WVU Medicine Children’s Now has West Virginia’s Only Board-certified Pediatric Urologist

WVU Medicine Children’s now has the only board-certified pediatric urologist practicing in West Virginia. Osama Al-Omar, MD, MBA, chief of Pediatric Urology at WVU Medicine Children’s, passed the American Board of Pediatric Urology certifying exam to earn the distinction.

“Being board certified reflects my commitment to meeting the highest standards of professionalism, expertise, and patient care within the pediatric urology specialty,” Dr. Al-Omar said. “It is a credential that families can rely upon when selecting a doctor for their kids’ needs. Families will be assured that my skills and knowledge represent what would be expected from any pediatric urologist practicing in the United States.”

The process for board certification starts after finishing five years of accredited residency training in urology and two years of additional training in pediatric urology. Then, a physician must pass written and oral examinations, submit case logs, be peer reviewed, and evaluate complications to verify knowledge and competency.

“Children will be cared for by a board-certified physician right here and close to home, so families do not need to travel outside the state to seek the same quality of care from faraway institutions,” Dr. Al-Omar said.

The WVU Medicine Children’s Pediatric Urology Program has been nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report for six consecutive years.

It is the only center in West Virginia that provides some of the most advanced services and technologies, like robotic surgery and contrast enhanced voiding ultrasounds. The program treats all aspects of urological issues, from urinary tract infections to poorly functioning kidneys.

“We are always striving to grow each day,” Dr. Al-Omar said. “We want to expand services and outreach clinics and continue to recruit pediatric urologists, advanced practice providers, and nurses.”