Dr. Gaetano Ciancio Inducted into Colombia’s National Academy of Medicine
The honor is his latest international recognition for his contributions to the medical field.
Gaetano Ciancio, M.D., M.B.A., the Brandon and Kyle Simonsen Professor of Surgery and Urology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, recently became the fourth American to be inducted into the Academia Nacional de Medicina de la República de Colombia.
His induction into the 150-year-old organization is the latest of many international accolades bestowed on Dr. Ciancio, including recognition from the European Association of Urology and the Spanish Association of Urology and being named a Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy .
“Being inducted into the Academia Nacional de Medicina de la República de Colombia is an extraordinary honor,” Dr. Ciancio said. “It represents recognition from a prestigious institution for my work, research and contributions to the fields of transplantation and uro-oncology. This honor also underscores the value of international collaboration and highlights the University of Miami’s commitment to advancing transplantation and cancer surgery on a global scale.”
Urological Excellence
While Dr. Ciancio is no stranger to international recognition, he always remains true to his original pursuit of medicine — to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. His choice of urology as a specialty is further due to the complexity the field offers in both surgical and medical care.
“When I began in urology, I aspired to perform both transplantation and urological cancer surgeries,” Dr. Ciancio said. “I never anticipated I would go on to develop several groundbreaking techniques in the field.”
Dr. Ciancio went on to create techniques for treating renal tumors with tumor thrombus extending into the inferior vena cava and sometimes reaching the right side of the heart. His innovative approach allows these complex surgeries, which previously required cardiopulmonary bypass and hypothermic cardiac arrest, to be performed without a cardiopulmonary bypass.
Innovation in Urological Transplantation
A key aspect of Dr. Ciancio’s career is his pioneering work in transplantation. He developed novel approaches, including transplanting pediatric kidneys en bloc with the bladder, and created a unique technique for kidney transplantation and ureteral anastomosis. Additionally, he designed an innovative kidney transplant technique to improve outcomes for pediatric kidney transplant recipients.
“My goal has always been to transform both urology and transplantation, ultimately improving patient outcomes and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in these fields,” Dr. Ciancio said. “I have dedicated myself wholeheartedly to these efforts through research, conferences, training and mentorship, and I am grateful for how my career has unfolded.”
Now 40 years into his career, Dr. Ciancio is recognized internationally as a leader in his field. He represents the University of Miami at conferences worldwide, often as a keynote speaker, and continues to mentor the next generation of urologists.
“Whatever you do, do it passionately,” Dr. Ciancio said. “I hope to continue representing the University of Miami and to inspire the next wave of young specialists to remain curious and passionate about research and innovation. It’s equally important to maintain empathy and a patient-centered approach in urology, while also being resilient and adaptable. The journey in medicine can be demanding, but it’s incredibly rewarding.”