Pt Care: Reconstructive Urology and Pelvic Medicine: Our Team

Our Team

Division Chief

  • Melissa R. Kaufman, MD, PhD, FACS

    Professor
    Department of Urology
    Patricia and Rodes Hart Professor of Urologic Surgery
    Chief
    Division of Reconstructive Urology and Pelvic Health

    Medical School: University of Arkansas College of Medicine
    Residency: Vanderbilt University Medical Center
    Fellowship: Vanderbilt Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship
    Clinical Interests: Genitourinary Reconstructive Surgery, Pelvic Floor Reconstructive Surgery, Urinary Incontinence, Urethral Strictures, Urodynamics

    Dr. Kaufman currently serves as the global principal investigator for a pivotal Phase III clinical trial to pioneer the first application of cell therapy for Urologic indications.  She was honored as the 2017 recipient of the Zimskind award from the Society for Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine and Urogenital Reconstruction for outstanding contributions within 10 years of completion of training.

  • Rochell L. Burton, APRN, ANCP-BC

    Nurse Practitioner
    Department of Urology
    Division of Reconstructive Urology and Pelvic Health

    Nursing School: Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
    Clinical Interests: Urinary incontinence, Urodynamics, neurogenic bladder, Pelvic Prolapse, Female urology

  • Roger R. Dmochowski, MD, MMHC, FACS

    Professor
    Department of Urology
    Professor
    Surgery and Gynecology
    Associate Surgeon in Chief Vice Chair
    Section of Surgical Sciences
    Executive Medical Director
    Perioperative Services
    Associate Chief of Staff
    Surgery
    Division of Reconstructive Urology and Pelvic Health

    Medical School: University of Texas Medical Branch,  Galveston, TX
    Residency: University of Texas Medical School, Houston, TX
    Fellowship: Kaiser Permanente, Los Angeles, CA
    Clinical Interests: Female Pelvic Medicine, Genitourinary Reconstructive Surgery, Neurogenic Bladder, Pelvic Floor Reconstrucive Surgery, Urinary Incontinence

    Dr Dmochowski is Associate Surgeon in Chief for Vanderbilt University Medical Center and has other leadership positions in the health system. He has a practice focus in female urology, urologic reconstruction and outcomes. He is an immediate past Trustee of the American Board of Urology and is immediate past Vice Chair of the urology Residency Review Committee through ACGME.

    He is masters trained in conflict resolution, mediation and negotiation.

  • Sara Francescon, MSN, RN, FNP-C

    Nurse Practitioner
    Department of Urology
    Division of Reconstructive Urology and Pelvic Health

    Undergrad: Cumberland University
    Nursing School: Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
    Clinical Interests: Female Pelvic Medicine, Genitourinary Reconstructive Surgery, Pelvic Floor Reconstructive Surgery, Urinary Incontinence, Urodynamics

  • Niels V. Johnsen, MD, MPH, FACS

    Assistant Professor
    Department of Urology
    Fellowship Director
    Genitourinary Reconstruction and Trauma Fellowship
    Division of Reconstructive Urology and Pelvic Health

    Medical School: Tulane University School of Medicine - New Orleans, LA
    Residency: Vanderbilt University Medical Center
    Fellowship: University of Washington, Male Genitourinary Reconstruction and Trauma
    Clinical Interests: Reconstructive Surgery, Erectile Dysfunction, Peyronie’s Disease, Urethral Stricture, Post-Prostatectomy Incontinence, Urinary Fistula, Urologic Trauma

    Dr. Johnsen is an active member of both the Sexual Medicine Society of North America and the Society of Genitourinary Reconstructive Surgeons, and serves as co-chair of the ACS Urologic Trauma Guidelines. His research and clinical practice focus primarily on the treatment of sexual and urinary health issues following trauma, surgery, radiation, or any other type of injury. 

  • Elisabeth Sebesta, MD

    Assistant Professor
    Department of Urology
    Division of Reconstructive Urology and Pelvic Health

    Medical School: Columbia University
    Residency: Columbia University, Urology
    Fellowship: Vanderbilt University Medical Center 
    Clinical Interests: Genitourinary and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, Neurogenic Bladder, Pelvic Organ Prolapse, Urinary Incontinence, Urinary Tract Fistula, Bladder Dysfunction, Urodynamics

     

    Dr. Sebesta is double boarded in both Urology and Urogynecology, and specializes in bladder dysfunction, urinary incontinence, pelvic floor disorders, genitourinary reconstruction, and female pelvic health. Her research interests include how social determinants of health and unmet social needs impact bladder health, and the psychosocial impacts of urinary conditions.

  • Janet Usher, AGPCNP

    Nurse Practitioner
    Department of Urology
    Division of Reconstructive Urology and Pelvic Health

    Undergrad: Spalding University, Louisville, KY
    Nursing School: Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
    Fellowship: Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center Oncology NP Fellowship
    Clinical Interests: Erectile Dysfunction, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, Male Urology/Men's Health, Peyronie's