. 2021 Dec;158:150-155. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2021.08.031. 

• Witthaus MW*, Farooq S, Melnyk R, Campbell T, Saba P, Mathews E, Ezzat B, Ertefaie A, Frye TP, Wu G, Rashid H, Joseph JV, Ghazi A. Incorporation and Validation of Clinically Relevant Performance Metrics of Simulation (CRPMS) into a Novel Full-immersion Simulation Platform for Nerve-sparing Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy using Three-dimensional Printing and Hydrogel Molding Technology. BJUI. 2020; 125(3):322-332. doi: 10.1111/bju.14940.

Honors

• Best Poster Conference Abstract Awards, 117th American Urology Association Meeting, 5/20/22
• 1st Place Audiovisual Conference Awards, 117th American Urology Association Meeting, 5/20/22
• Robert C. Flanigan Education Award, American Urology Association, 10/1/21
• Innovation in Medical Education Award, Northeast Group on Education Affairs, 5/1/20
• 1st Place Audiovisual Conference Award, 36th World Congress of Endourology Meeting, 9/1/19
• Board of Excellence Team Award, University of Rochester Medical Center, 6/1/19
• 1st Place Audiovisual Conference Award, 115th American Urology Association Meeting, 5/1/19
• Falling Walls Young Innovator of the Year, Falling Walls Foundation, Berlin, Germany, 2/1/18
• 1st Place Audiovisual Conference Award, 28th World Congress of Videoendourology Meeting, 10/1/17
• 1st Place Audiovisual Conference Award, 112th American Urology Association Meeting, 5/1/17
• Surgery Interest Group Mentor Award, University of Rochester, School of Medicine, 4/1/17
• 1st Place Audiovisual Conference Award, 111th American Urology Association Meeting, 5/1/16
• 1st Place Audiovisual Conference Award, 110th American Urology Association Meeting, 5/1/15
• Finalist, Residents Committee Teaching Award, American Urology Association, 5/1/14
• Health Care Innovation Award, Rochester Business Journal Health Care Achievement Awards, 2/1/14
• Teacher of the Year Award, Class of 2012, Urology Department, University of Rochester Medical Center, 6/1/12

Lectures & Presentations

• 3D patient specific hydrogel models for surgical simulation? (Plenary speaker), Medical Meeting, 36th World Congress of Endourology, Paris, France, 9/20/18
• Advanced Imaging, 3D Models, ICG, Ultrasound Tips and Tricks, Panellist, Medical Meeting, North American Robotic Urology Symposium, Virtual, 4/24/21
• Advances in Simulation Technologies for Robotic surgery, Conference, Masterclass in Robotics Speaker Series, Society of Urologic Robotic Surgeons, 12/11/20
• Can 3D hydrogel models replace living tissue for surgical simulation? (Plenary Speaker), Conference, Society of Robotic Surgery, Stockholm, Sweden, 6/22/18
• Design and Validation of an inanimate model for Nerve Sparing Robotic Radical Prostatectomy Simulation using 3D printing and hydrogel moulding technologies (Plenary Speaker), Medical Meeting, 20th Asia-Pacific Prostate Cancer Conference, Melbourne, Australia, 8/23/19
• Impact of Patient Specific Augmented Reality applications on Renal and Prostate cancer surgeries, Plenary speaker, Medical Meeting, 117th American Urological Association Meeting, American Urological Association, New Orleans, LA, 5/16/22
• Innovations in Surgical Education and Training, (Plenary speaker), Conference, 11th International Emirates Urological Conference, Dubai, UAE, 10/29/22
• Innovations in Surgical Simulation, Grand Rounds, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 10/27/21
• Integration Between Technology and Imaging for Robotic Surgery, Virtual Presentation, Soci√©t√© Internationale d'Urologie National Congress, Soci√©t√© Internationale d'Urologie, 10/16/21
• Intraoperative Navigation During Robot Assisted Surgery Using Augmented Reality Technology, Conference, Masterclass in Robotics Speaker Series, Society of Urologic Robotic Surgeons, 10/22/21
• Is there a role for patient-specific surgical rehearsals for surgical management of complex renal masses, Plenary Speaker, Medical Meeting, 116th American Urological Association Meeting, Las Vegas, NV, 5/15/21
• Leveraging 3D printing to personalize surgical simulation & improve patient safety, Plenary Speaker, Medical Meeting, 37th World Congress of Endourology, Abu Dhabi, UAE, 10/30/19
• Patient-Specific Surgical Simulation, Medical Meeting, Society of Academic Urologist Meeting, 112th American Urology Association Meeting, San Francisco, CA, 5/17/18
• Practice makes perfect - 3D printing and hydrogel organs guide the way for impossible cancer surgery, (Keynote speaker), Conference, START Innovation Summit, Gallen, Switzerland, 3/22/19
• Robotic Renal Surgery Education in '22, Symposium, 7th North American Robotic Urology Symposium, Las Vegas, NV, 2/3/23
• Role of IRIS and Virtual Simulation in Uro-Oncology, Conference, Apollo Comprehensive Robotic Oncology Conclave, Virtual, 4/23/21
• Simulation and 3D Printing in Urologic Oncology, Medical Meeting, Society of Urological Oncology American Urology Association Meeting, New Orleans, LA, 5/14/22
• Simulation Development: A shift from Mere Repetition to Educational Effectiveness, (Plenary speaker), Conference, 39th World Congress of Endourology and Technology, San Diego, CA, 10/28/22
• Simulation Technologies for Single Port Robotic Surgery, 2nd 12 Hour Single Port Robotic Marathon, Conference, World Endourology Society, 12/1/21
• Simulation training in Urology: Not just more Simulation, Better Simulation, Grand Rounds, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 12/7/22
• Surgical 'Physical Reality: A glimpse into the future of Surgical training', Grand Rounds, Mount Sinai-Icahn School of Medicine, New York, NY, 2/14/22
• Surgical Simulation in 2022: Where Should We Be?, Medical Meeting, Society of Academic Urology American Urology Association Meeting, New Orleans, LA, 5/12/22
• Surgical Simulation: Where Should We Be in 2022?, Grand Rounds, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 11/4/22
• The Future of Robotic Surgery Simulation will be shaped by Exact Organ Replicas, Medical Meeting, 4th North American Robotic Urology Symposium, Las Vegas, NV, 2/6/20
• The integration of engineering innovations into Surgical Simulation, Conference, Vanderbilt Institute for Surgery and Engineering (VISE) Speaker Series, Vanderbilt, TN, 10/28/21
• The Perfection of Practice, Presentation, TEDx Rochester, Rochester, NY, 5/5/18
• Training Curricula for Single Port Robotic Surgery, 3rd 12 Hour Single Port Robotic Marathon, Conference, World Endourology Society, 10/28/22
• Troubleshooting during robotic surgery, Plenary speaker, Symposium, 6th North American Robotic Urology Symposium, Las Vegas, NV, 3/2/22
• Utilizing Clinically relevant objective performance metrics (CROPMs) in 3D printed hydrogel procedural models, Conference, Society of Robotic Surgery 2020 Virtual Meeting, Virtual, 8/1/20
• Utilizing Eye-Tracking to Shorten the Learning Curve. What Can You See?, Medical Meeting, Society of Robotic Surgery 2020 Virtual Meeting, Virtual, 8/1/20

Memberships

• Arab School of Urology,

  Chair Technology, Innovation and Simulation Committee

• World Endourology Society,

  Fellowship Committee Member

• American Urology Association,

  Co-director Urology Intern Academy

• American College of Surgeons,

  Surgeons and Engineers Committee Member

• American Urology Association,

  Technologies and Imaging Committee member (lead Simulation and training section)

• World Endourology Society,

  Data Committee Member

• Society of Urological Robotic Surgeons,

  Education Committee Member

• World Endourology Society,

  Member

• American Urology Association,

  Member