Pittsburg, PA— Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Michael C. Ost is acknowledged as a Distinguished Healthcare Professional for his contributions to the fields of Adult and Pediatric Urology.
From a young age, Dr. Ost noted that he possessed a clear aspiration to become a surgeon driven by a profound passion for the field. He pursued higher education at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Anthropology. He then attended Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; completed a urology residency at Mount Sinai Hospital; a fellowship in endourology at Northwell Health System in New York; and a fellowship in pediatric urology in Pittsburgh. The doctor also obtained a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Michigan Stephen M. Ross School of Business. An anomaly in the medical field, Dr. Ost is the first surgeon in the United States to possess dual-fellowship training in endourology and pediatric urology.
Dr. Ost explained that urology, also known as genitourinary surgery, is a specialized field of medicine dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of surgical and medical disorders affecting the urinary tract system and the reproductive organs in both males and females. Urologists, like Dr. Ost, specialize in addressing conditions and diseases related to the urinary tract and the male reproductive system. He said that when individuals exhibit symptoms or require treatment for conditions involving the bladder; prostate; urethra; ureters; kidneys; or adrenal glands, their primary care physicians may refer them to a urologist for specialized care.
Dedicated to maintaining an exceptional level of professionalism and current knowledge in his field, Dr. Ost is an active member of the American Urological Association; the Society for Pediatric Urology; and the Endourology Society. Dual board-certified in urology and pediatric urology, the doctor is recognized as a Diplomate of the American Board of Urology (ABU) and explained that ABU’s mission is to serve the public’s interests by establishing and upholding urologist certification standards. They collaborate with certified urologists to promote lifelong learning, ensuring exceptional, safe, and ethical urologic care.
Specializing in treating kidney cancer; congenital renal anomalies; ureteral anomalies, and complex stone disease across all age groups, the doctor asserts that he treats a wide range of urologic conditions employing various minimally invasive approaches such as robotic-assisted surgery; laparoscopy; and endourologic techniques. He explained that he also leads a team that actively collaborates to provide comprehensive educational initiatives for healthcare providers; medical students; residents; fellows; physicians; nurses; and others. Dr. Ost noted that these efforts aim to enhance understanding of each service line within the School of Medicine and UPMC health system; encompassing direct patient care; technological advancements; research; and various opportunities available.
Dr. Ost currently serves as the Director for Pediatric Surgical Outreach at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh located in the Division of Pediatric Urology at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. He noted that his primary administrative focus is on expanding and facilitating pediatric surgical services to patients and families residing in remote areas of the state. A proven leader, Dr. Ost also serves as a Professor of Urology in the Department of Urology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, holding the position of Assistant Dean for Interprofessional Education and Technology.
Initially joining the Division after completing a fellowship in pediatric urology at UPMC Children’s Hospital, the doctor asserts that he has a long-standing association with UPMC Children’s and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine previously serving as the division chief of pediatric urology and vice-chair in the Department of Urology from 2007 to 2017. The doctor also believes in community service and has served as a Ronald McDonald House Charities board member for the past six years.
When considering his career, Dr. Ost attributes this honor to the guidance and support of his esteemed mentors, Louis Kavoussi, MD; StevenDocimo, MD; and Michael Droller, MD. He also credits his upbringing for his achievements, having believed that success results from diligent work and unwavering determination.