Healthy Balance

7 Quick Questions with Urologic Oncologist Kirsten Greene

meet UVA doctors in Charlottesville, VA through our 7 Quick Questions series
Urologic oncologist Kirsten Greene, MD
Urologic oncologist Kirsten Greene, MD

Urologic oncologist Kirsten L Greene, MD, helps patients with urologic cancer by focusing on minimally invasive and robotic surgery techniques. She treats these conditions:

Also, Greene is dedicated to training the next generation of urologic oncologists in her role as chair of the urology department at UVA Health.

Meet a UVA Urologic Oncologist

1. Why did you become a doctor?

I always wanted to be a surgeon, even when I was little. We didn’t have anyone in the medical field in my family, so we could never figure out why I was so drawn to it, but it’s all I ever wanted to do. I found old photos of me dressed up as a surgeon for Halloween at age three.

2. Why did you choose your specialty?

Beyond wanting to be a surgeon, I have always wanted to be a cancer surgeon. I started out in general surgery and had planned to be a surgical oncologist until I happened to rotate on urology as an intern and realized what a wonderful field it is. But I switched residencies and became a urologist instead of a general surgeon.

3. What is your favorite thing about Charlottesville?

Everything. Because it’s a magical place to live and my husband and I love it.

Need a Urologic Oncologist?

Find more about UVA’s urology cancer treatments & clinical trials.

4. Where did you grow up?

All over the east coast, moving every 2-3 years. So, I went to high school in Newark, Delaware.

5. What’s the most exciting thing/research happening in urologic surgery and oncology right now?

PSMA PET (prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography) to identify prostate cancer and potentially treat recurrence. Also, HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound) is very exciting as a way to treat prostate cancer with fewer side effects.

6. Who is your inspiration or hero?

My Mom. I lost her in 2014, and I still think about her every day. She was always proud of me and always on my side.

7. What’s your favorite thing about working at UVA?

My colleagues, everyone I work within the clinic and hospital, all of my patients. People here are genuinely kind. The world needs more of that, and I’m lucky to have found it at UVA.

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