When HIPRC associate member and urologist Judith Hagedorn, M.D., M.H.S., started her journey in medical education, she wanted a discipline that offered variety.
“I really wanted to have a field where I operate, but I also have continuity of care,” Hagedorn said.
Born and raised in Germany, Hagedorn came to the U.S. on a tennis scholarship to Rice University in Houston, Texas. As she progressed into the medical field, her passion for urology grew.
“I enjoy the variety of patients this field has, and that’s why I chose urology,” Hagedorn said. “The wide ranges, variety in genders, and the ability to focus on urological trauma has made my love of the career grow.”
Since 2014, Hagedorn has been a faculty member with HIPRC. Preventing unnecessary transfers of patients is her main focus at the center. In her research, she strives to preserve resources by preventing unnecessary transports to Level 1 Trauma Centers when another facility could handle the case.
Most recently, Hagedorn won a travel award to Kobe, Japan. She was scheduled to present on genital urinary trauma and reconstruction at the Japanese Urological Association, JUA. This was all a part of an academic exchange program with JUA. (Hagedorn’s trip has been postponed because of COVID-19)
Hagedorn is also committed to educating the next generation of trauma specialists. She has served as a mentor for HIPRC’s INSIGHT program for five years. Her latest intern from INSIGHT 2019 was even inspired to study urology because of her.
“I remember her student sharing with others in a group debrief about their shadowing experiences that he had no idea this field was going to be as engaging and exciting as it was, and how much he enjoyed working with Dr. Hagedorn,” INSIGHT Program Supervisor said.
Hagedorn plans to continue as a mentor during INSIGHT 2020 this summer.
University of Washington faculty interested in becoming an INSIGHT mentor can fill out the mentor interest form.
Hagedorn’s advice for anyone looking to get into urology is to follow your passion.
“If you’re not passionate about something, you won’t get far. If you aren’t fully behind it yourself, you’ll never get going or get to the top,” she said.