Our urologists:

Shawn D. Blick, M.D.
Jonathan Agins, M.D.
Vi N. Hua, M.D.
Rahul Thaly, M.D.
Lynn W. Blunt, Jr., M.D.
Elizabeth A. Kornfield, M.D.
Ben O. Donovan, M.D.

As a urologist, Dr. Blick is highly trained to treat disorders of the male and female urinary tract (bladder, ureter, kidney, and urethra) and the male reproductive system. Urology is classified as a surgical subspecialty, but because a variety of clinical problems are encountered when treating urological conditions, knowledge of internal medicine, gynecology, and other specialties is required.

Shawn D. Blick, M.D.

Dr. Blick is a community urologist who has practiced in Phoenix, Arizona for 6 years. He is the founder and president of his expanding urology group, Valley Urologic Associates, P C.

He completed his medical school training at Mount Sinai Medical School with honors, and he performed his residency at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City. His urology training included specialized training in erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence, performing hundreds of cases in these fields prior to the completion of his residency. Moreover, his residency required him to complete 4 months of oncology (cancer) training at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.

As a urologist in private practice, Dr. Blick has continued to advance his knowledge and skills, providing only the state of the art techniques to his community. For Erectile Dysfunction, he has attended multiple courses on advanced techniques for penile prosthesis insertion. In addition, he has completed a preceptorship with Dr. Steve Wilson (Fort Smith, Arkansas), one of the worlds' leaders for penile prosthesis insertion. For Urinary Incontinence, he has attended multiple courses for new surgical techniques to cure stress incontinence. Furthermore, he has completed a preceptorship with Dr. Gary Leach (Los Angeles, California), a leader in "pelvic floor" reconstruction for pelvic prolapse and urinary incontinence. He currently is a preceptor for American Medical Systems and Boston Scientific, Microvasive, teaching incontinence and pelvic floor reconstruction to urologists and urogynecologists. For Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (enlarged prostates), he has completed courses in Microwave Thermotherapy, and Laser prostatectomy. At the current time, he is a preceptor for Laserscope, teaching laser prostatectomies to other urologists throughout the United States. For Prostate Cancer, Dr. Blick has completed a preceptorship on Cryoablation of the Prostate with Dr. Aaron Katz at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. He has also attended a course in robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomies at the Henry Ford Vattikuti Urology Institute with Dr. Mani Menon (the worlds' leader for this specific surgical technique). He is currently performing this procedure at West Valley Hospital in Goodyear, Arizona. For Kidney Surgery, he has completed a preceptorship in Hand Assisted Laparoscopic Nephrectomy, and he actively performs them in his community.

In the community, Dr. Blick has proven himself to be an excellent educator. He is an Adjunctive Faculty Member at Midwestern University (Osteopathic College of Medicine) and has been given an award for his teaching skills. He has delivered multiple lectures to patients and physicians on the topics of erectile dysfunction, overactive bladders, stress urinary incontinence, and benign prostatic hyperplasia. He has hosted his own radio talk show ("Topics in Urology"), and he was featured on Fox 10 News for his work with "Penile Prosthesis Insertion" and "Pubovaginal Slings for Stress Urinary Incontinence".

Overall, Dr. Blick combines state-of-the-art techniques with compassion and sensitivity. He is thorough, spends time with his patients, and answers all of their questions. He is accessible, available, and answers his pages immediately. He is a true humanitarian, and he has dedicated his life to his practice in urology. Overall, his approach to the practice of medicine is truly unique.

Dr. Blick is certified by the American Board of Urology.

Jonathan W. Agins, M.D.

Dr. Jonathan W. Agins completed his training in Urology at SUNY Brooklyn and at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, receiving an education by the world's foremost scholars in all aspects of Urology. He has practiced in good standing in Milburn, New Jersey for 3 years, acting as a leader and pioneer amongst his peers, offering the latest surgical techniques to his community and his colleagues.

Dr. Agins has been a valued physician to his community. He has acted as a Federal Investigator with the National Institute of Health (NIH), and he has led many seminars as the keynote speaker in Urology. His work in Pediatric Urology has been featured in Parents Magazine, and ultimately, his work in Prostate Cancer has been recognized on NBC News in New York City. In addition to his outstanding achievements as a General Urologist, Dr. Agins is a specialist in NeuroUrology, practicing a new technique for the treatment of refractory overactive bladder and chronic pelvic pain--Interstim. (A bladder pacemaker that is implanted over the sacral spine).

Most importantly, Valley Urologic Associates is extremely proud to announce the addition of Dr. Agins to our group. He exemplifies our mission statement, "State of the Art with Compassion and Sensitivity", and will be a valuable asset to the West Valley Community.

Vi N. Hua, M.D.

Dr. Vi N. Hua completed his Residency in Urology at The McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University, one of the nation's leading tertiary academic centers. During his training, he had the privilege of receiving an education by the world's foremost scholars in all aspects of Urology, including Drs. Williams J. Catalona, M.D., Kevin T. McVary, and Anthony J. Schaeffer, M.D.

While Dr. Hua is an expert in all areas of urology, his interests include laparoscopy and minimally invasive urology. In his training, he has acquired the distinguishing skills for performing nephron-sparing laparoscopic partial nephrectomies and laparoscopic robotic radical prostatectomies. As one of the "best residents" to graduate Northwestern University, Dr. Hua will be a leader and a pioneer amongst his peers, offering the latest clinical practices and surgical techniques to the West Valley Community.

Most importantly, Valley Urologic Associates is extremely proud to announce the addition of Dr. Hua to our group. He exemplifies our mission statement, "State of the Art with Compassion and Sensitivity", and he will be a valuable asset to our community.

Rahul Thaly, M.D.

Dr. Rahul Thaly completed his six-year residency training at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. Thaly went on to further his training in Robotics/Laparoscopy and Minimally Invasive Surgery at The Ohio State University under the guidance of Dr. Vipul Patel--the foremost leader in Robotic and Minimally Invasive Surgery. He has been involved in more than 400 robotic and laparoscopic surgeries, and his experience in robotic surgery makes him one of the foremost top urologists graduating in 2007.

Dr. Thaly’s clinical interests involve urologic cancer and laparoscopy, specializing in the care of patients with prostate and kidney cancer. In addition to robotic surgery for prostate cancer, he also specializes in the treatment of kidney cancer with minimally invasive, kidney-sparing alternatives such as laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and radiofrequency ablation. With his advanced skills, he has worked as an Instructor for courses on Advanced Robotic laparoscopic techniques throughout the country.

Dr. Thaly is a member of several professional societies including American Urological Association and the Robotic Surgery Working Group. He has published numerous papers in the Journal of Urology, British Journal of Urology, the Journal of Robotic Surgery, Contemporary Urology and Issues in Urology.

Most importantly, Valley Urologic Associates is extremely proud to announce the addition of Dr. Thaly to our group. He exemplifies our mission statement, "State of the Art with Compassion and Sensitivity," and he will be a valuable asset to our community.

Lynn W. Blunt, Jr., M.D.

Valley Urologic Associates is extremely proud to announce the addition of Dr. Blunt to our group.

Dr. Blunt completed his residency in Urology at The McGraw Medical Center of Northwestern University in 2003.

Prior to joining Valley Urologic Associates, Dr. Blunt served as The Chairman for the Division of Urology at Mount Sinai Hospital in Chicago. During his term as Chairman, Dr. Blunt was responsible for educating residents and medical students at The University of Chicago Urology Residency Program and The Chicago Medical School, respectively. Furthermore, Dr. Blunt also served as the institution's Physician Liaison to The Commission on Cancer for The American College of Surgeons, making Dr. Blunt a leading authority in Urologic Oncology.

Dr. Blunt is experienced in all areas of general urology; however, Dr. Blunt is an expert in the evaluation and management of traumatic urologic injuries as well as reconstructive urology. Dr. Blunt's former experience was at a Busy Level-One Trauma Center, providing Dr. Blunt with a unique and special skill set for the Phoenix Market.

Overall, Dr. Blunt believes strongly in utilizing the latest techniques and technologies in treating urologic diseases to maximize patient comfort and outcomes. He exemplifies our mission statement, "State of the Art with Compassion and Sensitivity", and he will be a valuable asset to our community.

Dr. Blunt is Board Certified by the American Board of Urology.

Elizabeth A. Kornfield, M.D.

Dr. Elizabeth A. Kornfield is a board certified community urologist, servicing the Phoenix Market in private practice since 2001. She completed her undergraduate education at Princeton University, graduating with honors, in 1989. She then moved to Boston for medical school, graduating from Tufts University School of Medicine in 1993. She finished her Urology training at New England Medical Center/Tufts University in 1999.

Dr. Kornfield is experienced in all areas in general urology; however, she has sub-specialized in Female Urology with special interests in voiding dysfunction and pelvic pain. Her training at Tufts University gave her unique exposure to experts in Interstitial Cystitis and Chronic Prostatitis. Furthermore, Dr. Kornfield is an expert in the treatment for refractory overactive bladder, including botox injections and Interstim (Neuromodulation).

Overall, Valley Urologic Associates is proud to have Dr. Kornfield as part of the group. Dr. Kornfield combines state-of-the-art techniques with compassion and sensitivity. We are confident that Dr. Kornfield will continue to be a valuable asset to the Phoenix Community.

Ben O. Donovan, M.D.

Dr. Ben O. Donovan, M.D. is a native of Phoenix and completed his undergraduate education at Arizona State University. He further completed his Doctorate of Medicine at The University of Arizona Medical school. He then completed a general surgery internship followed by a residency in Urology, then a fellowship in pediatric urology at the University of Oklahoma, one of the nation's leading tertiary academic centers for pediatric urology.

Dr. Donovan is extremely competent in all areas of adult and pediatric urology. His interests in pediatric urology include complex urethral reconstruction, pediatric laparoscopy, laparoscopic pycloplasty, urinary diversion and bladder reconstruction. He is going to be a leader in the West Valley Community offering the latest advances in pediatric urology.

Valley Urologic Associates, Division of Urology of Integrated Medical Services, Inc. is continuing to add qualified physicians to its family who exemplify our mission statement, "State of the Art with Compassion and Sensitivity."