Personal Info
Michael A. Palese, MD, is a nationally distinguished urologist and academic leader specializing in minimally invasive and robotic urologic surgery. He currently serves as Professor of Urology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Chair of the Department of Urology at Mount Sinai Downtown (Union Square) and Mount Sinai Beth Israel.
Additionally, he is the Director of Minimally Invasive Surgery for the Mount Sinai Health System, pioneering robotic, laparoscopic, and endoscopic procedures—most notably in kidney cancer and kidney stone disease.
Areas of Expertise :
Robotic, Laparoscopic & Endoscopic Urologic Surgery — Among the few surgeons trained in all three modalities; has performed over 3,000 to 5,000 procedures, including the first robotic radical nephrectomy, partial nephrectomy, donor nephrectomy, nephro-ureterectomy, adrenalectomy, and ureteral reimplant & reconstruction at Mount Sinai
Minimally Invasive Techniques in Urology — Specializes in kidney, ureter, adrenal, bladder, and prostate disease using advanced surgical technology
Innovations in Surgical Technology — Holds several patents for novel devices and contributed to early adoption of robotic surgery techniques
Academic & Editorial Leadership — Author of numerous book chapters and over 100 peer-reviewed articles; serves on advisory boards (e.g., National Kidney Foundation of Greater New York), editorial roles for journals like Urologic Oncology, and as consultant/reviewer for multiple leading urology journals
Medical Education & Global Teaching — Directed the establishment of the robotic surgery program at Mount Sinai (2004); courses, workshops, and live surgery presentations worldwide; faculty for AUA Basic Laparoscopy courses
Education :
B.A., Biology and Human Biology (double major), Cornell University, 1993
M.D., Mount Sinai School of Medicine, 1997
General Surgery & Urology Residency, University of Maryland Medical Center; research year at Johns Hopkins Hospital
Fellowship, Robotic & Laparoscopic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, 2004
Academic Roles :
Professor of Urology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Chair, Department of Urology, Mount Sinai Downtown – Union Square & Beth Israel Medical Center
Director of Minimally Invasive Surgery, Mount Sinai Health System
Certification :
Board-certified in Urology, American Board of Urology