Kyoto, Japan – Matthew T. Gettman, M.D., program director of the Mayo Clinic’s Department of Urology, has been awarded the 2011 Arthur D. Smith Endourology Lectureship. The award, known as the “Arthur” award, was given at the 29th World Congress of Endourology (WCE) in Kyoto, Japan, this week. Gettman was chosen specifically for his academic contributions to the field of urology, particularly his extensive research and expertise in the fields of robotic and laparoscopic surgery. The Endourological Society’s awards committee presents the Arthur award each year, and Cook Medical sponsors the award in honor of the lifetime achievements of Dr. Arthur D. Smith.
Dr. Gettman trained in urology at the Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education before completing a endourology fellowship at the University of Texas and training in Austria and France as a Mayo Foundation Scholar. Since then, Dr. Gettman has authored more than 250 publications, including 128 peer-reviewed articles, and is currently an active member of the American Urological Association, the American College of Surgeons and the Endourological Society.
Dr. Gettman has been heavily involved in the development of natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery and has an ongoing interest in expanding minimally invasive techniques, particularly in the field of robotic surgery, with the goal of improving patient outcomes beyond that which current techniques can accomplish.
“It is a true honor for me to be given the Arthur award,” said Dr. Gettman. “Dr. Smith is the father of endourology and a true innovator in the field. I am humbled to have my name associated with his. In recognition of the award, I sincerely thank my endourologic teachers and colleagues that have helped me in my career.”
“Cook is pleased to congratulate Dr. Gettman on receiving the Arthur award this year,” said Jean-Marc Creissel, global leader of Cook Medical’s Urology business unit. “Dr. Gettman is thoroughly deserving of this award and it is an honor for our company to sponsor physicians that have their eyes set on the future of urology.”
About Cook Medical
Founded in 1963, Cook Medical pioneered many of the medical devices now commonly used to perform minimally invasive medical procedures throughout the body. Today, the company integrates medical devices, drugs and biologic grafts to enhance patient safety and improve clinical outcomes. Since its inception, Cook has operated as a family-held private corporation. For more information, visit CookMedical.com. Follow Cook Medical on Twitter @CookMedicalPR and @cookuro.