Matt Nielsen, MD, MS, FACS, has been named Chair of the UNC School of Medicine’s Department of Urology. Since January 2020, Nielsen has served the Department as interim Chair.
The Department of Urology officially has a new Chair, Matt Nielsen, MD, MS, FACS. Since January 2020, Nielsen has served the Department as interim Chair. In 2009 he joined the faculty at UNC as a urologic oncologist and health services researcher after completing medical school and residency training at Johns Hopkins.
During his tenure as a UNC faculty member, Nielsen obtained advanced training in clinical research from the Gillings School of Global Public Health and healthcare delivery improvement from the Intermountain Healthcare Delivery Institute. For the past six years, he has led in the capacity of a Clinical Investigator at Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, collaborating on multiple research projects including a National Cancer Institute-funded study that focuses on supporting interventions in early-state bladder cancer. Nielsen also has seven years’ experience on the Quality Improvement and Patient Safety committee for the American Urological Association, which he currently Chairs. Nielsen’s leadership in this role has led to the development of strategic priorities dedicated to advancing performance measurement, quality improvement education and implementation, and patient safety.
“We are thrilled to announce Dr. Nielsen as Chair of the Department of Urology. His record of success as a national leader in cancer research, clinical care, and mentorship will serve the department well. He has excelled in his role as Interim Chair, leading with grace and resolve during the pandemic, and I’m confident the department will continue to prosper under his leadership,” said Executive Dean Cristy Page.
In his role as Chair of the UNC Department of Urology, Nielsen plans to continue providing outstanding clinical care in a cost-effective, caring environment and exposing the next generation of leaders in urology to outstanding training and education.
“I am excited and feel fortunate to have the opportunity to serve and lead this department as I work alongside some of the most dedicated and skilled urologists in the country. Together, we will help advance the inspiring mission and vision of the UNC School of Medicine,” Nielsen said.
Nielsen’s Chair appointment goes into effect November 2020.