Hannah Jarvis, M.D.Hannah Jarvis, M.D., recently graduated as the first fellow from the UAB Advanced Endourology and Stone Disease Fellowship Program within the Department of Urology. Designed to provide advanced training in minimally invasive urologic surgery alongside robust research and mentorship, the fellowship is preparing the next generation of leaders in the field, and Jarvis’s experience offers a compelling glimpse of its impact.
From mastering complex surgical techniques to developing a foundation for a career in academic medicine, Jarvis’s journey reflects both the rigor of the program and the collaborative culture that defines it as she now prepares for a career as a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Urology at the University of Iowa.
Learn more about what drew Jarvis to UAB, the experiences that shaped her growth, and how the fellowship has positioned her for the next stage of her career.
What initially drew you to this program, and what made it stand out compared to others you were considering?
Jarvis: I was drawn to this program because of the opportunity to learn from outstanding faculty who are leaders in the field of endourology. Throughout my training, I have been fortunate to be a part of the department's growth and learn from experts in both complex stone disease and BPH. Each offer their unique perspectives that have shaped my growth as a surgeon. What further set this fellowship apart was the faculty's support of my broader interests. In addition to advanced endourology training, they encouraged me to continue developing my skills in benign robotic surgery, allowing me to maintain a diverse surgical practice and pursue the career I envisioned. That combination of exceptional mentorship, technical training, and flexibility made this fellowship an ideal fit for my long-term goals.
The fellowship offers hands-on experience in advanced procedures like ureteroscopy, percutaneous kidney stone surgery, and HoLEP. Which clinical experiences had the biggest impact on your development as a surgeon?
Jarvis: The greatest impact has come from the breadth and complexity of the cases I have encountered during fellowship. Managing complex stone disease and gaining experience with HoLEP has helped me refine both my technical skills and surgical judgment. Learning from faculty with different operative styles, particularly in their approaches to PCNL, has taught me that there is often more than one effective way to approach a problem. Learning when to adapt, when to be creative, and how to make thoughtful intraoperative decisions has been invaluable to my growth as a surgeon.
How did the program help you grow not just in the operating room, but also as a researcher or academic contributor?
Jarvis: One of the things I most admire about the faculty is their inquisitive nature. They continually challenge assumptions, ask thoughtful questions, and look for ways to improve patient care. That mindset has influenced how I approach both clinical practice and research. The fellowship has taught me to critically evaluate my work, remain curious, and seek opportunities to advance our field through innovation and collaboration.
Mentorship is a key part of the fellowship. How did those relationships influence your training and future goals?
Jarvis: My mentors have had a tremendous impact on my development, both professionally and personally. Beyond surgical skills, they helped me recognize my strengths, encouraged my interest in education and mentorship, and provided guidance as I navigated important career decisions. Their support played a substantial role in my decision to pursue academic urology, and they will continue to serve as trusted mentors as I begin the next phase of my career.
As someone who helped pave the way as the program’s first graduate, what do you hope future fellows will take from this experience?
Jarvis: I hope future fellows feel as challenged, supported, and inspired as I have throughout this experience. The program offers exceptional operative training, but just as importantly, it fosters curiosity, collaboration, and professional growth. My hope is that future fellows leave not only as more skilled surgeons, but also with the confidence to continue learning, teaching, and contributing to the field throughout their careers.
Looking ahead, how has this fellowship shaped your career trajectory, and what excites you most about the next phase of your work in urology?
Jarvis: This fellowship has provided the foundation I needed to begin my career as academic faculty. It has strengthened my technical skills, focused my clinical expertise, and honed my confidence to trust my judgment, tackle complex problems independently, and build the kind of practice I envisioned for myself. I am excited to build my practice, educate trainees, and continue contributing to the field. Most importantly, I know I will always have mentors I can turn to for guidance, for which I am immensely grateful.
Anything else you would like to add?
Jarvis: I am deeply grateful to the faculty, staff, residents, and patients who built this fellowship and have made it such a rewarding experience. It has been a privilege to train in a program that values excellence, innovation, and education. I am proud to be the program's first graduate and look forward to watching its continued growth and success in the years ahead.