The Institute will generate advancements for the treatment of urologic conditions, bringing more hope to all British Columbians.

The Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) is pleased to welcome a new establishment to its growing roster of world-renowned research centres and programs. The M. H. Mohseni Institute of Urologic Sciences, a leading institute of its kind in Canada, launched in December 2024. Its establishment was made possible by over $65 million raised through a landmark campaign by the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation.

As part of VCHRI, the M. H. Mohseni Institute of Urologic Sciences is committed to accelerating the translation of scientific breakthroughs into clinical practice and supporting the health and quality of life of all British Columbians.

(L-R) Angela Chapman, Mohammad H. Mohseni, Dr. Martin Gleave, Dr. Teresa Tsang, Dr. Larry Goldenberg

Helmed by Dr. Martin Gleave, who previously served as director of the Vancouver Prostate Centre from 2006 to 2024, the M. H. Mohseni Institute of Urologic Sciences builds upon the successes of an esteemed team of VCHRI investigators who are making great strides in diagnostic, preventative and therapeutic interventions across a broad spectrum of urologic conditions, which affect the urinary tract, kidneys, bladder, prostate and reproductive organs.

“The Institute will build on the success of the Vancouver Prostate Centre, leveraging its uniquely integrated research cores to create a translational research environment for clinicians, surgeons and scientists to improve management across a spectrum of unmet needs in urologic diseases,” says Gleave.

“Discoveries will be tested in our Institute to support start-up biotech companies and will create new treatments to help patients across B.C. and Canada.” 

Six specialized centres within the M.H. Mohseni Institute of Urologic Sciences

Multidisciplinary research underway at the Institute delivers scientific breakthroughs to patients in British Columbia and beyond. The Institute spans six specialised research centres: the Vancouver Prostate Centre, Centre for Kidney Stones and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Centre for Functional Urology and Reconstructive Surgery, Centre for Kidney Transplantation and Immunology, Reproductive and Sexual Medicine Centre and Centre for Adolescent and Transitional Urology. 

As an established centre within VCHRI, the Vancouver Prostate Centre (VPC) continues to lead in the discovery, development and translation of cancer therapeutics. In July 2024, VCHRI researcher Dr. Peter Black was appointed the new director of the VPC with a vision to strategically grow and expand the Centre’s research on prostate, bladder and kidney cancers, respectively. 

“All of us at the VPC look forward to working with researchers at the Institute’s other centres, with the hopes of contributing to their growth,” says Black. “The launch of the Institute represents a huge opportunity to leverage the infrastructure, people and positive track record of discovery science in the VPC to bolster other research areas related to urologic science.”

At the Centre for Kidney Stones and Minimally Invasive Surgery, innovative research is focusing on the design of new medical devices to improve treatment and prevent complications associated with kidney stone disease. Advanced techniques are being investigated to support the development of novel intestinal microbiome-based treatments and preventative strategies. To help enhance patient care for those suffering from kidney stones, artificial intelligence is paired with CT scan images to identify kidney stone composition. Advancements in machine learning are being explored as approaches to lessen the invasiveness and morbidity of surgical procedures to remove stones and urinary blockages, such as those due to benign prostate growth and kidney stones. 

“The Centre prides itself in being one of only a handful of translational centres in the world dedicated to kidney stone disease and minimally invasive surgery, where basic scientists and clinicians work side-by-side to tackle the problem of kidney stones from all angles,” says Dr. Dirk Lange, co-director of the Centre for Kidney Stones and Minimally Invasive Surgery.
“We are heavily involved in developing new technologies that will be used in the future for the treatment of kidney stones and prostate enlargement,” adds Centre co-director Dr. Ben Chew. “We are fortunate to have inquisitive scientists and state-of-the-art facilities to develop the technologies and treatments of tomorrow.”

Bringing together experts in urology, urogynecology, neuroscience, nursing and physical therapy, the Centre for Functional Urology and Reconstructive Surgery delivers comprehensive bladder disease care. Centre specializations include research into urinary incontinence in women and men, female pelvic floor disorders and neurogenic bladder issues resulting from spinal cord injuries and neurodegenerative illnesses. Collaboration efforts are also underway at the Centre to establish a multidisciplinary clinic with nurse experts in female urology, urogynecology, physiotherapy and continence.

"Many patients need care for conditions that are often sensitive in nature, and that can hinder the ability of individuals to fully engage in the activities that they enjoy,” says Dr. Kate Anderson, director of the Centre for Functional Urology and Reconstructive Surgery. “Our mission is to deliver exceptional care for individuals affected by urinary conditions that compromise daily function. We are advancing treatments and enhancing patient outcomes through translational research, along with clinical and research collaborations with experts in urogynecology, neurosurgery and rehabilitation medicine."

Collaboration between clinical investigators and immunology and transplantation scientists at the Centre for Kidney Transplantation and Immunology is advancing precision treatments to expand organ donation options, improve organ preservation and prolong transplant longevity. Knowledge gained through this research is making strides towards improved health and quality of life outcomes among renal transplant patients. It is also facilitating the elimination of end-stage renal disease through revolutionary methods and discoveries.

“Our Centre aims to realize life-saving organ replacement for any cause, whether from congenital, cancer-induced or end-stage systemic diseases, and bring with it curative relief from these previously untreatable human ailments,” says Dr. Chris Nguan, co-director of Centre for Kidney Transplantation and Immunology.
“Through innovative research in organ preservation, optimizing donor outcomes, exploring the microbiome's role in transplant and looking at clinical factors at play in patient outcomes, we are pushing the boundaries of what's possible,” adds Centre co-director Dr. David Harriman. “This newly established Centre will not only expand our knowledge but will also directly improve outcomes for kidney transplant recipients, offering new hope for a healthier future.” 

At the Reproductive and Sexual Medicine Centre, experts provide medical and surgical therapies for sexual health and infertility challenges experienced by males and their partners. Through state-of-the-art genomics, stem cell biology, bioengineering and computational modelling, the Centre is developing novel therapies for males challenged with infertility, Peyronie’s disease, erectile dysfunction and other conditions. Researchers are working on the latest in digital diagnostic and therapeutic platforms to advance sexual dysfunction patient care, in addition to innovative erectile dysfunction therapies utilising soft robotics, nanotechnology and artificial intelligence. 

“The Reproductive and Sexual Medicine Centre aims to establish one of the most innovative clinical, surgical and research programs for sexual and reproductive medicine in the world, focusing on paradigm-changing technologies and therapies, and elevating the value of patient care,” says Centre director Dr. Ryan Flannigan.

The robust adolescent urology program at the Centre for Adolescent and Transitional Urology is an essential component in precision care for children born with urinary tract abnormalities who require a bridge between pediatric and adult care. The Centre includes a clinic at the GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre that supports patients who have undergone extensive reconstructive surgery of their urinary tract due to debilitating conditions, such as spina bifida.

“More research and robust data collection are needed to support adolescents with chronic health issues as they transition to adulthood, as this time period has been associated with an overall deterioration in health outcomes in this patient population,” explains Dr. Thomas de Los Reyes, director of the Centre for Adolescent and Transitional Urology. “The Centre aims to address these issues by leveraging data collected throughout clinics, and by identifying and addressing barriers impeding optimal care delivery at the patient, provider and health care system levels.” 

Connecting an interdisciplinary team of experts under one umbrella, the M. H. Mohseni Institute of Urologic Sciences is poised to lead in knowledge generation that accelerates breakthroughs in urological health care and elevates the bar for patient outcomes and quality of life. Developments in this field will also contribute to ongoing efforts to shore up limited health care resources for maximum impact and reach, meeting the needs of an aging population and greater disease complexity through innovative approaches and a long-term vision for exceptional patient care in British Columbia and beyond.   

Learn more about the launch of the M. H. Mohseni Institute of Urologic Sciences.

Recent News and Stories