Kamal Pohar, MD, named inaugural chair of UC College of Medicine’s Department of Urology

Kamal Pohar, MD

Following an extensive national search, the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine is pleased to announce the appointment of Kamal Pohar, MD, as professor and inaugural chair of the recently established Department of Urology, effective January 2026. Pohar will also hold the prestigious R. Bruce and Barbara Bracken Endowed Chair in Urology.

His appointment marks a transformative moment for the College of Medicine, as it builds a new department dedicated to advancing urologic care, research and education. The Department of Urology was established in July 2024, reflecting UC's commitment to expanding clinical excellence and innovation in this vital specialty.

"Dr. Pohar is an exceptional leader and clinician-scientist whose vision will be instrumental in building a premier Department of Urology from the ground up," said Gregory C. Postel, MD, dean of the College of Medicine, Christian R. Holmes professor, executive vice president for health affairs at UC and chair of the UC Health Board of Directors. "His deep commitment to patient care, educational excellence and groundbreaking research will shape this department into a national leader. We are thrilled to welcome him to UC."

Pohar joins UC from The Ohio State University, where he currently serves as professor of urology, vice chair for faculty affairs and holds the Julius and Diana Skestos Endowed Chair in Urology. During the course of his career, he has earned national and international recognition for his expertise in urologic oncology, particularly bladder cancer. He has served on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Bladder Cancer Guideline Committee for more than a decade, helping to shape standards of care nationwide.

A prolific researcher and educator, Pohar has led numerous multi-center clinical trials and published extensively in leading medical journals. His work has advanced innovative diagnostics, such as blue light cystoscopy, and deepened understanding of tumor biology, translating research into improved patient outcomes. His research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Defense, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute and industry. He also serves as a course director for the American Urological Association, educating physicians across the country and the world.

Pohar earned his Bachelor of Science in molecular biology and Doctor of Medicine with distinction from the University of Alberta. He completed his urology residency at the University of Manitoba, followed by advanced fellowship training in urologic oncology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York.

Throughout his career, Pohar has received numerous accolades, including several teaching awards, recognition from the National Cancer Institute for clinical trial leadership, and he has been consistently recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor by his peers.

"I am incredibly honored to be named the inaugural chair of the Department of Urology at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine," said Pohar. "This is a unique opportunity to build a world-class program in a state I've called home for nearly 20 years. My vision is to create a department defined by excellence, innovation and collaboration - one that delivers outstanding care, drives discovery and trains the next generation of leaders in urology."

As chair, Pohar will lead strategic efforts to expand clinical services across all urology subspecialties, grow faculty and research programs, and enhance education and training opportunities for medical students, residents and fellows. His leadership will be instrumental in shaping the department's culture, fostering mentorship and supporting the college's broader mission to deliver exceptional care and advance medical progress.

Learn more about the Department of Urology at UC College of Medicine.

Featured image at top: CARE/Crawley building exterior on UC's medical campus.

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