Dr. Jack S. Elder stands as a distinguished figure in the field of pediatric urology, currently serving as the Chief of the Division of Pediatric Urology at MassGeneral Hospital for Children. Widely recognized as a leading Doctor Elder in his specialty, his expertise encompasses the full spectrum of pediatric urological conditions. Dr. Elder is particularly adept in advanced surgical techniques, including robotic and minimally invasive procedures, offering cutting-edge treatment options for his young patients. Furthermore, his practice extends to adults who are managing urologic disorders that originated in childhood, ensuring continuity of care across the lifespan.
Dr. Elder’s journey in medicine began with exceptional academic achievements. He earned his MD with distinction from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, where his outstanding performance was further acknowledged by his election as vice president of Alpha Omega Alpha, the prestigious medical honor society. His commitment to rigorous training led him to Yale-New Haven Hospital for general surgery training, followed by a comprehensive residency in urology at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, culminating in his appointment as chief resident. To specialize further in the intricate field of pediatric urology, doctor elder Elder completed fellowships at both Johns Hopkins and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, two of the nation’s premier institutions for pediatric care.
Prior to his current leadership role at MassGeneral, Dr. Elder held the position of director of pediatric urology at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital for an impressive 21 years. During this tenure, he also served as the tenured Carter Kissell Professor of Urology at Case Western University School of Medicine, demonstrating his commitment to academic excellence and medical education. His career progression further includes his appointment as chief of urology and chief of pediatric urology at the Vattikuti Urology Institute, Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, Michigan, solidifying his reputation as a prominent leader in urology across major medical centers.
Dr. Elder’s influence extends significantly into the realm of medical publishing and professional societies. He served as the pediatric urology section editor for the esteemed Journal of Urology for nearly a decade, from 1998 to 2007, shaping the direction of scholarly discourse in his field. Currently, doctor elder Elder lends his expertise to the editorial boards of several highly respected international journals, including European Urology, Pediatric Surgery International, BJU International, Annals of Urology, and International Scholarly Research Notices. His leadership within professional organizations is equally notable, having served as president of both the Society for Pediatric Urology and the American Academy of Pediatric Urologists, organizations that represent the leading experts in the field.
Moreover, Dr. Elder has played a pivotal role in shaping clinical guidelines that direct the practice of pediatric urology. He chaired the inaugural American Urological Association (AUA) Pediatric Vesicoureteral Reflux Guidelines Committee and subsequently facilitated the second AUA Reflux Guidelines Committee, which published updated recommendations in 2010. His contributions to guideline development continue as the section head for pediatric urology in the AUA Online Robotic Surgery Handbook and as an annual reviewer for the European Association of Urology Paediatric Urology Guidelines. His expertise is sought after internationally, as evidenced by his having served as a visiting professor or visiting surgeon at 55 medical centers across the United States and around the globe.
The scholarly contributions of this esteemed doctor elder are substantial, encompassing over 160 peer-reviewed publications, authorship or editorship of 6 books, and 150 book chapters. Notably, he authors the pediatric urology section of the widely used Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, a foundational resource for pediatricians worldwide. Dr. Elder’s consistent excellence in patient care has been recognized by his inclusion in Boston Magazine’s Top Docs listings from 2016 to 2020, a testament to his dedication and the high regard in which he is held by both peers and patients.
