The Department of Urology is proud to welcome Jordan Smith, M.D., as its newest fellow in the Advanced Endourology and Stone Disease Fellowship Program.
Originally from Fairhope, Alabama, Smith earned her medical degree from the University of South Alabama before completing her urology residency at the University of Florida in Gainesville. As she begins her fellowship at UAB, Smith looks forward to expanding her knowledge, refining her surgical skills, and becoming part of the Birmingham community.
"I couldn't be happier with my specialty selection," Smith said.
She shares more about what inspired her to pursue urology, what she hopes to gain during her fellowship, and what she's looking forward to as she settles into Birmingham.
What inspired you to pursue a career in urology?
Smith: I was initially drawn to urology for the opportunity to combine a surgical practice with longitudinal relationships with patients. I also appreciate the variety of urology. For example, urologists address quality-of-life issues with medications and surgery while also treating and screening for cancer. The type of practice can vary between predominantly clinic and office procedures, outpatient operations, and larger-scale surgeries.
Additionally, I truly fell in love with kidney anatomy and pathophysiology and really appreciate how urologists have taken on the challenge of finding unique ways to operate and fix problems in the pelvis and retroperitoneum, which can be notoriously difficult places to operate in. Urology as a field is innovative and exciting, filled with excellent surgeons who are also fun, gregarious people outside of the OR. I couldn't be happier with my specialty selection.
What are you most excited to learn or experience during your fellowship?
Smith: I am most excited to learn new approaches and philosophies on how to manage kidney stones, including the utilization of ultrasound and minimizing fluoroscopy. I look forward to mastering skills and building upon my foundation from residency for obtaining access for percutaneous nephrolithotomy for large kidney stones and enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) for BPH.
What are you looking forward to most about living in Birmingham?
Smith: My husband, 2.5-year-old son, and I are looking forward to enjoying the wonderful hiking and outdoor activities, delicious food, and numerous opportunities for music, art, and festivals that Birmingham has to offer. We are excited to be in a world-class city!