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Biography
Dr. Wallen specializes in care and treatment of patients with cancers of the prostate, kidney, bladder and testis. He was an early adopter and innovator in robotic surgery in urology. He is an expert in robotic kidney and prostate surgery. Dr. Wallen is a strong advocate for patient-centered care, who counsels patients so that they can make informed decisions about their care, such as having surgery for a small kidney tumor or having an MRI, a biomarker test, or a biopsy for elevated PSA (the blood test that screens for prostate cancer). He uses the latest prostate biopsy techniques to decrease pain and the risk of infection.
As a member of the Hollings Cancer Center, he also works closely with community groups, especially those with a higher risk of prostate cancer, to raise awareness and increase access to healthcare in rural and underserved communities.
A native of Setauket, New York, Dr. Wallen graduated from Yale College, then attended UCLA Medical School and completed urology training at Stanford University. His first faculty appointment was at Dartmouth Medical School where he established a minimally invasive urology program. He was on faculty at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for over 20 years prior to his appointment as MUSC Chair of Urology in November 2024.
During his tenure at UNC Chapel Hill Dr. Wallen established the robotic urology program and served as Vice Chair of Education, Urology Program Director, Director of the UNC Men’s Health Program, member of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Medical Director of the UNC System Supply Chain. An acclaimed educator in the field, Dr. Wallen was awarded the national American Urological Association’s (AUA) “Teacher of the Year” Award, and in 2020 was elected the Chair of the ACGME Residency Review Committee for Urology. In 2021, Dr. Wallen received the UNC School of Medicine Academy of Educators Lifetime Achievement Award in Medical Education, which recognized his 20+ years of sustained excellence in teaching and mentoring medical students, residents, and fellows.
Dr. Wallen’s commitment to global health has taken him to Cuba and China on multiple visiting professorships. He was part of the development of the UNC Project Malawi, establishing an elective rotation for urology residents to experience healthcare delivery in Malawi, starting in 2017.
Dr. Wallen is the author of over 150 publications and book chapters. He has presented his research nationally and internationally. He is certified by the American Board of Urology, is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and is a member of the American Urological Association, the Society of Academic Urology, the Society of Urologic Oncology, and the Endourologic Society.