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Nirmish Singla

Nirmish Singla, MD, MSC

Urologic Oncology

Accepting New Patients
Online Booking
Johns Hopkins Affiliations:
  • Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty

Languages

  • Hindi
  • Spanish
  • English

14 Insurances Accepted

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Gender

Male

About Nirmish Singla

Professional Titles

  • Director of Translational Research in GU Oncology
  • Director, Kidney Cancer Program
  • Co-Director, Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC) Program
  • Vice Chair and Physician Advisor for Quality, Safety, & Service, Brady Urological Institute

Primary Academic Title

Associate Professor of Urology

Background

Dr. Nirmish Singla is an Associate Professor of Urology and Oncology in the Brady Urological Institute at Johns Hopkins University, where he serves as the Director of Translational Research in Genitourinary Oncology. He is also the Director of the Kidney Cancer Program and co-directs the Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC) Program as a founding member of the first-ever UTUC Multidisciplinary Clinic. He represents the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center (SKCCC) on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Testicular Cancer Guidelines Panel and helps lead the Testicular Cancer Program.  He serves the Brady in a leadership capacity as Vice Chair and Physician Advisor for Quality, Safety, & Service; Faculty Senator for the Department of Urology; and as a core faculty member for the Hopkins Business of Health Initiative (HBHI).

Dr. Singla received his undergraduate degree (B.S.E.) in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Michigan and his medical degree (M.D.) from the University of Michigan Medical School, where he was supported by a full-tuition Dean’s Merit Scholarship. He went on to complete his residency training in Urologic Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW).  Following his residency, he received an NIH/NCI Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award T32 grant and spent an additional year at UTSW as a postdoctoral research fellow in Urologic Oncology with a specialized translational focus in kidney cancer through the Physician Scientist Training Program. During this time, he earned a Master of Science in Clinical Science (M.S.C.S.) degree through the Center for Translational Medicine at UTSW and helped develop and pioneer a Physician Administrative Fellowship program. He then completed an advanced surgical fellowship in urologic oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) in New York through the Society of Urologic Oncology (SUO) before joining the faculty at Johns Hopkins.

Dr. Singla’s clinical practice spans the complete spectrum of genitourinary oncology, including adrenal, kidney, upper tract, bladder, prostate, penile, urethral, and testicular cancers. His surgical approaches include mastery of both open and minimally-invasive (endoscopic, laparoscopic, and robotic) techniques. Dr. Singla provides personalized and compassionate care for patients affected by urologic cancer by integrating cutting-edge technologies and multidisciplinary approaches to treatment.

As both a surgeon-scientist and clinical trialist, Dr. Singla’s overarching goal is to help scientific discoveries in the laboratory materialize for patients with urologic cancers in the clinic. He runs a well-funded, multidisciplinary, translational laboratory specializing in kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and UTUC. Dr. Singla has co-authored over 200 articles and textbook chapters, and he has developed an international reputation as a thought leader in urologic oncology. He has secured a substantial amount of research funding and serves as the lead PI on multiple grants from federal, foundational, intramural, and private sources across various GU malignancies.

Recent News Articles and Media Coverage

  • Germline Testing in Kidney Cancer: BackTable Urology Podcast, YouTube

Additional Academic Titles

Associate Professor of Oncology

Research Interests

Biomarker Discovery, Clinical Trials, Kidney Cancer, Multimodal Treatment, Precision Oncology, Renal Cell Carcinoma, Testicular Cancer, Translational Research, Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma, Urologic Malignancies

Lab Website

Singla Research Program - Lab Website

Research Summary

Learn more about the Singla Research Program: "Learn more about the Singla Research Program: Clinical and Translational Research in Genitourinary Oncology"

Selected Publications

  • Singla N, Margulis V, on behalf of ECOG-ACRIN 8141 Investigators. A new standard for a rare disease? Optimizing the timing of chemotherapy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma. “Re: Alison Birtle, Mark Johnson, John Chester, et al. Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma (the POUT Trial): A Phase 3, Open-label, Randomised Controlled Trial. Lancet 2020;395:1268-77.” In press, European Urology

  • Singla N, Xie Z, Zhang Z, Gao M, Yousuf Q, Onabolu O, McKenzie T, Tcheuyap VT, Ma Y, Choi J, McKay R, Christie A, Torras OR, Bowman IA, Margulis V, Pedrosa I, Przybycin C, Wang T, Kapur P, Rini B, Brugarolas J. Pancreatic tropism in metastatic renal cell carcinoma. JCI Insight 5(7): e134564, 2020

  • Singla N. A new therapeutic era for metastatic renal cell carcinoma: Call for a new prognostic model. In press, JAMA Oncology

  • Singla N. Progress toward precision medicine in frontline treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma. In press, JAMA Oncology

  • Lafin JT*, Singla N*, Woldu SL, Lotan Y, Lewis CM, Majmudar K, Savelyeva A, Kapur P, Margulis V, Strand DW, Murray MJ, Amatruda JF, Bagrodia A. Serum microRNA-371a-3p levels predict viable germ cell tumor in chemotherapy-naïve patients undergoing retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. European Urology 77(2): 290-292, 2020

    *Co-first authors

Honors

  • American Urological Association (AUA) / Japanese Urological Association (AUA) Academic Exchange Program (2024)
  • Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (Inducted 2023)
  • Society of Urologic Oncology (SUO) - European Association of Urology (EAU) Exchange Program Scholarship (2023)
  • The Carolyn and Bill Stutt Scholar, Patrick C. Walsh Prostate Cancer Research Award (2022-2024)
  • American Urological Association (AUA) Urology Care Foundation Research Scholar Award (2022-2024)
  • Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) Young Investigator Award (YIA) (2021-2022)
  • 1st Place, Resident Essay Competition. 95th Annual Meeting of South Central Section (SCS) American Urological Association (AUA) (2016)
  • Best poster in session, European Association of Urology (EAU) 31st Annual Congress. Munich, Germany (2016)
  • Merit Award, Genitourinary Cancers Symposium, Conquer Cancer Foundation of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO): "Serum microRNA-371a-3p levels predict viable germ cell tumor in chemotherapy-na√Øve patients undergoing retroperitoneal lymph node dissection" (2020), 1/1/20
  • American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)/Science Program for Excellence in Science (2020), 1/1/20
  • American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Scholar-in-Training Award: "Comprehensive molecular and genomic characterization of pancreatic tropism in metastatic renal cell carcinoma" (2019), 1/1/19
  • AVENIO Oncology Research Grant for ctDNA Competition (Roche): "Evaluating the prognostic utility of circulating tumor DNA profiling in metastatic and clinically localized clear cell renal cell carcinoma" (2019), 1/1/19
  • American Urological Association (AUA) Early-Career Investigators Workshop Travel Award: "Evaluating the prognostic utility of circulating tumor DNA profiling in metastatic and clinically localized clear cell renal cell carcinoma" (2019), 1/1/19
  • National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute (NIH/NCI) Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (T32 Physician Scientist Oncology Training Program Research Grant) (2018-2019), 1/1/18
  • Rising Star in Oncology, Society for Translational Oncology Fellows' Forum (STOFF) (2018), 1/1/18
  • John Quale Travel Fellowship Award, Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) Bladder Cancer Think Tank (2018), 1/1/18
  • Best Reviewer in 2017 Award, Elsevier (Journal of Urology), 1/1/18
  • Winner, 6th Annual American Urological Association (AUA) National Chief Resident Debate (2018), 1/1/18
  • Recognized Reviewer, Elsevier (Clinical Genitourinary Cancer (2015), Urologic Oncology (2018-2020), European Urology (2019), European Urology Oncology (2019), Urology Case Reports (2020)), 1/1/15
  • Dean's Award for Graduation with Distinction in (1) Research, (2) Medical Education, and (3) Service, University of Michigan Medical School (2013), 1/1/13
  • Association for Academic Surgery (AAS) Student Research Award. "White matter hyperintensities and atrophy on MRI as a predictor of short term cognitive change following deep brain stimulation surgery in patients with Parkinson's disease." (2013), 1/1/13
  • Full-Tuition Dean's Merit Scholarship, University of Michigan Medical School (2009-2013), 1/1/09

Memberships

  • American Urological Association (AUA)
  • Society of Urologic Oncology (SUO),Young Urologic Oncologists Section (YUO), SUO-Clinical Trials Consortium (CTC)
  • American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
  • American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
  • Kidney Cancer Association (KCA)
  • American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
  • Soci√©t√© Internationale d‚ÄôUrologie (SIU)
  • American Medical Association (AMA)
  • Indian American Urological Association (IAUA)
  • American Association of Clinical Urologists (AACU)
  • University of Michigan Department of Urology Reed Nesbit Society
  • International Young Urological Association (IYUA)
  • Association for Academic Surgery (AAS)
  • American College of Surgeons

Locations

  1. Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center - Green Spring Station, Lutherville
    • 10803 Falls Road, Pavilion III STE 3300, Lutherville, MD 21093
    • Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center
      • 601 North Caroline Street, Floor 4, Baltimore, MD 21287

      Expertise

      Education

      Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

      Fellowship, Urologic Oncology, 2020

      University of Texas Southwestern at Dallas

      Graduate School, MSc, 2019

      UT Southwestern Medical Center

      Residency, Urology, 2018

      University of Michigan Medical School

      Medical Education, MD, 2013

      Board Certifications

      Urology

      American Board of Urology, 2022

      Insurance

      Johns Hopkins providers accept various commercial health insurance plans. However, they may not be included in all of an insurance company's plans or offerings. This may include Exchange, Medicaid, Medicare, and specific limited benefit plans. Exceptions to participation also exist based on your employer’s benefits package and the provider's location or specialty. Please contact your insurer directly to make sure your doctor is covered by your plan. For more details, please review our Insurance Information.
      Search plans
      • 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

      4.9 out of 5

      95 ratings, 42 reviews

      The 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.

      Overall Rating by Patient
      Average provider Overall Rating by Patient rating 4.9 out of 5 stars
      Provider Listened Carefully
      Average provider Provider Listened Carefully rating 5 out of 5 stars
      Provider Explained Things Clearly
      Average provider Provider Explained Things Clearly rating 5 out of 5 stars
      Provider Knew Medical History
      Average provider Provider Knew Medical History rating 4.8 out of 5 stars
      Provider Showed Respect
      Average provider Provider Showed Respect rating 5 out of 5 stars
      Provider Spent Enough Time
      Average provider Provider Spent Enough Time rating 5 out of 5 stars
      Search reviews
        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 2/5/2025

        Excellent

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 1/22/2025

        Caring, compassionate listener with expertise in explaining risks and benefits of procedures.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 1/16/2025

        Dr.Singla was amazing !! He took a lot of time with me in my office visit to explain my issue and answer all of my questions. In my tele health visit he also was so great in taking time and explaining things.He also put In the order for my procedure the same day as my video visit. I would give him the highest rating possible.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 1/16/2025

        Excellent

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 1/8/2025

        Friendly, personable, patient, well informed, presented plans going forward

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 12/18/2024

        Came on time, very kind, and trying to understand what I need, explain how to care about my sickness.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 12/18/2024

        Dr Singla is knowledgeable, respectful and skillful

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 12/18/2024

        Dr Singla is amazing. I know he is the right doctor to take care of me

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 11/20/2024

        Very good

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 11/20/2024

        Very informative and personal.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 11/20/2024

        Very knowledgeable. Explained everything clearly, carefully and fully.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 11/7/2024

        Excellent first impression. Had actually reviewed the chart before we came and was familiar. Had a POV and was clearly prepared.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 10/23/2024

        Excellent

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 10/9/2024

        Dr Singla is an amazing doctor. He completely memorized all the data from my medical file and spoke extemporaneously about the data while presenting the treatment options available to me. He clearly was extremely well prepared for my visit which really impressed me.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 10/9/2024

        My provider was very knowledgeable, comforting and informative about my condition. He explained everything in a way that I could understand. He made sure that I Understood the Management that he felt Lead to the best results for me.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 10/3/2024

        Dr Singla is very friendly, thorough, and easy to communicate with. He showed that he cared about my case, and offered his opinion on how to proceed to the next step of diagnosis.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 10/2/2024

        He was very helpful and very kind

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 10/2/2024

        Dr. Singla provided adequate feedback on scans received. He explained his concerns and possible steps forward

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 9/18/2024

        The nurse assisting Dr Singla was very professional and very respectful for my privacy in a difficult situation ( removal of stent )

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 9/11/2024

        Both the resident and the doctor were very professional and had all the answers. The calmed my fears and made me very comfortable.

        4 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 9/4/2024

        Everything went well

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 9/4/2024

        Dr Singla was very professional and kind

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 8/29/2024

        Very helpful and explaining everything to me

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 8/21/2024

        Ver good

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 8/14/2024

        I had an amazingly positive experience on this first visit to Johns Hopkins. Thank you!!

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 8/14/2024

        He was very professional, knowledgeable and friendly.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/31/2024

        I really felt like Dr. Singla talked about my specific issues and was not generic about the treatment. He discussed what was right for me but gave and described all treatments so that I could make an informed decision.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/24/2024

        Concerned and professional

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 7/10/2024

        The Dr was fantastic. The nurse was fantastic.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 6/26/2024

        Dr. Singla was on time and very professional. He took the time to answer all of my questions and discuss outcomes. Much appreciated.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 6/19/2024

        Wonderful!

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 6/6/2024

        Dr Singla was very professional & took his time answering any/all questions- I didn't feel like a number, which was a huge plus. Terrific bedside manner that is so difficult to find these days.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 5/22/2024

        He was so clear and patient with all of our questions. I really liked him.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 5/8/2024

        My provider was excellent!

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 5/2/2024

        I come from abroad because I think it's the best hospital I can go to to solve my ailment.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 5/1/2024

        Attentive, clear and on time

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 4/10/2024

        Very professional and courteous. Dr. Singla is very knowledgeable in his field

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 3/13/2024

        I was really impressed with the level of respect and concern he showed for my situation. That really means a lot.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 3/13/2024

        Dr. Nirmish Singla was very attentive and provided thorough information. We look forward to continuing my treatment with him.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 3/13/2024

        Amazing Doctor! Very pleasant and explained everything I needed. I am so happy to make the trip!

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 2/28/2024

        Dr Singla is the best. So thankful I was able to get a timely appt with him.

        5 out of 5 stars
        Reviewed on 2/21/2024

        Excellent