About Us
Dr. Yu’s superior expertise in minimally invasive surgery for urological cancers and benign diseases is an asset to the Marin healthcare community and surrounding counties at large.
After graduating from the USC Keck School of Medicine with Highest Distinction and Alpha Omega Alpha honors, Dr. Yu went on to Stanford University where he completed his internship and residencies in General Surgery and Urology. Dr. Yu further refined his surgical expertise with fellowship training in Advanced Robotics and Laparoscopy at the USC Institute of Urology under the direction of the world leader in minimally invasive urological surgery, Dr. Inderbir Gill. His focus is on urologic oncology with specific expertise in minimally invasive surgery for diseases of the adrenal, kidney, ureter, bladder and prostate. He also performs robotic surgeries for other benign disease such as BPH and UPJ obstructions. His skill and expertise in medical devices enables him to adopt the latest technologies in urology. He aspires to deliver the most up-to-date care in diagnostics, treatments and surgeries for patients unfortunate enough to be afflicted with these disease, and strives to not only treat these diseases, but also to treat the person behind the disease with the utmost patience, respect, and compassion.
Letter to Our Patients
Dear patients, I want to personally thank you for entrusting me with your urologic care and surgery. It is an honor and privilege that I truly cherish. I continually dedicate my life to medicine because I dream of healing people, while building meaningful relationships with my patients. I want my patients to feel their surgeon is always looking out for their best interest as they face a challenging new diagnosis, giving them hope that tomorrow will be a better day. I hope I can convey that message to you while you are under my care. Every day I strive to provide the most cutting edge surgical and medical expertise with the help of a caring attentive team, and all with a personalized touch. I hope I am able to help you as you deal with your urologic condition.
Education
Dr. Yu has a premiere pedigree from multiple top ranked training programs, and has succeeded at every level. He continues to stay up to date on cutting edge techniques and technologies, and is frequently recognized for the high quality care he provides.
University
2012–2013
USC Institute of Urology
Fellow, Advanced Robotics and Laparoscopy
(Directors: Dr. Inderbir Gill, Dr. Monish Aron, Dr. Mihir Desair)
2011–2012
Stanford Hospital and Clinics
Chief Resident, Urology
2002-2006
Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California
M.D., Graduation with Highest Distinction, Dean’s Recognition: Year 1-4
Election to Alpha Omega Alpha
1997-2002
University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA
Major: Bioengineering – ABET (B.S. magna cum laude)
Election to Phi Beta Kappa and Tau Beta Pi
Other
- Clinical Instructor and Attending, Department of Urology, LAC-USC, 2012-2013
- Resident, Urology, Stanford Hospital and Clinics, 2008-2011
- Intern and Resident, General Surgery, Stanford Hospital and Clinics, 2006-2008
Awards
See list of Awards
2020
- Top Doctor, Urology. Marin Magazine
- Top Doctor, Urology. Castle-Connolly
2019
- Top Doctor, Urology. Castle-Connolly
- Top Doctor, Urology. Marin Magazine
2018
- Top Doctor, Urology. Marin Magazine
2017
- Best Urologist. Pacific Sun Magazine
- Top Doctor, Urology. Marin Magazine
2013
- AUA Annual Conference. Live surgery – Robotic radical cystectomy and intracorporeal neobladder diversion.
- LA Live. Live surgery – robotic partial nephrectomy, and robotic radical cystectomy with intracorporeal ileal conduit diversion
2012
- 10th Annual Switzerland Urology Arena. Live surgery – Robotic radical cystectomy and intracorporeal neobladder diversion
- World Congress of Endourology. Live surgery – Robotic zero-ischemia partial nephrectomy
- World Congress of Endourology. “Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy in patients with previous major abdominal surgery: is it feasible?”
2011
- NCIIA Advanced E-Team Grant Award – $20,000 = Intimal Solutions
- Berkeley Business Plan Competition Grand prize winner = Intimal Solutions – $25,000
2010
- CTSA Spectrum Device Panel Grant – $20,000 (Co-investigator)
- Stanford-Coulter Grant – $80,000 (Co-investigator)
- Boomers Business Plan Elevator Pitch Competition = Intimal Solutions – $1,000
- Western Section AUA – Renal Session. “Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma Characteristics and Survival in 1492 Patients: Data from the Veterans Affairs Central Cancer Registry (VACCR)
- NCIIA Advanced E-Team Grant Award – $17,976 RestoreXS
2009
- Miley B.Wesson Resident Essay Contest 3rd Place Winner – “Green Trash in the Operating Room. Reducing Regulated Medical Waste.”
- Western Section AUA – Prostate Session. “Utility of Ultrasensitive PSA Kinetics in Predicting Standard PSA Doubling Time: Analysis from the SEARCH and Stanford Database.”
- Bodner Stegemann Award – Western Section AUA – Round Table.
- Northern California Urology Resident Research Seminar. “Ultrasensitive PSA Kinetics After Radical Prostatectomy that Predict a Favorable Clinical Outcome”
2006
- USC Blake Memorial Scholarship
Publications
See list of Publications
2013
Fletcher T. Wilson, R. James Yu. “Systems and Methods for Endoluminal Valve Creation.” US Patent #8,460,316. Granted 1/17/2017. Multiple continuation patents filed.
2012
Chin, D. Bolton, G. Jack, P. Rashid, J. Thavaseelan, R. James Yu, C. Roehrborn, H. Woo. “Prostatic Urethral Lift: Two Year Results After Treatment for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Secondary to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.” Urology 2012 Jan; 79(1):5-11
2011
L.K. Tong, T. Lamson, J. Catanese, R.J. Yu, D. Merrick, M. McLean, J. Niederjohn, F. Cheng, B. Thompson, B. Tachibana, K. Taylor, E. Bright. “Middle Lobe Retraction Apparatus and Method.” USPTO Published June 16, 2011.
2010
Lauren C. Harshman, R. James Yu, Harcharan S. Gill, Sandhya Srinivas, Joseph C. Presti Jr., Fuad Freiha, and Benjamin I. Chung. Surgical Outcomes and Complications Associated with Presurgical Tyrosine Kinase Inhibition for Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC). Urologic Oncology 2011 Feb 24 (Epub ahead of print)
2006
James Yu, John P. Stein, Jie Cai, Gus Miranda, Susan Groshen, Donald G. Skinner. Superficial (pT2a) and deep (pT2b) muscle invasion in pathological staging of bladder cancer following radical cystectomy. Journal of Urology 2006; 176(2):493-8
2005
Winfield J. Wells, R. James Yu, Anjan S. Batra, Hector Monforte, Colleen Sintek, Vaughn A. Starnes. Obstruction in modified Blalock shunts: a quantitative analysis with clinical correlation. Annals of Thoracic Surgery 2005; 79(6): 2072-6
Meet the Team
Brian French
Brian currently serves as the genitourinary cancer navigator at MarinHealth Medical Center (formerly Marin General Hospital), a position held since 2016. As the navigator of a multidisciplinary cancer care team, Brian enjoys delivering personalized service and building meaningful relationships with people confronted with prostate, bladder, kidney and testicular cancers. Prior to this, he served over 10 years in healthcare and public education administrative leadership roles. Brian earned his doctorate degree at the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Driven by a strong interest in complimentary and integrative approaches to health and healing, he later completed his patient navigation certification at Sonoma State University. Outside of professional life, Brian enjoys relaxing at home with his wife and two rescue dogs…and cheering for his favorite football team.
Letter to Our Patients
Dear patients, I want to personally thank you for entrusting me with your urologic care and surgery. It is an honor and privilege that I truly cherish. I continually dedicate my life to medicine because I dream of healing people, while building meaningful relationships with my patients. I want my patients to feel their surgeon is always looking out for their best interest as they face a challenging new diagnosis, giving them hope that tomorrow will be a better day. I hope I can convey that message to you while you are under my care. Every day I strive to provide the most cutting edge surgical and medical expertise with the help of a caring attentive team, and all with a personalized touch. I hope I am able to help you as you deal with your urologic condition.
Call (415) 461-4000
Book an Appointment
Greenbrae Location
Napa Location