John J. Kishel, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Dr. John Kishel graduated cum laude from the University of Scranton in 1974 with a bachelor of science and from Georgetown University in 1978 with a doctorate in medicine. After completing an internship at Georgetown University in 1979, he resided as general medical officer in the United States Public Health Service until 1981, and then completed his residency in urology at Georgetown University in 1985. Dr. Kishel joined Dr. MacLean in private practice in 1985, with a particular interest in lithotripsy. He has been certified by the American Board of Urology since 1987. Dr. Kishel resides in Silver Spring with his wife.

Marc B. Applestein, M.D., M.S.B.

Dr. Marc Applestein graduated cum laude from Duke University in 1976 with a bachelor of science and from the University of Maryland in 1983 with a doctorate in medicine. He completed a surgical internship and residency at University of Maryland Hospital in 1985 and a residency in urology at University of Maryland Hospital in 1988. He has been in private practice with CMUA since that time. Dr. Applestein has extensive experience performing lithotripsy procedures and has been certified by the American Board of Urology since 1990. In 1999, Dr. Applestein received a master's of science degree in business from The Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Applestein resides in Columbia with his wife and two children.

Robert A. Gessler, M.D.

Dr. Robert Gessler graduated from the University of Maryland with bachelor of science in 1978 and from Georgetown University in 1983 with a doctor in medicine. He completed an internship and surgical residency at the University of Connecticut New Britain General Hospital. Dr. Gessler entered private practice after completing his urological residency at Brown University Rhode Island Hospital in 1988. Ten years later he joined Central Maryland Urology Associates where he focuses on innovative prostate treatments and procedures. Dr. Gessler has been certified by the American Board of Urology since 1990. He resides in Ellicott City with his wife and four children.

Alejandro Rodriguez, M.D.

Originally from Tucson, Arizona, Dr. Alejandro Rodriguez joined Central Maryland Urology Associates in 2001. He comes to CMUA from Baltimore's University of Maryland Medical Systems, where he completed his surgery internship and residency training in urology and surgery. A graduate of Emory University, Dr. Rodriguez completed his medical school training at the Hahnemann University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, where he received many awards and honors including the Hahnemann University School of Medicine Alexander Gero Scholarship Award, the Hahnemann University School of Medicine Minorities in Medicine Scholarship Award. He is also the recipient of the Emory University Faculty Scholarship Award, and the Emory University Dean's Merit List.

Currently, Dr. Rodriguez is a member of the American Urological Association, the Ednourological Society, and the American Medical Association. His interests include stone disease, endourology, urologic cancers and male sexual dysfunction. Dr. Rodriguez is board certified in urology and is a fluent Spanish speaker. He resides in Baltimore with his wife and two children.

Lisa N. Hawes, M.D.

Dr. Lisa Hawes graduated with magna cum laude honors from Georgetown University with a bachelor of science from the School of Foreign Service. After working as a management consultant for several years, she returned to Goucher College for a post-baccaluareate premedical year. Dr. Hawes received her medical doctorate from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in 1998 with cum laude and AOA honors. She completed her internship in general surgery and residency in urology at University of Maryland and joined Central Maryland Urology in August 2004. Currently an associate member of the American Urological Association, Dr. Hawes specializes in female urology and minimally invasive procedures to treat prostate enlargement. She resides in Ellicott City with her husband and two children.

Frank M. Nezu, M.D.

Dr. Frank Nezu graduated with highest honors from Rutgers College, Rutgers University, with a degree in molecular biology and biochemistry. At Rutgers, he was awarded a merit scholarship and early induction into Phi Beta Kappa. Dr. Nezu earned his medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He completed his residency training in urology at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. In addition to general urology, Dr. Nezu has extensive training in laparoscopic kidney surgery and minimally invasive treatment of kidney stones. Dr. Nezu lives in Clarksville with his wife and two sons.

Jennifer L. Bepple, M.D.

A magna cum laude graduate of The Pennsylvania State University with a B.S in biology and a minor in economics, Dr. Jennifer Bepple earned her medical doctorate and completed both her surgical internship and urology residency at the Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk where she also served as an associate instructor in the Department of Urology. Dr. Bepple resides in Columbia with her husband and two children.

Kevin B. Blumenthal, M.D.

Dr. Kevin Blumenthal graduated from the University of Virginia and Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk. He recently completed a six-year integrated surgical internship and residency in urology at George Washington University. Dr. Blumenthal resides in Arlington, Virginia with his wife and family.

CMUA and CUSC Staff

The Columbia Urological Surgery Center has five registered nurses (RNs) on staff. Registered nurses hold college degrees and are state licensed professionals. Like physicians, nurses are required to continue their education throughout their career. Our nurses continually expand their knowledge base through educational seminars across the country and by attaining certifications in various aspects of urological nursing. They are all members of numerous professional organizations which allow them to network with their peers and stay current on the latest treatments in urology. Together, our registered nurses have experience and certifications in operating room, recovery room, urological surgery, and general medical nursing.

In addition to our registered nurses, we have several other clinical staff members who are an integral part of providing quality health care on behalf of all patients. Certified medical assistants (CMAs) assist the physicians by taking vital signs, collecting specimens, setting up procedures, documenting medical history, and providing clinical support for lab-related issues.

Central Maryland Urology Associates, P.A.

Medical Pavilion at Howard County 10710 Charter Drive Suite 130 Columbia, Maryland 21044 [VIEW MAP] Phone: 410.772.7000 Fax: 410.772.7072