Gerhard Fuchs, an internationally renowned urologic surgeon, researcher and educator who advanced innovative technology to minimize the pain of eliminating kidney stones, has been recruited to the USC Institute of Urology.

Fuchs, professor of clinical urology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, has been named executive director of the USC Institute of Urology at Keck Medicine of USC-Beverly Hills. He also will serve as director of the Men’s Health Center, director of education and director of quality assurance/improvement, all at the institute.

Gerhard Fuchs’ contributions to urology as a clinician and researcher are immeasurable.

Inderbir Gill

He is a pioneer of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL), a technology that uses shock waves to break kidney stones into small pieces to allow them to easily travel through the urinary tract and pass from the body. He established the first ESWL treatment center in the Western states, spearheaded a training program for ESWL and established a state-of-the-art center for tertiary endourology care and ESWL, where many urologists are trained on novel technologies.

“Dr. Gerhard Fuchs’ contributions to urology as a clinician and researcher are immeasurable,” said Inderbir Gill, professor and chairman of the Department of Urology at the Keck School of Medicine, and founding executive director of the USC Institute of Urology. “Literally hundreds of patients have benefited from his pioneering work in minimally invasive treatment of kidney stones. His expertise as an educator has been an asset to many young physicians. He brings in valuable experience to our team.”

Advanced laparoscopic surgery at USC

Fuchs has garnered nearly three decades of urologic experience, specializing in minimally invasive procedures for treating kidney stones, as well as advanced endoscopic and urologic laparoscopic surgery.

“The USC Institute of Urology has a powerful track record of experience and innovation in treating urological conditions, including kidney stones and bladder, prostate and kidney cancer,” Fuchs said. “Inderbir Gill and the rest of his superior team are committed to taking urological surgery and treatment in California and the nation to a much higher level, with the support of Keck Medicine of USC. I am excited to be part of this effort.”

The national leadership in urology at Keck Medicine of USC is evidenced by a recent U.S. News & World Report ranking of Keck Medical Center of USC among the top 25 hospitals in the United States for urology. Keck Medical Center was ranked at No. 20.

An internationally sought-after lecturer and teacher, Fuchs maintains an active academic calendar, conducting regular surgical demonstrations and teaching his techniques worldwide. He also has written many chapters in urologic texts and his research results appear in many peer-reviewed publications.

Fuchs previously served at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center as director of the Minimally Invasive Urology program, vice chairman of the Department of Surgery and director for the Urology Residency and Fellowship programs. He also was a clinical professor of urology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.

He received his undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Heidelberg in Germany and was awarded a doctoral degree by the University of Freiburg Medical School, the equivalent of a Ph.D. in Europe. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

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