Leading urologist pays it forward

An internationally renowned expert in the treatment of male infertility, Peter Schlegel, MD'83, has left an indelible mark on the field of urology. Together with his family, Dr. Schlegel recently established an endowed scholarship fund at UMass Chan Medical School, giving back to the institution he recognizes as central to his successful career. 

Despite having no physicians in his family, Dr. Schlegel was drawn to medicine, recognizing the opportunity to help others while engaging in challenging, high-level work. Before medical school, he gained invaluable exposure to multiple facets of the health care industry by serving in diverse roles, including resident care assistant in a nursing facility, emergency medical technician and pharmacy technician, as well as a defining experience during which he shadowed a urologist. 

UMass Chan was still in its first decade of educating medical students when Dr. Schlegel matriculated in 1979. He recognizes that the Medical School was ahead of its time in important respects, pointing to the use of standardized patients (SPs)—individuals trained to act as real patients in the simulation of medical scenarios—before peer institutions. He feels a sharp focus on patient care, as well as a broad educational scope, really set UMass Chan apart. 

“Picking a specialty was not as important as getting a solid background in how to evaluate and care for patients,” said Dr. Schlegel. “Working in the field for many years, I can see that the Medical School taught the fundamentals of patient care better than other institutions.” 

He’s incredibly impressed with all that’s been accomplished at UMass Chan under the leadership of Chancellor Michael F. Collins, observing how the Medical School has taken advantage of research opportunities and effectively stewarded resources to support the development of the institution. 

“Chancellor Collins has been very effective at pulling everything together from a development standpoint, and using science to improve patient care,” said Dr. Schlegel. 

Dr. Schlegel’s prolific career includes over 30 years at Weill Cornell Medicine, where he is the former senior associate dean for clinical affairs and former chair of urology, and currently the James J. Colt Professor of Urology and professor of reproductive medicine. He is also an attending urologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. 

Working with the urology team at Weill Cornell Medicine, Dr. Schlegel has achieved one of the highest pregnancy rates in the world for treatment of couples using sperm that he retrieved. He also continues to be active in the surgical treatment of prostate cancer thanks to his advanced understanding of this anatomy that he acquired early in his career. 

Grateful for the solid foundation in medicine that he received at UMass Chan, Dr. Schlegel is easing the way for future medical students through an endowed scholarship fund. 

“I benefited tremendously from my medical education, which set me up for my career,” said Dr. Schlegel. The scholarship fund, which I hope to develop further over time, is a small way to thank the Medical School and pay it forward by supporting opportunities for others.”