Premal J. Desai, MD

Cedars-Sinai’s Urology Chief Recognized Nationally for Prostate, Kidney & Bladder Robotic Surgery Expertise

A recognized expert in laparoscopic and robotic surgery for urologic cancers, Dr. Desai completed his post-residency fellowship training at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona, specializing in prostate, bladder, and kidney cancer. While at the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Desai became an assistant professor of Urology.

Dr. Desai was born and raised in the Los Angeles area. He completed his college preparatory studies at the prestigious Harvard Westlake School and, upon graduation, was accepted into a highly selective accelerated medical degree program.

He completed a dual degree with honors from Union College of New York (Magna Cum Laude) and Albany Medical College (Alpha Omega Alpha). Dr. Desai then returned to Southern California to complete a general surgery and urology training at Loma Linda University before his advanced fellowship at the Mayo Clinic.

Dr. Desai is a diplomat of the American Board of Urology and an active member of the American Urological Association and the Los Angeles Urological Society. He has published extensively in numerous peer-reviewed journals, such as the Journal of Urology, Urology, Transplantation, and the British Journal of Urology. He has given numerous research presentations nationally and internationally, consistently earning accolades from his peers.

Dr. Desai is the Clinical Chief of the Division of Urology at Cedars Sinai Medical Center and the President of the Los Angeles Urological Society.

See what patients say about Dr. Desai and our team in our patient testimonials.

University

Union College, NY
Bachelor of Science in Biology
Bachelor of Arts in Spanish
Magna Cum Laude Honors

Medical School

Albany Medical College, Albany, NY
Accelerated Medical Degree Program
Alpha Omega Alpha Honors Society

Internship

General surgery, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA

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Residency

Urology, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA

Fellowship

Laparoscopic/ Robotic/ Reconstructive urology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Scottsdale, Arizona

Academic Rank

Assistant Professor of Urology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine

Professional Affiliations

American Urological Association
Western Section AUA
Los Angeles County Medical Association
Alpha Omega Alpha Honors Society
Los Angeles Urological Society
Society of Urologic Robotic Surgery

Areas of Expertise and Interest

Robot-assisted (Da Vinci) radical prostatectomy for Prostate Cancer
Laparoscopic/Robot-assisted (Da-Vinci) partial nephrectomy and nephrectomy for Kidney Cancer
Laparoscopic/Robot-assisted (Da-Vinci) pyeloplasty
Robot-assisted (Da Vinci) radical cystectomy for Bladder Cancer
PVP “green light” laser prostate surgery for BPH
Plasma Vaporization and resection of the Prostate (“TURiP”) for BPH
Endoscopic treatment for kidney stone disease
Rezum
Urolift
Robotic “simple” prostatectomy for BPH
SpaceOar placement before radiation treatment for prostate cancer

Visited 1,938 times, 2 visit(s) today

7060 TOTAL 1ST PARTY REVIEWS / 4.9 OUT OF 5 STARS

Sophia L.

★★★★★

A family member was struggling with testicular pain for years and had concerns about fertility. I am so grateful that we were referred to Dr. Houman. He is very thoughtful and knowledgeable and has great bedside manner. He diagnosed a varicocele and recommended microsurgical varicocelectomy and we are so happy with the results. I highly recommend Dr. Houman.

Dave R.

Great doc you can trust. He's very up on all the new and modern modalities to help you and keep you healthy. Great choice and nice guy.

Ilan K.

Amazing urologist. Go to expert for men?s health. I refer patients to him as often as possible!

Marilyn B.

How did a woman with a lifetime of recurrent bladder infections wind up with a urologist whose specialty is male fertility? It happened like this...Dr. Houman was recommended to my husband when he began having the prostate problems that can devastate older men. Dr. Houman solved his urinary difficulties, and I'm convinced, kept him from the fate of a constant catheter. Naturally, I jumped at the chance to be his patient, and have been, for the first time in my life, free for several months of any infections. But the best part of being Dr. Houman's patient is this. When you are in trouble, he will keep in constant touch with you...he does not isolate himself behind a wall of nurses. Naturally, I recommend him highly, Marilyn B.

Afshin A.

There are doctors who go into medicine for the paycheck and then there are doctors like Dr. Justin Houman. From the very first appointment you can feel that he truly cares. He?s not just knowledgeable, he?s patient and genuinely passionate about what he does. You can tell he?s in this to help people not just to treat symptoms but to make a real difference in their lives. I felt seen, heard and supported every step of the way. Thank you Dr. Houman for going above and beyond for your patients. You are a rare kind of doctor and I?m so grateful I found you.

Paul S.

Dr. Houman is amazing and diagnosed my issue immediately. instead of a surgery I thought for certain I would need, he prescribed medication that solved the problem. he was very detailed in his meetings with him and his follow up exam perfect whereby he asked if I had any other issues. I highly recommend him to anyone as he cares and does a thorough assessment and treatment.

Gregg D.

Simply, Dr. Josephson gave me my life back. He is the best there is. Great bedside manner, cutting edge technology, great staff, and delivered on everything he told me would happen. Thank you Dr. Josephson!!

Aaron M.

Dr. Houman and his staff are incredibly capable. Provide customer service like no medical practice I have been to, very attentive. Addressed all my issues, spent time listening to me, and explained exactly what has been troubling me. Cant thank him enough for his care, kindness, and diligence

Christopher G.

The level of care and attention Dr. Houman gives during a appointment is second to none. He explained different levels of treatment, answered all my questions and never once did I feel time was an issue. Thank you Dr. Houman for making me feel I was a top priority during my appointment.

Jordan E.

So glad I came across Dr. Houman. He was extremely attentive in taking care of all my needs. He has an incredible attention to detail and took the time to listen to my particular needs. I definitely see him being my physician for life!

Ariel R.

So kind and considerate, WONDERFUL bedside manner! Did wonders for our sex life! Thank you for everything!!

Vishal G.

Dr. Houman is thorough and really knows his stuff.

Josh G.

Dr. Houman absolutely sets the standard when it comes to patient care and bed side manner. I made an appointment for a very concerning topic and was full of worry. Not only was the process of making an appointment with him easy, but the customer service was impeccable. His assistant was joyful and happy to help. The experience only got better from there. The moment I met Dr. Houman I was quickly put at ease. He patiently answered any of my questions and concerns as well as explain things in a way that made them easy to understand. I have worked closely with many physicians but he goes above and beyond. He truly has a gift and I highly recommend him for any of your urological needs. Can't thank him enough for his kindness and exceptional professionalism.

John M.

I've been working with Dr. Houman for a few months now after a complication from a surgery. I was referred to Dr. Houman and he assured me that we would get the issue resolved. I had a lot more going on than initially known. Each problem has been addressed and it seems I'm on my way to normal. Healing takes time. It's important to have a caring, professional and diligent Doctor and staff on your team. The nurses working with Dr. Houman are knowledgable and highly skilled. I recommend Dr. Houman and his staff.

Samuel G.

Dr. Houman is not only extremely professional and friendly, but highly knowledgeable in his field. I was unsuccessful after seeing two other physicians, but Dr. Houman knew the issue and addressed it within 1 month of meeting him!