About
Lee Ponsky, MD, FACS, is board-certified and fellowship-trained in urology and has special interests in urologic oncology, particularly kidney and prostate cancer. He also specializes in procedures like advanced laparoscopy and robotics.
Dr. Ponsky’s research interests are in advanced imaging techniques (particularly MRI) for the diagnosis and management of prostate cancer, as well as robotic radiosurgery for kidney and prostate tumors. He also developed the only program in the world to offer same-day prostate cancer diagnosis using MRI targeting technology.
Dr. Ponsky is the Leo and Charlotte Goldberg Chair of Advanced Surgical Therapies and Master Clinician in Urologic Oncology at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. He is also the Chairman of the department of Urology and Urology Institute at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. In addition, Dr. Ponsky is a professor of urology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.
Dr. Ponsky graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Rochester. He earned his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. He served his residency in urology at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. He also did a research fellowship in urologic oncology at the Cleveland Clinic, as well as a fellowship in endourology and advanced laparoscopy.
He is a member of the American Urological Association, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and the Endourological Society; he also is a fellow in the American College of Surgeons.
Dr. Ponsky has also been named one of “Cleveland’s Top Doctors” by Cleveland Magazine as well as being named one of the “Best Doctors in America” by Best Doctors, Inc.
HONORS & AWARDS
The Richard Cornuelle Award for Social Entrepreneurship The Manhattan Institute, New York, NY 2011 – For originating and effectively implementing a new nonprofit organization providing direct services to those in need.
Rescuer of Humanity Award Project Love, Cleveland OH 2011 – Recognizes and honors an individual or an organization of national or international stature, which has chosen to use their leadership beyond professional or institutional requirements to positively change the course of humanity.
Faculty Teaching Award 2011 Urology Institute, University Hospitals Case Medical Center For recognition for outstanding commitment and efforts to student and resident teaching.
Cleveland Upstanders: Portraits of Courage Facing History and Ourselves 2009 – People who choose to take positive action in the face of injustice in society or in situations where individuals need assistance.
The Arnold P. Gold Foundation 2009 – For sensitivity, kindness, and compassion in the practice of medicine.am in medicine and scientific excellence.
Crain’s Cleveland Forty under 40 Honoree 2008 – Selected as one of Northeast Ohio’s most influential people under the age of 40.
Cleveland City Year Community Champion “Putting Idealism Into Action” 2005 – For ongoing commitment to serving the greater Cleveland community.
Special U.S. Congressional Recognition 2003, Stephanie Tubbs Jones 11th District, U.S. House of Representatives – Recognition for dedication to the international health community and overall commitment to quality healthcare and volunteerism.
Bruce Hubbard Stewart Fellow 1999-2000 Cleveland Clinic Foundation – Recognition for the compassionate and humane care of patients.
FOUNDER OF MEDWISH INTERNATIONAL
Dr. Ponsky is the founder and president of MedWish International, a non-profit organization that collects and sends unused medical supplies and equipment to developing countries in order to save lives and the environment.
He founded MedWish in 1993 prior to beginning medical school after spending time on a medical compound in Ogbomosho, Nigeria, as a surgical assistant. It was there Dr. Ponsky witnessed first-hand the obvious lack of medical supplies in developing countries and became determined to help resolve this need.
Dr. Ponsky created MedWish to collect unused medical supplies and donate them to developing countries, thereby repurposing medical surplus that would otherwise be discarded.
He has received numerous accolades for his charity work with MedWish, including U.S. Congressional Recognition, Crain’s Forty under Forty, as one of Northeast Ohio’s most influential people under the age of 40, Cleveland Upstander: Portraits of Courage, as well as being the recipient of the Golden Doc Award, from the Arnold P. Gold Foundation. Lee also serves as a founding board member of MedWorks.