SUMMARY
The focus of Douglas A. Husmann, M.D., is on pediatric and reconstructive urology, having completed fellowships in pediatric urology-transplantation and endocrinology. He has extensive experience in urologic reconstruction that arise following both congenital abnormalities and traumatic injuries.
With this widely varied experience, Dr. Husmann has extensive publications and research interests that range from androgen physiology in aberrant and normal embryologic development to neurophysiologic derangements of the bladder and kidney arising from spinal cord injuries.
Focus areas
- Aberrant androgen physiology in penile development. Dr. Husmann was part of the laboratory group that was one of the first to clone the androgen receptor protein. He was among the first to develop immunohistochemical techniques to identify the androgen receptor in fresh-frozen and paraffin-embedded tissues. His groundbreaking work led to significant insights into penile development and alterations of androgen receptor physiology in abnormal penile development.
- Cryptorchidism. Dr. Husmann's insights into androgen physiology naturally led to investigations into the etiology of testicular undescent (cryptorchidism). His work confirmed the role of both androgen-induced and androgen-independent growth factors in the descent of the testicle. He subsequently was able to document how aberrant physiology in these mechanisms could induce testicular undescent.
- Bladder exstrophy. Dr. Husmann has built an international reputation as one of the leading experts in urologic reconstruction of bladder epispadias-exstrophy complex. Having written numerous classic articles in the field, he continues to maintain close relationships to these patients, following them through the translation ages from infancy to adulthood.
- Neurogenic bladder. Dr. Husmann's training in both congenital and reconstructive urology has resulted in one of the largest practices managing neurourologic abnormalities resulting from both birth and traumatic defects. His extensive experience and maintenance of a prospective patient database has enabled the publication of several groundbreaking articles that have significantly advanced the management of this patient population.
Significance to patient care
Dr. Husmann has developed the unique combination of basic science skills combined with the clinical expertise to translate basic science findings to the clinical arena. His work in normal and aberrant androgen physiology led to new and innovative treatments for patients with micropenis.
Similarly, his translating the observational skills learned in the basic science laboratories to the clinical arena resulted in advances in the management of bladder exstrophy and neurogenic bladder that have altered both the initial reconstruction and long-term treatment of these patient populations.
Professional highlights
- Chair, Examination Committee, American Board of Urology, 2013-2016
- Chair, Pediatric Subspecialty Examination Committee, American Board of Urology, 2009-2012
- Secretary-Elect, Secretary-Treasurer, President-Elect, President and Past President — Society for Pediatric Urology, 2004-2011
- Chair, Pediatric Section, Core Curriculum Committee, American Urological Association, 2007-2012
- Editorial Board, Journal of Pediatric Urology, 2007-2013