Adam Benjamin Hittelman, MD, PhD

Dr. Adam B. Hittelman is an Associate Professor of Urology and Pediatrics who specializes in treating children and adolescents with urogenital problems. He is the Chief of the section of Pediatric Urology. He is also Vice Chair of Education. His practice at Yale’s Pediatric Specialty Center is dedicated to accommodating the specific needs of younger patients and their families. “Any surgery on your child, big or small, is always big when it’s your child,” says Dr. Hittelman. To ease the anxiety and strain on parents and caretakers, “we strive to coordinate all of the child’s care in a comfortable, child-friendly environment with as few visits as possible.”

Because children with complex urologic issues often develop associated medical conditions, Dr. Hittelman works closely with pediatric specialists in multi-disciplinary clinics, improving family access and continuity of care. “I always try to make myself available to parents and families,” he says. “We take the time to ensure that their questions and concerns are addressed and answered to everyone’s satisfaction.”

Dr. Hittelman earned his MD and a PhD in molecular and cellular biology from New York University. He later completed his residency and fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco, a program renowned for its multidisciplinary approach to training and research in the field of pediatric urology.

Clinically, Hittelman’s primary focus is in reconstructive surgeries for children born with congenital anomalies like hydronephrosis (swelling of a kidney(s) due to a build-up of urine), primary vesicoureteral reflux (a valve defect that can prevent urine from flowing backward from the bladder into the ureters) and disorders of sexual development (congenital anomalies of the internal and external genitalia). Kidney stones, hypospadias, hydroceles and hernia are also part of his clinical work. He offers traditional and minimally invasive approaches to pediatric procedures, including laparoscopic, endoscopic and robotic-assisted techniques.

“As technology has improved and instruments are getting smaller, I have been able to apply this to younger and younger patients,” he says. “This has allowed for shorter hospital stays, decreased postoperative pain and smaller incisions.”

Dr. Hittelman is the author of a large body of peer-reviewed articles and research related to pediatric urologic conditions. He is also an active member of several national medical organizations, including the American Urologic Association, the Society of Pediatric Urology, the Society of Fetal Urology and the American College of Surgeons.