Arnold Bullock, MD is revered in medical and community circles as an outstanding urologist and medical school professor, a tireless community servant and an ardent advocate for men’s health.
Earlier this year, Bullock was appointed the inaugural Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Distinguished Professor of Urology at the Washington University School of Medicine. He plans to use that position to help young people develop an interest in medical careers.
“For me, it’s always been my long-term goal to do more with providing exposure to youth for possible medical careers,” he said. “My goal is to associate with organizations that are established in our middle-school systems to foster that goal.”
Receiving an endowed chair is the highest honor that can be bestowed on a faculty member, said Will Ross, MD, associate dean for Diversity and associate professor of Medicine at Washington University School of Medicine.
“Dr. Bullock was duly honored, not only for being a nationally-recognized expert in prostate cancer and robotic surgery, but also for his tireless efforts in educating African-American men about our heightened risk for prostate cancer,” Dr. Ross said.
“In many ways Dr. Bullock’s recognition is historic because it is a culmination of his academic credentials, which are indeed impressive, as well as the breadth of his teaching and community engagement.”
Dr. Ross added that Washington University School of Medicine realizes the critical importance of hands-on community engagement to reduce health disparities and affords significant value to that experience when considering faculty for promotion.
Endowed professorships are highly coveted because they provide salary support and assist the recipient in exploring other areas of research and practice.
“Whereas I was involved clinically five days a week, my goal is to go to four days a week and take one day to serve as a role model and hopefully serve in the capacity as an ad hoc science teacher in various schools,” Dr. Bullock said.
Bullock’s installation as the Wolff Professor took place on June 18 by Washington University Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton and Larry J. Shapiro, MD, executive vice chancellor for medical affairs and dean of the School of Medicine.
“Dr. Bullock is highly regarded for his expertise in urology, and his work at the medical school and in the community has improved the lives of countless patients,” Wrighton said.
Gifts from the late Alan and Edith Wolff have supported medical research at the university for more than 30 years, advancing work by leaders in numerous fields.
“I am extremely grateful to the Wolff family for such an enormous award to my career and the endeavors of Washington University,” Dr. Bullock said.
“The generosity of Alan and Edith Wolff continues to benefit Washington University and now will contribute to new knowledge in the field of urology,” Wrighton said.
Dr. Shapiro described Dr. Bullock as an outstanding physician, a gifted educator and a valuable mentor to many medical students and residents.
“He is just the kind of dedicated, accomplished physician that Alan and Edith Wolff appreciated and reinforced with their support,” Dr. Shapiro said.
Dr. Bullock is a professor of urologic surgery at the School of Medicine and treats patients at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Christian Northeast Hospital and the Siteman Cancer Center.
He joined the medical school faculty in 1993 and serves as its director of men’s health. In his clinical practice, he is sought out for his expertise in urologic oncology, erectile dysfunction and other urological issues.
He takes an active role in educating African-American men about their higher-than-average risk of prostate cancer and the benefits of screenings. He has been instrumental in building a team of community partners to educate and conduct prostate cancer screenings in the African-American community in St. Louis.
He served as chairman of the Prostate Cancer Committee of the Program for the Elimination of Cancer Disparities at Siteman Cancer Center. He is also a board member of The Empowerment Network, an award-winning prostate cancer support group.
He speaks at churches, community centers, schools and health fairs to reach people in areas hard-hit by cancer. His community outreach efforts and involvement in cancer education programs have had a significant impact on reducing racial disparities in prostate cancer outcomes and minority participation in clinical trials.
He graduated summa cum laude from Xavier University in New Orleans and received his medical degree from The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He completed residencies in general surgery and urologic surgery, both at Washington University.
“In my 25 years at Washington University, my clinical focus has varied from oncology to microsurgery/infertility and erectile dysfunction,” Dr. Bullock said.
“However, I have remained most satisfied with my involvement with community groups such as TEN, 100 Black Men and The Clergy Coalition, which educate our community on preventive health care and the racial disparity in cancer outcomes.”