THE HISTORY OF TOWER UROLOGY

By Dudley S. Danoff, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Tower Urology was born approximately fifty years ago.

At the end of World War II, Dr. Barney Silver, returned from service in the South Pacific and started his urologic practice at the old Cedars of Lebanon Hospital on Sunset Boulevard. He became a legend in his time, delivering exemplary urologic care with unequalled integrity developing patient loyalty rarely seen in this medical community.

The practice grew and prospered and in 1971 Dr. Dudley Danoff joined the practice. Shortly thereafter, the new Cedars-Sinai Medical Center was built and the office moved to its present location on the campus of this magnificent medical facility. All of our surgical and diagnostic facilities expanded in the Medical Center and new and innovative techniques were added to our armamentarium. Renal transplantation was added in 1972.

The practice continued to grow rapidly allowing for the addition of Dr. Stuart (Skip) Holden, Dr. Stephen (Buddy) Sacks, Dr. Norman Nemoy, Dr. Arnold Cinman and Dr. Sharron Mee, the first female urologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Since that time Dr. Gary Leach has joined the practice. Dr. Leach is recognized internationally as a leader in female incontinence.

There are a large number of families who have been involved with our urologic group for more than fifty years - and we have often operated on grandparents, parents, children, and grandchildren, spanning some four generations. The Tower Urology has a patient base in excess of 40,000, and continues to see about 4,000 new patients per year. Of the surgical and office procedures done routinely today by the Tower Urology, many are new and innovative, introduced within the last ten years and include: extra corporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) - the non-surgical treatment of kidney and ureteral stone disease; lasers in the management of stone, bladder and prostate disease; laparoscopy; innovative approaches in the treatment of prostatic and bladder cancers, sexual dysfunction with the use of injectibles and implants; kidney and prostate ultrasound; tomography; sophisticated chemical diagnostic testing, microwave therapy for BPH and biofeedback for incontinence. We are continually expanding and advancing the urologic horizons enriching TU's illustrious history.

TOWER UROLOGY PHILOSOPHY: MISSION AND OPERATING STYLE

The philosophy of Tower Urology is simply stated: EXCELLENCE.

Each physician in the Tower Urology not only has completed a full training program in urologic surgery, but also has augmented their basic training in additional areas of urologic science.

The physicians in TU work both individually and as a team, consulting frequently in the care and management of our patients, as well as acting cooperatively in the operating theater. TU physicians are involved in all aspects of urologic disease and management. Although a patient usually identifies with a single doctor in TU, that patient can be certain that his /her urologic care and well-being are the concern and the responsibility of all members of the Tower Urology team. This team approach is most unusual. It has been developed over the past twenty years and is currently considered to be a role model for all such urologic groups worldwide.

All of the physicians in the group continuously upgrade their areas of interest and are conversant with the latest techniques available. In addition to the physicians in Tower Urology, there is a staff of health professionals including nurses, a physician's assistant, laboratory technicians, x-ray technicians and supporting staff, all of whom are dedicated to deliver excellence in urologic care.