Philanthropy boosts innovation in urology and supports the work of Inderbir Gill
Photo by Tim Rue
The USC Catherine and Joseph Aresty Department of Urology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC ranks among the nation’s best. Patients who need kidney, prostate, bladder, or pelvic surgery and advanced urologic care make it their destination. It’s where leading-edge robotic and minimally invasive treatments are not just performed, but also invented.
Dr. Inderbir S. Gill, chairman and executive director of USC Urology, drives innovation in advanced robotics, artificial intelligence, and surgical techniques.
Now an anonymous donor who champions Dr. Gill’s pioneering spirit has invested $5 million in his vision and strategy for surgical innovation and AI.
Dr. Gill is pioneering a way to kill tumors from inside the body. The method uses a tiny, flexible robot inserted into a hollow organ through a natural orifice, with remote 3-D image guidance. It’s a one-stop, pain-free, targeted procedure done without damaging surrounding tissue. Cancer diagnosis and treatment could be done in a single sitting.
He is also developing AI algorithms that improve outcomes and increase patient and physician satisfaction.
“Philanthropy energizes medical advances, speeds up research, and jump-starts pilot studies that otherwise might not get off the ground for years,” Dr. Gill said. “Pilot studies lead to larger grants, which drive new therapies into clinical trials. This improves care, leading to longer, healthier lives for all.”