Dr Burnett Speaks on Prostate Cancer

The Cancer Society spoke of its work combatting cancer in Jamaica. However, Dr Burnett's speech and Q&A regarding prostate cancer, its treatment and causes was very enlightening. Arthur L. Burnett, II, MD is Professor, Department of Urology, at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where he is also Director of the Basic Science Laboratory in Neuro-urology. Currently, Dr. Burnett holds professional appointments at the Johns Hopkins Hospital including Director of the Male Consultation Clinic and clinician-scientist at the James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute. Dr. Burnett received his undergraduate degree in biology from Princeton University and subsequently his medical degree at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He then completed his internship and residency in surgery, and subsequently residency and fellowship in urology at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. Upon completion of his urology residency, he also received an American Foundation of Urologic Disease New Investigator Award to continue research work into the regulatory mechanisms of penile erection. He has maintained an active laboratory in neuro-urology since that time.

Dr. Burnett is an established expert in the areas of: prostate cancer; lower genitourinary tract malignancies (penile, scrotal, and urethral cancers); lower genitourinary tract reconstruction (pelvic trauma and urethral stricture disease); erectile dysfunction and penile abnormalities (including Peyronie’s disease); and female urology (including urinary incontinence, urethral abnormalities, and prolapsed pelvic structures). This expertise is built on academic studies regarding the surgical anatomy of the pelvis, advances in surgical techniques of genital and pelvic reconstructive surgery, and basic science research contributions in the fundamental aspects of pelvic organ function.

His focus in the clinical practice of prostate cancer is reflected by his performance of over 2,000 radical prostatectomy surgeries, his application of a single, minimally invasive 3 inch incision just above the pubic bone which facilitates rapid recovery and cosmesis, his application of the “nerve-sparing” technique as described by Walsh, and his development of management approaches to improve postoperative functional outcomes following radical prostatectomy (see Erection Rehabilitation after Radical Prostatectomy).