International Pediatric Urology Outreach Benefits Surgeons, Staff and Patients

On November 13, 2025, the Department of Urology at Hackensack University Medical Center hosted the 2025 Urology Research & Education Symposium to benefit urological research, education and innovation. The Urology Panel Discussion, titled “International Outreach: Innovation Without Borders,” featured expert perspectives on education, technology and access to care across the globe from department urologists, including Mutahar Ahmed, M.D., Debra Lynn Fromer, M.D., Laurence Hou, M.D., Richard N. Schlussel, M.D., and Michael D. Stifelman, M.D.

Dr. Schlussel, co-director of Pediatric Urology at Hackensack Meridian Health, has participated in more than 10 mission trips to provide pediatric urology care in Africa, the Dominican Republic, Armenia, China and Ecuador — serving as the leader of a 30-person team during his most recent trip to Ecuador.

“I focus my travels on places where there are young doctors in training, so we can make sure we are teaching these techniques to physicians who can provide follow-up care,” said Dr. Schlussel. “We also focus on building relationships in these countries, so we can maximize our positive impact on the surgeons, staff and patients.”

Recently, Dr. Schlussel was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the New Jersey Chapter of Healing the Children — the national humanitarian organization he collaborates with for his medical missions.

“The easiest cases we see on mission trips are the hardest cases we see in a month at home, so these trips require extensive organization and planning,” said Dr. Schlussel. “The people I work with on these trips are truly angels walking on Earth and some of the most devoted, elite, and kind people I have ever met. All the preparation and planning — combined with the support of my hardworking and dedicated team — has made me a better doctor at home.”

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