Dr. Michael R. Abern
Overview
I am a urologic oncologist who specializes in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of tumors of the urinary tract in men and women. I employ minimally invasive techniques as much as possible in order to maximize quality of life and recovery from treatment. Examples include robotic surgical removal of the prostate, kidney tumors, and bladder with complete robotic reconstruction. I am passionate about researching tests and treatments that will help my patients achieve cure of their cancers. I believe this starts with understanding risk factors for cancer to guide screening and early detection of tumors. I enjoy listening to my patients and understanding their goals of care. I believe that cancer care is a team sport and the patient is the captain. I collaborate with other specialists to make a comprehensive treatment plan including but not limited to surgery. In my free time, I enjoy exploring the outdoors with my wife and two daughters.
Dr. Abern is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Enlarged Prostate (BPH). His top areas of expertise are Prostate Cancer, Bladder Cancer, Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC), Prostatectomy, and Nephrectomy.
His clinical research consists of co-authoring 107 peer reviewed articles and participating in 7 clinical trials. MediFind looks at clinical research from the past 15 years.
Insurance
Accepted insurance can change. Please verify directly with the provider.
Accepted insurance plans:
- EPO
- HMO
- POS
- PPO
- EPO
- HMO
- PPO
- EPO
- HMO
- POS
- PPO
- EPO
- HMO
- POS
- PPO
- EPO
- HMO
- PPO
- HMO
- INSURANCE PLAN
- MANAGED MEDICAID PLAN
- MEDICARE MAPD
- MEDICARE PDP
- MEDICARE SNP
- OTHER COMMERCIAL
- OTHER MEDICARE
- OTHER MEDICARE PART D
- PPO
- EPO
- HMO
- PPO
- HMO
- INDEMNITY
- POS
- PPO
- HMO
- PPO
- INSURANCE PLAN
- MANAGED MEDICAID PLAN
- MEDICARE MAPD
- MEDICARE PDP
- MEDICARE SNP
- MEDICARE-MEDICAID PLAN
- OTHER MEDICARE PART D
- HMO
- POS
- INSURANCE PLAN
- MANAGED MEDICAID PLAN
- MEDICARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
- MEDICARE MAPD
- MEDICARE SNP
- OTHER COMMERCIAL
- OTHER MEDICARE
- OTHER MEDICARE PART D
- EPO
- HMO
- POS
- PPO
- EPO
- HMO
- INSURANCE PLAN
- MANAGED MEDICAID PLAN
- MEDICARE MAPD
- MEDICARE PDP
- MEDICARE SNP
- MEDICARE-MEDICAID PLAN
- OTHER MEDICARE
- OTHER MEDICARE PART D
Locations
20 Duke Medicine Cir, Durham, NC 27710
Clinical Research
Clinical research consists of overseeing clinical studies of patients undergoing new treatments and therapies, and publishing articles in peer reviewed medical journals. Providers who actively participate in clinical research are generally at the forefront of the fields and aware of the most up-to-date advances in treatments for their patients.
6 Clinical Trials
Duke Raleigh Hematology Oncology Clinic
Prior to arriving at Duke, I was faculty at UT Southwestern where I had a dual appointment at the North Texas VA for 10 years. During this time, I was one of the highest volume robotic VA surgeons treating veterans with urologic cancer in addition to my clinic practice at UTSW. I joined the Urology department at Duke in 2024. At Duke, I have continued my focus on urologic oncology, specifically prostate, bladder and kidney cancer. I have a particular interest in prostate cancer. I was one of the earliest adopters of a novel surgical technique termed the Retzius Sparing Prostatectomy, which allows for the earlier return urinary control. I have further adopted a novel technique for the treatment of localized prostate cancer known as irreversible electroporation (IRE). This technique is a form of focal therapy for carefully selected patients. The advantages of IRE include less urinary and sexual side effects than conventional prostate cancer treatments. In addition, my clinical expertise includes advanced robotic reconstruction of the upper urinary tract. These procedures involve using segments of bowel or buccal grafts (inner lining of the cheek) to reconstruct damaged ureters. Dr. Gahan is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Enlarged Prostate (BPH). His top areas of expertise are Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC), Enlarged Prostate (BPH), UPJ Obstruction, Nephrectomy, and Prostatectomy.
Associated Urologists Of North Carolina PA
Brian Bennett is an Urologist in Raleigh, North Carolina. Dr. Bennett is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Enlarged Prostate (BPH). His top areas of expertise are Enlarged Prostate (BPH), Familial Prostate Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Ureteroscopy, and Bladder Reconstruction. Dr. Bennett is currently accepting new patients.
Associated Urologists Of North Carolina PA
Daniel Khera-Mcrackan is an Urologist in Raleigh, North Carolina. Dr. Khera-Mcrackan is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Enlarged Prostate (BPH). His top areas of expertise are Renal Oncocytoma, Enlarged Prostate (BPH), Kidney Stones, Ureteroscopy, and Reconstructive Urology Surgery. Dr. Khera-Mcrackan is currently accepting new patients.
Areas of Expertise
MediFind evaluates expertise by pulling from factors such as number of articles a doctor has published in medical journals, participation in clinical trials, speaking at industry conferences, prescribing and referral patterns, and strength of connections with other experts in their field.
Learn more about MediFind’s expert tiers
- Elite
- Prostate CancerDr. Abern isElite. Learn about Prostate Cancer.
- Distinguished
- Bladder CancerDr. Abern isDistinguished. Learn about Bladder Cancer.
- Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC)Dr. Abern isDistinguished. Learn about Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC).
- Advanced
- Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma
- Clear Cell SarcomaDr. Abern isAdvanced. Learn about Clear Cell Sarcoma.
- Familial Prostate CancerDr. Abern isAdvanced. Learn about Familial Prostate Cancer.
- Familial Wilms Tumor 2Dr. Abern isAdvanced. Learn about Familial Wilms Tumor 2.
- Muscle Invasive Bladder CancerDr. Abern isAdvanced. Learn about Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer.
- NephrectomyDr. Abern isAdvanced. Learn about Nephrectomy.
- Experienced
- Bacterial ProstatitisDr. Abern isExperienced. Learn about Bacterial Prostatitis.
- Bilateral HydronephrosisDr. Abern isExperienced. Learn about Bilateral Hydronephrosis.
- Bladder Outlet ObstructionDr. Abern isExperienced. Learn about Bladder Outlet Obstruction.
- Bladder ReconstructionDr. Abern isExperienced. Learn about Bladder Reconstruction.
- Bladder StonesDr. Abern isExperienced. Learn about Bladder Stones.
- ChoriocarcinomaDr. Abern isExperienced. Learn about Choriocarcinoma.