Legends in Urology: Dr. Jack McAninch

First, Dr. McAninch delineates his path to becoming a doctor. He grew up in Merkel, a small Texan town, and worked on an oil rig after high school to save money for college tuition. He attended Texas Tech University and majored in animal husbandry. After college, he received a master’s degree in animal science from the University of Idaho. However, during his time in graduate school, he was required to take various pre-medical classes and discovered a passion for medicine. He applied to and received an acceptance to the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. During his time in medical school, he worked as a research assistant in the plastic surgery department and discovered his interest in surgery and reconstruction. However, he chose urology as his specialty as the hours and training were less demanding than plastic surgery. He decided to enlist in the army and was sent to Letterman Army Hospital in San Francisco to complete his urology residency. During his time there, he operated on many Vietnam war soldiers and gained valuable insight in acute care and reconstructive surgery. After being stationed in Germany for 3 years, he returned to San Francisco and was recruited to San Francisco General Hospital to start a reconstructive urology program. As the only reconstructive urologist, he worked closely with the general and trauma surgeons to manage a high-volume caseload. He then went on to start the first fellowship in reconstructive urology at UCSF.

Next, Dr. McAninch explains his different leadership roles throughout his career, including being an original board member of the Society of Genitourinary Reconstructive Surgeons (GURS), the president of the American Board of Urology, the president of the American Urological Association, and an important leader representing the urologic field in the American College of Surgeons. Finally, Dr. Buckley and Dr. McAninch end the discussion by reflecting on the phenomenally rapid technological advancements that have been made in the field of urology.