Louis Raphael Kavoussi, MD, MBA

Louis Kavoussi, MD, MBA, is the senior vice president of urology at Northwell. He is a world-renowned urologic surgeon who brings more than 30 years of specialized expertise in minimally invasive urological surgery. His area of focus includes treating a wide range of urologic diseases, including kidney obstructions, renal stones and urologic cancer.At the forefront of innovation, Dr. Kavoussi pioneered several new surgical techniques, including the laparoscopic nephrectomy for kidney cancer and kidney donation. He was also part of the team that performed the first laparoscopic prostate removal for cancer. In 1999, Dr. Kavoussi received a Smithsonian Computerworld Permanent Collection award for his work in developing telerounding-the starting point of telehealth medicine-to facilitate physician communication with hospitalized patients."From early on, I had my sights set on becoming a chemist," Dr. Kavoussi says. "But I formed a love for medicine because I get to help people while also making a positive impact through science and technology."Before joining Northwell in 2006 as chair of urology, Dr. Kavoussi completed his medical degree at the State University of New York at Buffalo. He obtained his urologic training at Washington University of St. Louis and, directly following residency, was named chief of urology at the Jewish Hospital of St. Louis. In 1991, he was appointed assistant professor at Harvard School of Medicine and director of endourology at the Brigham and Women's Hospital. In 1993, he joined the faculty of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where he was vice chairman of urology and named a Patrick C. Walsh Distinguished Professor.Dr. Kavoussi values a team approach to care, and often collaborates with other specialists to create personalized and comprehensive treatment plans. His patients appreciate his easygoing personality and thoughtfulness. "I want my patients to know they have a voice and are partners in the decision-making process," he says.As the Waldbaum-Gardner Distinguished Professor of Urology at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Dr. Kavoussi is passionate about training the next generation of surgeons. He has presented his work at industry conferences around the world and has been featured in more than 500 publications."Hearing my patients tell me I've changed their lives brings me great joy," Dr. Kavoussi says. "There's nothing better than that."