Meet Dr. Burnett:
A Barrier-Breaking Leader in Urology

Arthur L. “Bud” Burnett II, MD, MBA, FACS, is a globally recognized urologist, educator, and researcher who has served at Johns Hopkins University for more than 40 years. He is the Patrick C. Walsh Professor of Urology, Director of the Male Consultation Clinic, and Professor of Oncology.

He made history as the first Black physician to serve as Professor of Urology at Johns Hopkins University, President of the Sexual Medicine Society of North America, and Board Member of the American Urological Association. He also served on the Board and as an Executive Officer of the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM). Internationally renowned for advancing men’s health, he has performed thousands of surgeries and pioneered minimally invasive, nerve-sparing techniques. These innovations have helped preserve sexual function and quality of life for countless patients.

His groundbreaking nitric oxide research paved the way for oral therapies such as Viagra, revolutionizing treatment for erectile dysfunction. Dr. Burnett has published more than 500 scientific articles and three books, with a fourth set for release in 2027.

He is the founder of UroMissionsWorks, LLC, and a decorated U.S. Army veteran. Dedicated to education and mentorship, Dr. Burnett has trained and guided hundreds of physicians and researchers and continues to expand educational initiatives in Africa and the Caribbean through UroMissionsWorks, LLC—advancing global urologic care and improving access to treatment. He continues to shape the future of men’s health worldwide through innovation, education, and compassionate care.

Dr. Arthur L. Burnett II delivered a guest lecture titled “The Science of Erection and the Viagra Story” as part of the undergraduate Reproductive Physiology course at Johns Hopkins University’s Homewood campus in Baltimore, Maryland.

During the lecture, Dr. Burnett shared insights into the science of erectile function, reproductive physiology, and the scientific discoveries that contributed to the development of Viagra. The presentation offered students an opportunity to explore how foundational research in human physiology can contribute to advances in medicine and patient care.

The engagement reflects Dr. Burnett’s continued commitment to medical education, scientific discovery, and inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals and researchers.

Dr. Burnett also appreciated the opportunity to reconnect with his longtime friend and colleague, Dr. Barry Zirkin, director of the Reproductive Physiology course, who is pictured with him during the visit.

Dr. Arthur L. Burnett II served as a keynote speaker at the Tungs’ International Conference Series 2026 in Taichung, Taiwan, held in conjunction with Tungs’ Hospital’s 55th Anniversary.

The conference, themed “The NEXT-GEN Urology: Intelligent, Empowered, Precision, and Sustainable,” brought attention to emerging innovations and advancements shaping the future of urologic care.

Discussions explored key developments in AI-driven diagnostics, next-generation robotic surgery, precision therapeutics, and sustainable healthcare models, highlighting opportunities to improve patient care and advance the field of urology.

Dr. Burnett’s participation reflects his continued commitment to advancing urologic research, supporting medical innovation, and contributing to international knowledge exchange.

Dr. Burnett extends his appreciation to Tungs’ Hospital and the conference organizers for the invitation and the opportunity to contribute to this important global conversation about the future of urology.

Dr. Arthur L. Burnett II delivered a community health presentation at Pilgrim Christian Day School in Baltimore, Maryland, on September 26, 2026, in recognition of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

During the presentation, Dr. Burnett shared important information about prostate health, prostate cancer awareness, risk factors, early detection, and the importance of regular conversations with healthcare providers. The event also provided an opportunity for community members to ask questions and engage in an open discussion about men’s health.

The presentation reflects Dr. Burnett’s continued commitment to extending men’s health education beyond the clinical setting and helping communities access clear, practical information that can support informed healthcare decisions.

Dr. Burnett thanks Pilgrim Christian Day School for the invitation and for creating an opportunity to bring greater awareness to prostate cancer and men’s health during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

Dr. Arthur L. Burnett II is a co-author of a newly published international multicenter study, “Multicenter Evaluation of Smaller-Diameter Cylinders in Primary Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Surgery,” published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine and available through Oxford Academic.

The study evaluated 4,389 men undergoing primary inflatable penile prosthesis surgery across 16 high-volume centers, examining clinical and surgical factors associated with the use of smaller-diameter cylinders. The findings provide additional insight that may help inform surgical planning, patient counseling, and decision-making in more technically challenging implant cases.

Dr. Burnett was grateful to collaborate with an outstanding international group of prosthetic surgeons and researchers, bringing together expertise across institutions to advance sexual medicine and improve patient care.

The Journal of Sexual Medicine, Volume 23, Issue 10, October 2026, qdag289. Published online September 14, 2026.

Read the full study on Oxford Academic

Dr. Arthur L. Burnett II participated as a panelist at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s (CBCF) 55th Annual Legislative Conference on September 17, 2026, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. The 2026 conference was held under the theme “Rooted, Ready & Rising.”

Dr. Burnett joined healthcare and advocacy leaders for the issue forum “Early Detection to Innovation: Expanding Access to Screenings and Clinical Trials,” hosted by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). The discussion focused on cancer screening, early detection, clinical research, access to care, and reducing disparities in cancer outcomes.

Drawing on more than four decades of experience in urology and prostate cancer care, Dr. Burnett contributed his perspective on the importance of early detection and expanding access to advances in cancer care, particularly for Black men and underserved communities.

Dr. Arthur L. Burnett II served as a guest speaker at the 2026 Joint Scientific Meeting of the Asian Pacific Society for Sexual Medicine (APSSM) and the Vietnamese Society of Sexual Medicine (VSSM), held in Hanoi, Vietnam.

The international meeting brought together leading physicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals to discuss the latest advances in sexual medicine, men’s health, and urologic care. Dr. Burnett joined experts from across the Asia-Pacific region and around the world to share clinical expertise, exchange research findings, and strengthen global collaboration in the field.

His participation reflects a continued commitment to advancing sexual medicine through education, scientific exchange, and international partnerships that improve patient care worldwide.

Dr. Arthur L. Burnett II recently completed a five-day surgical workshop and resident training program at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica, continuing his commitment to strengthening urologic care throughout the Caribbean.

The workshop included hands-on surgical education, clinical mentorship, and collaborative learning with urology residents and faculty. Dr. Burnett shared techniques, best practices, and decades of experience to help prepare the next generation of urologists to deliver high-quality care in their communities.

Through UroMissionsWorks, Dr. Burnett continues to support residency education, expand surgical expertise, and improve access to specialized urologic care across the region. This workshop reflects his belief that lasting global health impact begins with education, mentorship, and empowering local healthcare professionals.

Mentoring Male Teens in the Hood 30th Anniversary Celebration

Dr. Arthur L. Burnett II joined the 30th Anniversary Celebration of Mentoring Male Teens in the Hood, commemorating three decades of mentorship, leadership, and community impact dedicated to empowering young men.

During the celebration, Dr. Burnett was honored with a commemorative plaque recognizing his nearly 30 years of service as both a mentor and board member. His longstanding commitment reflects a career devoted not only to advancing men’s health through medicine, but also to investing in the personal growth, education, and future success of young men in the community.

The event celebrated the organization’s lasting impact on generations of youth while recognizing the volunteers, mentors, and community leaders whose dedication has helped shape lives over the past three decades. Dr. Burnett’s recognition highlights his enduring belief that mentorship, education, and opportunity are essential to building healthier individuals, stronger families, and more resilient communities.

Princeton V Consensus Conference

Princeton V: Cardiometabolic Considerations in Sexual Medicine

Dr. Arthur L. Burnett participated as a faculty presenter at Princeton V: The Princeton Consensus on Sexual Dysfunction and Cardiovascular Risk, held June 9–10, 2026, at the University of Chicago David Rubenstein Forum in Chicago, Illinois.

The two-day consensus conference brought together a select group of leading experts in sexual medicine, cardiology, men’s health, women’s health, and metabolic health to review emerging evidence and develop updated consensus guidance on cardiovascular risk, sexual dysfunction, PDE-5 inhibitors, and testosterone-based therapies.

As part of the male erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular risk discussion, Dr. Burnett presented on racial inequities and strategies to reduce major adverse cardiovascular events among minority men with erectile dysfunction. His participation helped bring critical attention to the intersection of sexual health, cardiovascular risk, and health equity for Black men and other underserved populations.

The meeting was chaired by Mohit Khera, Tobias Kohler, Martin Miner, and Linda Vignozzi, with conference proceedings and consensus recommendations planned for submission to high-impact medical journals. 

New Research Published in JAMA Internal Medicine | May 2026

Dr. Arthur L. Burnett II recently co-authored a randomized clinical trial published in JAMA Internal Medicine examining testosterone therapy in carefully selected prostate cancer survivors with clinically confirmed low testosterone.

The study evaluated sexual activity, sexual desire, physical function, quality of life, safety monitoring, and prostate cancer recurrence. Findings showed short-term improvements in several quality-of-life measures, with no biochemical recurrence observed during the study period.

Researchers emphasized that longer-term follow-up is still needed. For Dr. Burnett, the study reinforces the importance of evidence-based care, careful patient selection, and ongoing medical supervision.

Read the Full Study

Speaking at Saint James School of Medicine | May 27, 2026

Training the Next Generation of Urologic Leaders in Jamaica | April 15-19, 2026

Intraoperative Pelvic Neuromonitoring Workshop at Johns Hopkins | January 12, 2026

Dr. Arthur L. Burnett hosted an invitation-only Intraoperative Pelvic Neuromonitoring Workshop at the Minimally Invasive Surgical Training and Innovation Center at Johns Hopkins Hospital. The workshop convened leading experts in urology, plastic surgery, and neurosurgery, alongside industry leaders in pelvic neurophysiologic monitoring.

The session focused on emerging approaches to intraoperative neuromonitoring aimed at improving surgical precision during radical prostatectomy and other complex pelvic procedures. Participants evaluated innovative, grid-based technologies designed to provide real-time, patient-specific mapping of pelvic neural structures to support nerve preservation and improved functional outcomes.

The workshop was co-sponsored by NeuroVascular Research & Design, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing surgical innovation, translational research, and patient-centered care.

Surgical Collaboration in Freeport, Bahamas

During a recent visit to Freeport, Bahamas, Dr. Arthur L. Burnett worked alongside his surgical host and colleague, Robin Roberts, as part of a collaborative surgical engagement in the region. The visit reflected a shared commitment to advancing high-quality surgical care through partnership, knowledge exchange, and hands-on collaboration.

The images shown include an intraoperative moment from Dr. Burnett’s surgical work in Freeport, where he operated alongside a dedicated colleague and local surgical team. These moments highlight the importance of precision, teamwork, and global collaboration in delivering patient-centered surgical care and advancing best practices across diverse clinical settings.