Kathryn H. Gessner, MD, PhD

I chose to become a doctor to make a difference in people's lives through comfort and healing, to stand by them through challenges and adversity, and to serve communities that need care. I believe in a multidisciplinary and team based approach to medicine, with the goal of providing comprehensive, high-quality and evidence based urologic care for my patients. Urologic patients often represent a vulnerable population with a wide spectrum of complex medical issues. Patient education and compassionate care delivered in the context of a patient’s overall health and goals is therefore paramount. I believe in using the most advanced and novel techniques to address some of the most challenging patient conditions. I consider being a surgeon a privilege, and will always advocate for my patients and ensure that they are an active member of the healthcare team. When I am not at work, I enjoy exercising, weight training, hiking, sports, traveling and spending time with my family and friends.

I have been a registered nurse specializing in many different aspects of womens health care for more than 25 years. After many years of enjoying the connections made with patients, I decided to pursue my degree as a womens health nurse practitioner, which I obtained in 2010, at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I consider it a privilege to partner with my patients, and to create a caring and safe environment for them to feel comfortable discussing their most personal concerns. I provide care and education for individuals seeking routine gynecological and prenatal care, contraceptive management, ovarian cysts, abnormal uterine bleeding, menopause management, and evaluation of pelvic pain. My hobbies include Pilates, yoga, gardening, and spending time with my husband, two children and Labrador Retriever.