
Ahmed E. Ghazi, MD, MS
Urologic Oncology
Urology
Highlights
Johns Hopkins Affiliations:
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty
About Ahmed E. Ghazi
Professional Titles
- Director of Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery
- Director of Surgical Simulation Training
Primary Academic Title
Associate Professor of Urology
Background
Ahmed Ghazi is an associate professor of urology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He is the Director of Surgical Simulation Training and the Division of Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery within the Johns Hopkins Brady Urological Institute.
Dr. Ghazi specializes in urologic surgical oncology using the latest techniques of minimally invasive surgery for prostate, kidney, bladder, ureteral and other genitourinary organ cancers. He also as specializes in minimal invasive treatment of complex stones of the urinary tract.
Dr. Ghazi is a pioneer in the field of patient-specific surgical simulation, which has applications for training future surgeons as well as improving outcomes for patients through individualized modeling. When planning for a complex surgery, Dr. Ghazi constructs 3D models of the patient’s anatomy in order to plan and rehearse surgery prior to the actual surgery. These models span from digital renderings to tangible models used to practice the critical components of your surgery.
Dr. Ghazi received his medical degree from Cairo University in Egypt in 2000, where he also completed his surgery training and urology residency. From there, Dr. Ghazi completed a laparoscopic fellowship in Paris, France in 2008, followed by a second laparoscopic fellowship in Austria in 2009. While practicing in Europe, Dr. Ghazi was accepted to the European Board of Urology.
Dr. Ghazi continued his training at the University of Rochester, New York through a two-year fellowship in the robotic treatment of various urologic cancers. He then joined the staff at the urology department of University of Rochester in 2012 where he continued to practice until joining Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Dr. Ghazi believes in a reciprocal relationship between innovation, surgery & research where each informs and strengthens the others. He strives to adopt innovative surgical technologies that are evidence-based, benefit his patients and translate directly to improved patient outcomes.
Recent News Articles and Media Coverage
Surgery Simulation Program Garners International Recognition· November 15, 2018 University of Rochester Medical Center urologist Ahmed Ghazi, M.D., has been awarded first place at the Falling Walls Lab Finale in Berlin, Germany.
Exact Replicas of Organs Help Surgeons Get Ready for Operations· July 07, 2018 17:04...ks before undergoing surgery for a cancerous kidney tumor, Tim Wainwright met with his surgeon. Dr. Ahmed Ghazi reached into a plastic bag and pulled out a lifelike model of Wainwright’s kidney — right down to t...
Practice Make Perfect -- Fake Organs Guide the Way for 'Impossible' Cancer Surgery. June 06, 2018 17:34...y. His journey would ultimately lead him to University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) urologist Ahmed Ghazi, M.D., who would build an exact replica of Anthony’s kidney – complete with tumors…
Simulated Surgery Makes Headway at UR Medical Center· January 08, 2017 11:00...e-like replicas of organs to practice surgery. (November 2016) Video by James Goodman Buy Photo Dr. Ahmed Ghazi of the University of Rochester Medical Center has helped come up with a way to take some of the unc...
Model Patient· January 08, 2017 10:21...edure to improve patient outcomes and physician preparation when it comes to complex surgeries. Dr. Ahmed Ghazi and Dr. Jonathan Stone began their quest four years ago with a question. "So, the question we wanted...
University of Rochester Medical Center: New 3D Printed Medical Models for Training Even Bleed· November 29, 2016 10:57...organ, Simulated Inanimate Model for a Physical Learning Experience (SIMPLE), has been headed up by Ahmed Ghazi, M.D., M.Sc., an assistant professor in the Department of Urology…
Creating the “Model Human” to Practice Surgery. November 19, 2016 10:43...ubbed Simulated Inanimate Model for a Physical Learning Experience, or SIMPLE, is the brainchild of Ahmed Ghazi, M.D., M.Sc., an assistant professor in the Department of Urology...
Research Summary
My through understanding of learning theories, curriculum design and assessment methods has allowed me to help advance evidence-based surgical simulation research. I developed and validated a novel approach for fabricating high-fidelity, realistic, 3D physical models that offer a comprehensive simulated experience. I have expanded the application of extended reality technologies, remote proctoring, and machine learning in my laboratory. I strive to offer a patient-centered approach to surgical simulation, where trainees can master the specific maneuvers of individual operations, but also the entire gestalt of the operative experience with foreknowledge of anatomic details and surgical pitfalls for that specific patient.
Selected Publications
Chen IA*, Ghazi A, Sridhar A, Stoyanov D, Slack M, Kelly JD, Collins JW. Evolving robotic surgery training and improving patient safety, with the integration of novel technologies. World J Urol. 2021 Aug;39(8):2883-2893. doi: 10.1007/s00345-020-03467-7.
Ghazi A*, Erturk E. & Joseph J. Modifications to facilitate extraperitoneal robot assisted radical prostatectomy (E-RARP) post kidney transplant. JSLS. 2012 Apr-Jun;16(2):314-9.
Ghazi A*, Saba P, Melnyk R, Joseph J. Utilizing 3D Printing and Hydrogel Casting for the Development of Patient-Specific Rehearsal Platforms for Robotic Assisted Partial Nephrectomies. Urology. 2021 Jan;147:317. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2020.10.023.
Ghazi A*, Scosyrev E, Patel H, Messing EM, Joseph JV. Complications associated with extraperitoneal robot-assisted radical prostatectomy using the standardized Martin classification. Urology. 2013 Feb;81(2):324-31.
Ghazi A*, Sharma N, Radwan A, Rashid H, Osinski T, Frye T, Tabayoyong W, Bloom J, Joseph J. Can preoperative planning using IRISTM three-dimensional anatomical virtual models predict operative findings during robot-assisted partial nephrectomy? Asian Journal of Urology, 2023, ISSN 2214-3882, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajur.2022.12.003.
Ghazi A*. Patient specific simulation in urology: where are we now and what does the future look like? World J Urol. 2022 Mar;40(3):617-619. doi: 10.1007/s00345-022-03977-6.
Ghazi A, Schuler N, Shepard L, Holler T, Frye T, Tabayoyong W, Bloom J, Rashid R, Joseph J. Clinical application of 3D anatomical modeling software (IRISTM) during Robot-assisted Partial Nephrectomy for complex renal masses. Urology Video Journal. 2023;17:100202, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urolvj.2022.100202.
Ghazi A, Schuler N, Shepard L, Holler T, Saba P, Joseph J. Validity of a Patient-Specific Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) Simulated Surgical Rehearsal Platform: Impact on Patient and Surgical Outcomes. Urology Video Journal.2023;17:100203. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urolvj.2022.100203.
Ghazi A, Shepard L, Schuler N, Saba P, Joseph J. The development & implementation of a 3D printing perfused hydrogel Robotic Assisted Partial Nephrectomy Surgical Training Platform: Advancing from generic to patient specific simulation-based translational research. Urology Video Journal. 2023;17:100205 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urolvj.2022.100205.
Gurung P*, Melnyk R, Holler T; Oppenhimer D; Witthaus M; Rashid HH; Frye T; Wu G; Joseph JV; Ghazi A. Application of IRIS™ 3D anatomical models as preoperative surgical planning tools in the management of localized renal masses. J Endourol. 2021 Mar;35(3):383-389. doi: 10.1089/end.2020.0405
Saba P, Melnyk R, Holler T, Oppenheimer D, Schuler N, Tabayoyong W, Bloom J, Bandari J, Frye T, Joseph J, Weinberg E, Hollenberg G, Ghazi A. Comparison of Multi-Parametric MRI of the Prostate to 3D Prostate Computer Aided Designs and 3D-Printed Prostate Models for Pre-Operative Planning of Radical Prostatectomies: A Pilot Study. Urology. 2021 Dec;158:150-155. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2021.08.031.
Witthaus MW*, Farooq S, Melnyk R, Campbell T, Saba P, Mathews E, Ezzat B, Ertefaie A, Frye TP, Wu G, Rashid H, Joseph JV, Ghazi A. Incorporation and Validation of Clinically Relevant Performance Metrics of Simulation (CRPMS) into a Novel Full-immersion Simulation Platform for Nerve-sparing Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy using Three-dimensional Printing and Hydrogel Molding Technology. BJUI. 2020; 125(3):322-332. doi: 10.1111/bju.14940.
Honors
- Best Poster Conference Abstract Awards, 117th American Urology Association Meeting, 5/20/22
- 1st Place Audiovisual Conference Awards, 117th American Urology Association Meeting, 5/20/22
- Robert C. Flanigan Education Award, American Urology Association, 10/1/21
- Innovation in Medical Education Award, Northeast Group on Education Affairs, 5/1/20
- 1st Place Audiovisual Conference Award, 36th World Congress of Endourology Meeting, 9/1/19
- Board of Excellence Team Award, University of Rochester Medical Center, 6/1/19
- 1st Place Audiovisual Conference Award, 115th American Urology Association Meeting, 5/1/19
- Falling Walls Young Innovator of the Year, Falling Walls Foundation, Berlin, Germany, 2/1/18
- 1st Place Audiovisual Conference Award, 28th World Congress of Videoendourology Meeting, 10/1/17
- 1st Place Audiovisual Conference Award, 112th American Urology Association Meeting, 5/1/17
- Surgery Interest Group Mentor Award, University of Rochester, School of Medicine, 4/1/17
- 1st Place Audiovisual Conference Award, 111th American Urology Association Meeting, 5/1/16
- 1st Place Audiovisual Conference Award, 110th American Urology Association Meeting, 5/1/15
- Finalist, Residents Committee Teaching Award, American Urology Association, 5/1/14
- Health Care Innovation Award, Rochester Business Journal Health Care Achievement Awards, 2/1/14
- Teacher of the Year Award, Class of 2012, Urology Department, University of Rochester Medical Center, 6/1/12
Lectures & Presentations
- 3D patient specific hydrogel models for surgical simulation? (Plenary speaker), Medical Meeting, 36th World Congress of Endourology, Paris, France, 9/20/18
- Advanced Imaging, 3D Models, ICG, Ultrasound Tips and Tricks, Panellist, Medical Meeting, North American Robotic Urology Symposium, Virtual, 4/24/21
- Advances in Simulation Technologies for Robotic surgery, Conference, Masterclass in Robotics Speaker Series, Society of Urologic Robotic Surgeons, 12/11/20
- Can 3D hydrogel models replace living tissue for surgical simulation? (Plenary Speaker), Conference, Society of Robotic Surgery, Stockholm, Sweden, 6/22/18
- Design and Validation of an inanimate model for Nerve Sparing Robotic Radical Prostatectomy Simulation using 3D printing and hydrogel moulding technologies (Plenary Speaker), Medical Meeting, 20th Asia-Pacific Prostate Cancer Conference, Melbourne, Australia, 8/23/19
- Impact of Patient Specific Augmented Reality applications on Renal and Prostate cancer surgeries, Plenary speaker, Medical Meeting, 117th American Urological Association Meeting, American Urological Association, New Orleans, LA, 5/16/22
- Innovations in Surgical Education and Training, (Plenary speaker), Conference, 11th International Emirates Urological Conference, Dubai, UAE, 10/29/22
- Innovations in Surgical Simulation, Grand Rounds, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 10/27/21
- Integration Between Technology and Imaging for Robotic Surgery, Virtual Presentation, Société Internationale d'Urologie National Congress, Société Internationale d'Urologie, 10/16/21
- Intraoperative Navigation During Robot Assisted Surgery Using Augmented Reality Technology, Conference, Masterclass in Robotics Speaker Series, Society of Urologic Robotic Surgeons, 10/22/21
- Is there a role for patient-specific surgical rehearsals for surgical management of complex renal masses, Plenary Speaker, Medical Meeting, 116th American Urological Association Meeting, Las Vegas, NV, 5/15/21
- Leveraging 3D printing to personalize surgical simulation & improve patient safety, Plenary Speaker, Medical Meeting, 37th World Congress of Endourology, Abu Dhabi, UAE, 10/30/19
- Patient-Specific Surgical Simulation, Medical Meeting, Society of Academic Urologist Meeting, 112th American Urology Association Meeting, San Francisco, CA, 5/17/18
- Practice makes perfect - 3D printing and hydrogel organs guide the way for impossible cancer surgery, (Keynote speaker), Conference, START Innovation Summit, Gallen, Switzerland, 3/22/19
- Robotic Renal Surgery Education in '22, Symposium, 7th North American Robotic Urology Symposium, Las Vegas, NV, 2/3/23
- Role of IRIS and Virtual Simulation in Uro-Oncology, Conference, Apollo Comprehensive Robotic Oncology Conclave, Virtual, 4/23/21
- Simulation and 3D Printing in Urologic Oncology, Medical Meeting, Society of Urological Oncology American Urology Association Meeting, New Orleans, LA, 5/14/22
- Simulation Development: A shift from Mere Repetition to Educational Effectiveness, (Plenary speaker), Conference, 39th World Congress of Endourology and Technology, San Diego, CA, 10/28/22
- Simulation Technologies for Single Port Robotic Surgery, 2nd 12 Hour Single Port Robotic Marathon, Conference, World Endourology Society, 12/1/21
- Simulation training in Urology: Not just more Simulation, Better Simulation, Grand Rounds, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 12/7/22
- Surgical 'Physical Reality: A glimpse into the future of Surgical training', Grand Rounds, Mount Sinai-Icahn School of Medicine, New York, NY, 2/14/22
- Surgical Simulation in 2022: Where Should We Be?, Medical Meeting, Society of Academic Urology American Urology Association Meeting, New Orleans, LA, 5/12/22
- Surgical Simulation: Where Should We Be in 2022?, Grand Rounds, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 11/4/22
- The Future of Robotic Surgery Simulation will be shaped by Exact Organ Replicas, Medical Meeting, 4th North American Robotic Urology Symposium, Las Vegas, NV, 2/6/20
- The integration of engineering innovations into Surgical Simulation, Conference, Vanderbilt Institute for Surgery and Engineering (VISE) Speaker Series, Vanderbilt, TN, 10/28/21
- The Perfection of Practice, Presentation, TEDx Rochester, Rochester, NY, 5/5/18
- Training Curricula for Single Port Robotic Surgery, 3rd 12 Hour Single Port Robotic Marathon, Conference, World Endourology Society, 10/28/22
- Troubleshooting during robotic surgery, Plenary speaker, Symposium, 6th North American Robotic Urology Symposium, Las Vegas, NV, 3/2/22
- Utilizing Clinically relevant objective performance metrics (CROPMs) in 3D printed hydrogel procedural models, Conference, Society of Robotic Surgery 2020 Virtual Meeting, Virtual, 8/1/20
- Utilizing Eye-Tracking to Shorten the Learning Curve. What Can You See?, Medical Meeting, Society of Robotic Surgery 2020 Virtual Meeting, Virtual, 8/1/20
Memberships
- Arab School of Urology,
Chair Technology, Innovation and Simulation Committee
- World Endourology Society,
Fellowship Committee Member
- American Urology Association,
Co-director Urology Intern Academy
- American College of Surgeons,
Surgeons and Engineers Committee Member
- American Urology Association,
Technologies and Imaging Committee member (lead Simulation and training section)
- World Endourology Society,
Data Committee Member
- Society of Urological Robotic Surgeons,
Education Committee Member
- World Endourology Society,
Member
- American Urology Association,
Member
Locations
- Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center - Green Spring Station, Lutherville
- 10803 Falls Road, Pavilion III STE 3300, Lutherville, MD 21093
- phone: 410-955-6100
- fax: 410-616-7601
Expertise
Education
University of Rochester
Graduate School, Health Professions Ed, MS, 2020University of Rochester Medical Center
Fellowship, Urology, 2012Medical University of Innsbruck
Fellowship, Urologic Oncology, 2009Hospital Hendri Mondor
Fellowship, Urologic Oncology, 2008Ain Shams University Faculty of Medicine
Residency, Urology, 2005Ain Shams University Faculty of Medicine
Medical Education, MBBCh, 2001Insurance
- Aetna
- CareFirst
- Cigna
- First Health
- Geisinger Health Plan
- HealthSmart/Accel
- Humana
- Johns Hopkins Health Plans
- MultiPlan
- Pennsylvania's Preferred Health Networks (PPHN)
- Point Comfort Underwriters
- Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
- UnitedHealthcare
- Veteran Affairs Community Care Network (Optum-VACCN)
Ratings & Reviews
4.8 out of 5
156 ratings, 47 reviewsThe Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to physician related questions on the national CG-CAHPS Medical Practice patient experience survey through Press Ganey. Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best score. Comments are also gathered from our CG-CAHPS Medical Practice Survey through Press Ganey and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/19/2025
Super nice, professional, the best doctor I ever met.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/19/2025
Excellent advice about how to follow up my recurrence of prostate cancer
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/5/2025
Explained MRI
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/5/2025
Dr. Ghazi is excellent. He has been very responsive in addressing any concerns I have, both through email and appointments. I would highly recommend Dr. Ghazi to family and friends.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/15/2025
A great experience
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/18/2024
Excellent MD. Thoughtful and helpful in making decisions. Technically proficient.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/11/2024
Very happy and confident I him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/11/2024
Friendly, courteous, and professional
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/11/2024
Dr. Ghazi and his Team were timely, thorough, and did an excellent job in providing me with a second opinion for treatment of my prostate cancer.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/4/2024
Doctor excellent plan and communication
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/4/2024
Dr Ghazi is an excellent surgeon. Side effects are minimized and recovery very good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/4/2024
Professional, friendly, polite, knowledgeable, sincere.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/27/2024
Overall, outstanding provider.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/27/2024
He answered all of my questions. He made me feel very positive about the next step of my health issues. He is an excellent doctor!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/6/2024
Dr. GHAZI made us feel comfortable and took time to answer our questions during this consultation.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/6/2024
Dr. Ghazi is a brilliant surgeon. With his simulation lab he is breaking new ground in surgical training AND expanding the range of surgeries that can be gone with better patient outcomes.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/16/2024
Clear and concise
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/7/2024
He made me comfortable with thee decision made.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/2/2024
The Dr gave me a lot of hope about my upcoming surgery and recovery
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/18/2024
Very knowledgeable, caring and professional.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/28/2024
Extremely professional. High marks for kindness, empathy, and compassion. Highly competent. Extremely comforting.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/21/2024
Dr. Ghazi is simply exceptional. I am so grateful and thankful that he is my doctor!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/21/2024
Very polite. Answer my questions about my care fully. Was well prepared for out meeting.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/21/2024
Incredible visit this was a second opinion.. Dr Ghazi was clear, professional, detailed and prepared. I can't say how thankful/grateful I am be under his care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/7/2024
Very knowledgeable regarding my condition with excellent solutions
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/31/2024
I was pleased with my visit.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/24/2024
Very professional and and to the point about my case.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/24/2024
Explained the procedure very well and the path forward
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/24/2024
I give immense credit to Dr. Ghazi for my continued good fortune of being cancer free for 1 year. His positive attitude, demeanor and confidence eases the patients anxiety and fear of unfortunate diagnoses.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/3/2024
Routine appt scheduled 1 year ago. Dr Ghazi is way overqualified for my initial issue (kidney stone) but he treated me like I was his only patient. He scheduled a 1year return so I appreciated his follow up and excellent care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/26/2024
Exceptional professional, complete and clear information
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/19/2024
Dr Ahmed is one of the best doctors I've ever met, he was very patient when listening to me. He was very helpful and I felt much better leaving his office. I could tell that he truly cares.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/19/2024
Dr. Ghazi is both an empathetic and patient physician. Answered my questions and provided me with Information I requested.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/19/2024
My provider was excellent and caring in the information that he gave me. By far one of the best Dr visits I've ever had.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/12/2024
Very experienced and knowledgeable
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/5/2024
He is excellent! Took his time to explain everything. Supportive. Communicates confidence to the patient.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/29/2024
Dr seemed very short on time and I forgot a question
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/15/2024
Very knowledgeable. Answered all questions, above other providers.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/15/2024
Very professional. Had reviewed my lab work before the meteing. Listen attentatively
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/8/2024
Very thorough, inspires confidence
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/7/2024
Really appreciated his knowledge and bedside manner
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/24/2024
Knowledgeable and professional, I liked his straight forward confidence and sincerity.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/24/2024
Seemed genuinely understanding, ready to proceed
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/17/2024
This was a consultation only
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/17/2024
Dr Ghazi is awesome. A kind and talented doctor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/10/2024
Dr. Ghazi is exceptional. At the end of our call, my wife and I looked at each other and said "Wow!!" He explains things in a way that is both complete and easy to understand. At the end of the call, I felt that if I had had more questions he would have taken all of the time I needed to be sure that all of my questions were answered. They were. I feel extremely confident in his hands!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/3/2024
Extremely professional, knowledgeable and competent demeanor. Above all, kind, empathetic and compassionate. Totally assured that I am under the best care.