Our team of providers at Urology Associates includes board certified urology specialists, Dr. Thomas H. Chun, Dr Beau Dusseault, Dr. Thomas E. Emerson, Dr. Paul Espy, Dr. Bruce A. Kyburz, Dr Scott McCowan, Dr. George G. Mygatt, Dr. Ronald P. Roper, Dr. Kenneth A. Rutledge, Dr. David M. Schmidt, Dr. Nikolas P. Symbas, Dr. Deena Evans-Theiss, Dr. Murphy F. Townsend and our trusted Physician Assistants.
Thomas H. Chun, MD, FACS
Dr. Chun graduated from Emory University in Atlanta and received his medical degree from the University of Miami. He completed his general surgery residency at the Hospital of St. Raphael and his urology residency at Brady Urological Institute and Emory University School of Medicine.
Dr. Chun is board certified in Urology. He joined Urology Associates in 2003 and is currently on staff at the Marietta and Austell offices.
Dr. Chun provides Interstim therapy for urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, urinary retention and fecal incontinence. He has over 10 years of extensive experience in therapy and has been a proctor for Interstim procedure since 2006. He offers the therapy at both the Urology Associates Surgery Center and Wellstar Kennestone Hospital. Dr. Chun has pursued extensive advanced training in robotic surgery for prostate and kidney surgeries. Aside from his vast robotic surgical experience, he is also committed to sharing his expertise and trains other robotic surgeons around the United States.
Education
Emory University School of Medicine 1998 – 2003 Urology Residency
Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital 1996 – 1998 Urology Residency
Hospital of St. Raphael 1989 – 1993 General Surgery Residency
University of Miami School of Medicine 1984 – 1989 M.D.
Emory University 1978 – 1982 B.A.
Professional Licenses, Certifications, and Affiliations
Endourology Society American Urological Association Georgia State Medical License
Beau Dusseault, MD
Dr. Dusseault specializes in urinary stone disease and urologic oncology. He performs minimally invasive and laparoscopic surgeries, and focuses on surgeries that benefit with the use of the da Vinci robotic surgical system. The robotic surgical system allows patients to recover faster, and most leave the hospital in 24 hours. When used to perform a radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer this gives the surgeon better visualization and has been clinically proven to reduce blood loss and hospital stay, as well as likely improve continence and erectile function.
He works out of the Austell and Douglas offices.
In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his wife, Amanda, and his son, Henry. His hobbies include tennis and exercising and he has a passion for medical missions.
Interests: Robotic surgery Urinary stone treatment Incontinence Prostate, kidney, and bladder cancer
Education: 2007-2011 – University of Kentucky Urologic Residency
2006-2007 – University of Kentucky General Surgery Internship
2002-2006 – Emory University School of Medicine Doctor of Medicine
1998-2002 – University of Florida Bachelor of Science, Minor in Music Performance
Professional Licenses, Certifications, and Affiliations: American Urological Association State of Georgia Medical License Endourological Society Christian Medical and Dental Association
Thomas E. Emerson, MD, FACS
Dr. Emerson graduated from Georgia State University in Atlanta and received his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. He completed his general surgery residency at the Medical Center of Central Georgia and his urology residency at Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans.
Dr. Emerson is board certified in Urology and is currently on staff at the Marietta and Austell offices.
Education
Ochsner Clinic 1985 – 1989 Urology Residency
Medical Center of Central Georgia 1983 – 1985 Surgical Residency
Medical College of Georgia 1979 – 1983 M.D. Degree
Georgia State University 1975 – 1979 B.S. Degree
Professional Licenses, Certifications and Affiliations
American College of Surgeons – Fellow American Medical Association American Urological Association Cobb County Medical Society Diplomate of National Board of Medical Examiners Medical Association of Georgia
Elected Positions
Chairman, Medical Care Evaluation, Kennestone Hospital, 1994-1996 Chief of Urology, Kennestone Hospital, 1996-1998 Chairman, Department of Surgery, Kennestone Hospital, 1998-2000 Wellstar Foundation, Board of Trustees, 2005-2008 Wellstar Hospice Board, 2008 Cobb County Medical Society, Secretary-Treasurer, 2008-2009 Cobb County Medical Society, Vice-President Elect, 2009-2010 Cobb County Medical Society, President Elect, 2010-2011
Paul Goodman Espy, MD
Dr. Espy is a native of Marietta and graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a degree in Industrial Engineering. He went on to enroll at Tulane University where he completed a dual degree program, obtaining his Medical and Master of Public Health degrees. Following medical school, Dr. Espy fulfilled his general surgery internship at the Ochsner Clinic Foundation in New Orleans, He then completed a one-year NIH fellowship at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, where he performed bladder tissue engineering research. His subsequent urology residency training was also at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Dr. Espy joined Urology Associates in 2007 and is board certified by the American Urological Association. He is currently on staff at the Marietta and Paulding offices. Most of his leisure time is spent with his wife, Ashleigh and their four children. His other interests include running, information technology and medical missions.
Education
Virginia Commonwealth University July 2003 – June 2007 Urology Residency
Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation July 2001 – June 2002 General Surgery Internship
Tulane University School of Medicine 1997 – 2001 Doctor of Medicine
Tulane University School of Public Health 1997 – 2001 Master of Public Health
Georgia Institute of Technology 1992 – 1997 Bachelor of Industrial and Systems Engineering
Oxford University (Worchester College) Summer 1994 Study abroad program in Bio/Rehabilitation Engineering
Bruce A. Kyburz, MD, FACS
Dr. Kyburz graduated from Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan and received his medical degree from the Wayne State University College of Medicine in Detroit, Michigan. He completed two years of general surgery residency at Charity Hospital in New Orleans and his urology residency at the Ochsner Clinic.
Dr. Kyburz is board certified in Urology. He has been a practicing urology physician since 1967 and currently accepts appointments at the Marietta and Paulding County offices.
Education
Ochsner Clinic 1964 – 1967 Urology Residency
Charity Hospital 1963 – 1964 General Surgery Residency
Charity Hospital 1962 – 1963 Internship
Wayne State University College of Medicine 1958 – 1962 M.D. degree
Michigan State University 1955 – 1958
Professional Licenses, Certifications, and Affiliations
American Board of Urology American Medical Association American College of Surgeons, Fellow American Urological Association, Southeastern Section American Urological Association
Scott McCowan, MD
Dr. McCowan graduated with honors from Princeton University. After teaching high school for one year, he moved to Atlanta for medical school at Emory University. He stayed on there for his surgery internship and subsequent urology residency. He joined Urology Associates in 2009.
Dr. McCowan's practice includes surgery for cancers of the genitourinary tract, kidney stones, female incontinence, and BPH. His focus is on minimally invasive techniques including laparoscopy, endoscopy, and da Vinci robotic procedures.
Dr. McCowan is accepting new patients at the Austell office, and sees patients twice a month in Lithia Springs.
When he's not in the office, he enjoys being outdoors, playing the piano, and travelling.
Education
Princeton University 1995-1999
Emory University 2000-2004 Medical School
Emory University 2004-2009 Internship and residency
Professional Licenses, Certifications and Affiliations
American Board of Urology
American Urological Association
Endourological Society
George G. Mygatt, MD, FACS
Dr. Mygatt graduated from North Georgia College in Dahlonega, Georgia and received his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. He completed his internship at Eisenhower Army Medical Center in Augusta and his urology residency at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Dr. Mygatt is board certified in Urology. He has been practicing urology in Douglasville since 1984 and joined Urology Associates in January 2008.
Education
Tripler Army Medical Center 1977 – 1981 Urology Residency
Eisenhower Army Medical Center 1976 – 1977 Family Practice Internship
Medical College of Georgia 1972 – 1976 M.D. degree
North Georgia College 1965 – 1969 B.S. degree
Professional Licenses, Certifications and Affiliations
American Board of Urology Society of Government Service Urologists American College of Surgeons-Fellow Southern Medical Association
Ronald P. Roper, MD, FACS
Dr. Roper graduated from North Georgia College in Dahlonega, Georgia and earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. He completed his internship and surgery residency at Memorial Medical Center in Savannah, Georgia.
Dr. Roper is board certified in Urology. He joined Urology Associates in 1976 and accepts appointments at the Marietta and Douglasville offices. Dr. Roper also serves as the Director of Research for Urology Associates and the CEO/Medical Director for Urology Associates Surgery Center, LLC.
Education
Kennesaw State University 1994 – 1995 MBA
Memorial Medical Center 1973 – 1976 Urology Residency
Memorial Medical Center 1972 – 1973 General Surgery Residency
Memorial Medical Center 1968 – 1969 Internship
Medical College of Georgia 1964 – 1968 M.D. degree
North Georgia College 1960 – 1964 B.S. degree
Professional Licenses, Certifications and Affiliations
American Board of Urology Trustee WellStar Health System Research Investigator – National Cancer Institute Past President – Georgia Urological Association Past President – Cobb County Medical Society Past President – Atlanta Urological Society
Kenneth A. Rutledge, MD, FACS
Dr. Rutledge earned both his undergraduate and medical degrees from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. He completed his internship, surgery residency, and urology residency at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Dr. Rutledge is board certified in Urology. He joined Urology Associates in 1987 and is currently on staff at the Marietta office. He has special interest's in Urologic Oncology and Urologic Prosthetic surgery. He speaks on voiding dysfunction and male andrology.
Dr. Rutledge has spent time going on international mission trips with Atlanta area physicians and medical students. He had leadership positions with Atlanta CMDA, Cobb Pregnancy Services and church affiliations. His hobbies include golf, tennis and boating.
Education
Tripler Army Medical Center 1978 – 1982 Urology Residency
Tripler Army Medical Center 1978 – 1982 Surgery Residency
Emory University Medical School 1972 – 1976 M.D.
Emory University 1970 – 1972 B.A. Chemistry
University of Georgia 1968 – 1972
Professional Licenses, Certifications, and Affiliations
Board Certified in Urology
National Board of Medical Examiners – Diplomate
Georgia Medical License American College of Surgeons, Fellow (FACS)
PAACS - Associate Member
Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons (PACCS)
Christian Medical and Dental Society
Atlanta Urologic Society
Georgia Urologic Society
Cobb County Medical Society
Society of Urologic Prosthetic Surgeons
David M. Schmidt, MD, FACS
Dr. Schmidt graduated from Centre College in Danville, Kentucky and earned his medical degree from Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. He completed his internship and surgery residency at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.
Dr. Schmidt is board certified in Urology. He specializes in urological surgery and is currently on staff at the Marietta and Paulding County offices.
Education
Emory University 1979 – 1983 Urology Residency
Emory University 1978 – 1979 Internship
Medical College of Georgia 1974 – 1978 Medical Doctor
Centre College 1970 – 1974 B.A.
Professional Certifications and Affiliations
Diplomate – National Board of Medical Examiners Diplomate – American Board of Urology Fellow of the American College of Surgeons Cobb County Medical Society Georgia Urological Association – Past President 1998, Secretary/Treasurer 1995-1997 Kennestone Hospice Board – Chairman, 1988
Nikolas P. Symbas, MD, FACS
Dr. Symbas specializes in robotic surgery for prostate cancer, kidney cancer and vaginal prolapsed/incontinence. He considers the potential benefits of the da Vinci prostatectomy to be effective cancer control, improved return and early return of sexual function, improved and early return of continence, improved results over traditional treatments. The da Vinci system enables us to perform a complex procedure through very small incision with unmatched precision.
The majority of da Vinci prostatectomy patients return home within 24 hours of their robotic surgery.
Interests
- Robotic Prostatectomy
- Robotic Patial Nephrectomy
- Robotic Pyeloplasty
- Female Urology/Incontinence
- Complex Vaginal Reconstructive surgery
Chief of Urology at Kennestone Hospital – 2002 to current
Education
Emory University 1995 – 2001 Urology Residency
Emory University 1991 – 1995 M.D.
Emory University 1985 – 1989 B.A. History
Professional Licenses, Certifications, and Affiliations
American Urological Association American Medical Association Medical Association of Georgia Tennessee Medical Association
Deena Evans-Theiss, MD, FACS
Dr. Theiss graduated from James Madison University and received her medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine. She completed both her surgical and urological residencies at the University of Miami School of Medicine.
Dr. Theiss is board certified in Urology. She joined Urology Associates in 2006 and is currently accepting appointments at the Marietta and Austell offices. She is fluent in Spanish.
During her leisure time, Dr. Theiss enjoys running, horseback riding, lacrosse, adventure traveling and gardening. She enjoys participating in mission trips to the Middle East and Central America as well as leading neighborhood Bible studies with her husband. They have 3 daughters and a crazy dog.
Education
University of Miami School of Medicine Department of General Surgery General Surgery Resident 1996 – 1998 Urology Resident 1998 – 2002 Chief Resident 2001 - 2002
Emory University School of Medicine Doctor of Medicine 1992 – 1996
University of Pennsylvania Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Health Program 1990 – 1992
James Madison University Bachelor of Business Administration May 1989 Double Major: International Business and Spanish Minor: Economics Graduated Summa Cum Laude
Universidad de Salamanca, Spain July – December 1997: Extensive Spanish courses, completed an independent study on the Spanish business environment
Medical Interests
- Scalpeless Vasectomy
- Female Urinary Incontinence Management and Surgery
- Complex Vaginal Reconstructive Surgery
- Minimally Invasive (Female pelvic floor) Reconstruction
- Kidney stone disease
- Male general Urology
Professional Licenses, Certifications and Affiliations
American Board of Urology – Diplomate National Board of Medical Examiners – Diplomate Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) American Urological Association Cobb County Medical Society Christian Medical and Dental Society Georgia Medical License Florida Medical License
Murphy F. Townsend, III, MD, FACS
Dr. Townsend received his undergraduate degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa. Also at the University of North Carolina, Dr. Townsend earned a medical degree with Honors.
Dr. Townsend completed his general surgery internship at Shands Hospital, University of Florida in Gainesville. Before pursuing urology, he completed two years of radiology training at the University of Washington Affiliated Hospitals in Seattle, Washington. He completed his urology residency at Emory University and Affiliated Hospitals in Atlanta, Georgia.
Dr. Townsend is board certified in Urology. He joined Urology Associates in 1998 and currently accepts appointments at the Marietta and Douglasville offices.
Education
Emory University, Affiliated Hospitals 1997 – 1998: Urology Residency, Chief Resident 1994 – 1997: Urology Residency
University of Washington, Affiliated Hospitals 1992 – 1994 Radiology Residency
Shands Hospital, University of Florida 1991 – 1992 General Surgery Internship
University of North Carolina 1986 – 1990 Medical Doctor with Honors
University of North Carolina 1982 – 1986 B.S. degree in Biology
Professional Licenses, Certifications, and Affiliations
American Urological Association American Medical Association Fellow, American College of Surgeons (FACS) National Board of Medical Examiners – Diplomate American Board of Urology – Diplomate
Elected Positions
Chief of Staff, Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, 2010 to present Vice Chief of Staff, Wellstar Kenestone Hospital, 2008-2010 Chief of Surgery, Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, 2007-2009 Vice Chief of Surgery, Wellstone Kennestone Hospital, 2005-2007 Chief Of Urology, Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, 2000-2005
Awards
2011 "Top Doctor" : Named in Atlanta Magazine 2011 one of the Top Doctors in Urology "Top Doctor" : Named in Lifestyles Magazine 2011 one of the Top Doctors in Urology Wellstar Hospital Quality and Safety Award, 2011
2010 "Top Doctor" : Named in Atlanta Magazine 2010 one of the Top Doctors in Urology Wellstar Hospital Quality and Safety Award, 2010
2009 Wellstar Hospital Quality and Safety Award, 2009