Will play key role as UNMC moves forward with Comprehensive Cancer Center
Chad LaGrange, M.D., has been named chief of the Division of Urology in the University of Nebraska Medical Center Department of Surgery.
The appointment, which was effective Jan. 1, was announced by David W. Mercer, M.D., chairman and the McLaughlin Professor of Surgery in the department of surgery.
“Dr. LaGrange is an enthusiastic, up-and-coming surgical leader at UNMC, who is ready to enhance and grow the UNMC Urology Division into the 21st century,” Dr. Mercer said. “The search for new frontiers in surgical research, training, and technical expertise continues, and we are sure that Dr. LaGrange will be a harbinger for the future. With UNMC’s plans for a Comprehensive Cancer Center and the important role that urology plays in the treatment of cancer, we are indeed fortunate to have Dr. LaGrange and his family’s commitment to Nebraska.”
Dr. Mercer praised Dr. LaGrange for being the only fellowship-trained laparoscopic urologist on the UNMC faculty and one of only three such urologists in the state of Nebraska. He said Dr. LaGrange’s laparoscopic surgery skills are “second to none,” citing his ability to perform laparoscopic prostatectomies “with unparalleled surgical outcomes and cost effectiveness.”
Dr. LaGrange succeeds George Hemstreet, M.D., who served as division chief for eight years before stepping down in October 2010.
Dr. LaGrange joined the UNMC faculty in 2008 as assistant professor, surgery-urology, and director of minimally invasive urology.
“During the past two years I have worked diligently on numerous projects within the division and hospital,” Dr. LaGrange said. “The planned Comprehensive Cancer Center will make UNMC Urology more attractive to future faculty, especially urologic oncologists, which is a priority for the enterprise. Several opportunities are on the horizon to expand our urology presence within our institution and community. Maintaining our strong urology residency program is very important and one of our greatest assets.”
Prior to coming to UNMC, Dr. LaGrange served on the faculty at the University of Kentucky from 2006 to 2008.
He earned his undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He was valedictorian of his medical school class and delivered the graduation speech and was a member of Alpha Omega Alpha, the national honor society for medical students.
Following graduation from medical school, Dr. LaGrange did a one-year general surgery internship, a four-year urology residency, and a two-year endourology fellowship at the University of Kentucky.
Dr. LaGrange is certified by the American Board of Urology and the Endourological Society and is a fellow in the American College of Surgeons. In 2010, he was certified in Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS).
Dr. LaGrange serves on numerous hospital, university, and practice committees, including the Comprehensive Cancer Center Planning Committee for UNMC and its hospital partner, The Nebraska Medical Center.
Dr. LaGrange received the Hal K. Mardis Urology Resident Teaching Award in 2010-11 and has been recognized on patient satisfaction surveys for his patient care. He currently has two funded research projects and has presented at more than 50 scientific meetings.
For several years, Dr. LaGrange has been active with the American Cancer Society serving on advisory and support group training committees.