Health Policy and Advocacy for Urology

The winter 2014 issue of QUEST included a Q&A with Dr. Chris Gonzalez, a specialist in reconstructive pelvic surgery.

In addition to his surgical responsibilities, Dr. Gonzalez works with the American Urological Association (AUA) as vice chairman of health policy, a position established to organize efforts to preserve a urologist’s ability to practice medicine in this difficult political landscape. Dr. Gonzalez leads efforts to examine regulatory, reimbursement and legislative issues involving urology from both a national and state perspective.

Recently, Dr. Gonzalez worked with a group of urologists within the AUA to convince legislators to pass a bi-partisan bill that addresses urotrauma, a growing source of injury to the genital and urinary systems of military personnel. The number of service men and women injured by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) continues to increase. These injuries cause severe trauma to the sexual organs and the genitourinary system leading to urinary tract blockage, sexual dysfunction and infertility. President Obama signed this bill into law in December 2013.

Dr. Gonzalez also serves as the Director of Surgery for Surgical Services at Northwestern Memorial Hospital where he is in charge of improving quality, efficiency, and financial performance in the Northwestern system’s operating rooms.