Stephen A. Zderic, MD

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Stephen A. Zderic, MD, is an attending pediatric urologist in the Division of Urology at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Areas of Expertise: Complex lower urinary tract reconstruction, Hypospadias, Neurogenic Bladder, Obstructive uropathies, Spina Bifida, Undescended testis, Urodynamics, Voiding function and dysfunction, Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Locations: Main Hospital; Buerger Center for Advanced Pediatric Care; Specialty Care & Surgery Center, Brandywine Valley; Specialty Care, Exton

Book appointment 215-590-2754

Background

Stephen A. Zderic, MD, is an attending pediatric urologist in the Division of Urology at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia where he holds the John W. Duckett Jr. Endowed Chair in Pediatric Urology. He also serves as a professor of urology in surgery at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Zderic earned his medical degree from the University of California at Los Angeles School of Medicine in 1983 and completed his urological residency training at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. In 1989, he became the first two-year fellow in Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Division of Urology under the mentorship of Dr. John Duckett and Dr. Howard Snyder. Dr. Zderic stayed on in the Division of Urology at CHOP and is the Director of Basic Science Research within the Division. He has been funded as a principle investigator multiple times by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for both basic and clinical sciences. He was named the recipient of the inaugural John W. Duckett Award for Research Excellence by the American Urologic Association in 2010. In 2020, he was the recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award of the American Urological Association.  

Dr. Zderic’s lab’s early focus was on the developmental changes that take place in bladder smooth muscle and the bladder’s response to outlet obstruction. A change in focus occurred with the description of the mouse social stress model which demonstrated how the mind can influence bladder function and structure. Currently, the lab is using transgenic mouse models, viral vectors, and the modern tools of optogenetics and fiber photometry to stimulate and record from distinct areas of the brain that regulate bladder function. The goal is to understand how these pathways work under normal conditions and might be altered by lower urinary tract obstruction, inflammation or social stress. Under the guidance of Dr. Zderic and CHOP Attending Pediatric Urologist, Jason Van Batavia, MD, the lab has also developed and patented UroGenie, a wireless digital sensor that can measure urinary flow rates remotely, for the convenience of both patients and medical professionals. UroGenie was just awarded an NIH Small Business Innovation Research grant to refine the software application required for real-time data analysis and integration into the electronic medical record. 

As with each faculty member of the Division of Urology, Dr. Zderic has a deep interest in the surgical training and research discoveries of the next generation and is particularly proud of the graduates of the CHOP Fellowship Training Program who have gone on to lead the field in their own right. Our faculty is committed to providing the required tools, training and attention to visiting scholars, residents and fellows as they continue their education.

Dr. Zderic is a recognized expert in several areas of pediatric urology and has particular interest in the care of children with neurogenic bladder, complex urinary tract reconstruction, voiding function and dysfunction. Over his career, he has authored or co-authored more than 45 book chapters, edited three textbooks, and has over 150 peer-reviewed publications. In addition, he has lectured both nationally and internationally on topics across the subspeciality of pediatric urology. He has served frequently on grants review panels as a consultant for the NIH, Britain’s Medical Research Council, and the American Urological Association. He also is a regular reviewer for clinical and basic scientific journals who seek peer review of submitted manuscripts. 

Dr. Zderic is a member of numerous national and international professional societies, including the Societies for Pediatric Urology, American College of Surgeons, Society for Basic Urologic Research, American Urological Association, the Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine and Urogenital Reconstruction, the International Continence Society, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the Society for Neuroscience.

In his approach to patients, Dr. Zderic believes the practice of medicine is a wonderful combination of strong scientific principles applied in the care of our fellow human beings. Care must be individualized and tailored to the individual; one size does not fit all. The art of medicine comes in understanding which option, among several, works best for a child and family.

Education and Training

Medical School

MD - University of California at Los Angeles School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA

Internship

Surgery - Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

Residency

Surgery and Urologic Surgery - Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

Fellowship

Pediatric Urology - The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA

Board Certification

Pediatric Urology – American Board of Urology
Urology – American Board of Urology

Titles and Academic Titles

Attending Urologist

John W. Duckett, Jr. Endowed Chair in Pediatric Urology

Professor of Urology in Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

Conditions Treated

Departments and Services

Research Interests

Molecular mechanisms of bladder wall hypertrophy

Stress induced changes in bladder function

Brain bladder cross talk

Publications

Papers

2019

Weiss DA, Lee AS, Flanders TM, Long CJ, Van Batavia JP, Zderic SA , Heuer GH. Neurological dysfunction of the bladder from myelomeningocele. Neurosurg Focus. 2019 Oct 1;47 (4):E7.

Brock JW 3rd, Thomas JC, Baskin LS, Zderic SA, Thom EA, Burrows PK, Lee H, Houtrow AJ, Macpherson C, Adzick NS. Effect of Prenatal Repair of Myelomeningocele on Urological Outcomes at School Age. J Urol. 2019 May 10; [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 31075056 

2017

Weiss DA, Tsarouhas N, Carr MC, Kalmus A, Zderic SA. How do they get here: Does the method of transportation impact salvage for patients with testicular torsion? J Pediatr Urol. 2017 Jan 23. pii: S1477-5131(17)30035-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2016.12.015. [Epub ahead of print]  PMID: 28291658

Long CJ, Chu DI, Tenney RW, Morris AR, Weiss DA, Shukla AR, Srinivasan AK, Zderic SA, Kolon TF, Canning DA. Intermediate-Term Followup of Proximal Hypospadias Repair Reveals High Complication Rate.  J Urol. 2017 Mar;197(3 Pt 2):852-858. doi: 10.1016/j.juro.2016.11.054. Epub 2016 Nov 10.  PMID: 27840122

Chu DI, Zderic SA, Shukla AR, Srinivasan AK, Tasian GE, Weiss DA, Long CJ, Canning DA, Kolon TF. Does varicocelectomy improve semen analysis outcomes in adolescents without testicular asymmetry?  J Pediatr Urol. 2017 Feb;13(1):76.e1-76.e5. doi: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2016.09.010. Epub 2016 Oct 26.  PMID: 27818033

Chu DI, Zderic SA, Shukla AR, Srinivasan AK, Tasian GE, Weiss DA, Long CJ, Canning DA, Kolon TF. The natural history of semen parameters in untreated asymptomatic adolescent varicocele patients: A retrospective cohort study. J Pediatr Urol. 2017 Feb;13(1):77.e1-77.e5. doi: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2016.09.008. Epub 2016 Oct 24.  PMID: 27815047

2016

Long CJ, Chu DI, Tenney RW, Morris AR, Weiss DA, Shukla AR, Srinivasan AK, Zderic SA, Kolon TF, Canning DA.Intermediate Term Followup of Proximal Hypospadias Repair Reveals High Complication Rate. J Urol. 2016 Nov 10. pii: S0022-5347(16)31748-7. doi: 10.1016/j.juro.2016.11.054. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 27840122

Chu DI, Zderic SA, Shukla AR, Srinivasan AK, Tasian GE, Weiss DA, Long CJ, Canning DA, Kolon TF. Does varicocelectomy improve semen analysis outcomes in adolescent

Chu DI, Zderic SA, Shukla AR, Srinivasan AK, Tasian GE, Weiss DA, Long CJ, Canning DA, Kolon TF. The natural history of semen parameters in untreated asymptomatic adolescent varicocele patients: A retrospective cohort study. J Pediatr Urol. 2016 Oct 24. pii: S1477-5131(16)30310-2.

2015

Zderic, SA,Weiss, D.A.: Voiding Dysfunction - What Can Radiologists Tell Patients And Pediatric Urologists? Am. J. Roentg. 2015 205(5):W532-541.'

Weiss DA, Butler SJ, Fesi J, Long CJ, Valentino RJ, Canning DA, Zderic SA. Putting the past behind us: Social stress-induced urinary retention can be overcome. J. Pediatric Urol. 2015 11(4):188-194.

2014

Berry, A, Rudick, K, Richter, M, Zderic SA: Objective versus subjective outcome measures of biofeedback: what really matters? J. Pediatr. Urol. 2014 10(4):620-626.

Boopathi E, Cristiano Gomes C, Zderic SA, Malkowicz B, Chakrabarti R, Patel, DP, Wein AJ, Chacko S Dr. Mechanical stretch up-regulates proteins involved in Ca2+-sensitization in urinary bladder smooth muscle hypertrophy. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol. 2014 307(6):C542-5.

Long CJ, Butler S, Fesi J, Frank C, Canning DA, Zderic SA. Genetic or pharmacologic disruption of the calcineurin-nuclear factor of activated T-cells axis prevents social stress-induced voiding dysfunction in a murine model. J Pediatr Urol. 2014 10(4): 598-604.

Christman MS, Zderic SA, Kolon TF. Comparison of testicular volume differential calculations in adolescents with varicoceles. J Pediatr Urol. 2014 10(2):396-398.

Pulido JE, Furth SL, Zderic SA, Canning DA, Tasian GE. Renal Parenchymal Area and Risk of ESRD in Boys with Posterior Urethral Valves. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2014 9(3):499-505.

2013

Hypolite JA, Lei Q, Chang S, Zderic SA, Butler S, Wein AJ, Malykhina AP, Chacko S. Spontaneous and evoked contractions are regulated by PKC-mediated signaling in detrusor smooth muscle: involvement of BK channels. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2013 Mar;304(5):F451–62. doi: 10.1152/ajprenal.00639.2011. Epub 2012 Dec 26. Cited in PubMed; PMID 23269650.

Boopathi E, Hypolite JA, Zderic SA, Gomes CM, Malkowicz B, Liou HC, Wein AJ, Chacko S. GATA-6 and NF-κB activate CPI-17 gene transcription and regulate Ca2+ sensitization of smooth muscle contraction. Mol Cell Biol. 2013 Mar;33(5):1085–102. doi: 10.1128/MCB.00626-12. Epub 2012 Dec 28. Cited in PubMed; PMID 23275439.

Christman MS, Kraft KH, Tasian GE, Zderic SA, Kolon TF. Reproducibility and reliability of semen analyses in youths at risk for infertility. J Urol. 2013 Feb 19. doi:pii: S0022-5347(13)00299-1. 10.1016/j.juro.2013.02.030. [Epub ahead of print]. Cited in PubMed; PMID 23434946.

Christman MS, Zderic SA, Kolon TF. Comparison of semen analyses amongst youths with a history of cryptorchidism or varicocele. J Urol. 2013 Feb 14. doi:pii: S0022-5347(13)00286-3. 10.1016/j.juro.2013.02.017. [Epub ahead of print]. Cited in PubMed; PMID 23416638.

Lei Q, Pan XQ, Villamor AN, Asfaw TS, Chang S, Zderic SA, Malykhina AP. Lack of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 channel modulates the development of neurogenic bladder dysfunction induced by cross-sensitization in afferent pathways. J Neuroinflammation. 2013 Jan 11;10:3. doi: 10.1186/1742-2094-10-3. Cited in PubMed; PMID 23305398.

2011

Chang AY, Sliwoski J, Butler S, Hearn G, Lassmann J, Chacko S, et al. Calcineurin mediates bladder wall remodeling secondary to partial outlet obstruction. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2011 Oct;301(4):F813-22. Epub 2011 Jul 20. Cited in PubMed; PMID 21775483.

Books

Zderic SA, Kirk, J (eds): Pediatric Urology for the Primary Care Provider. Slack Incorporated, 2008

Zderic SA, Carr MC, Canning DA, Snyder HM (eds.): Pediatric Gender Assignment: A Critical Reappraisal. New York: Kluwer-Plenum Press, 2002

Zderic SA (ed.): Muscle Matrix and Bladder Function. New York: Plenum Press, 1995

Chapters

2014

Zderic SA: Pediatric Voiding Function and Dysfunction. In Hanno PM, Guzzo, TJ, Malkowicz, SB, Wein AJ (eds.): Penn Clinical Manual of Urology, 2nd Edition. Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier, 2014, 824-839.

2011

Zderic, SA, Lambert, SM: Developmental Anomalies of the Genitourinary System. In: Fletcher, J., Devaskar, S, Gleason, CA (ed), Avery’s Textbook of Neonatology, 9th edition, Elsevier Saunders, Philadelphia, 2011, 1191-1204

Zderic, SA: Reflux and Urinary Tract Infections. In: Fletcher, J., Devaskar, S, Gleason, CA (ed), Avery’s Textbook of Neonatology, 9th edition, Elsevier Saunders, Philadelphia, 2011, 1228-1234

2009

Lambert, S., Zderic, SA: Embryology of the Female Urinary Tract. In Cardozo, L, Staskin, D, (eds) Textbook of Female Urology and Gynecology, 3rd edition, Abingdon Oxon, UK, Taylor and Francis, 2009, 172-184.

Zderic, SA: Evaluation of scrotal pain. In Matei, P (ed), Fundamentals of Pediatric Surgery, Elsevier, 2009, 679-684.

2008

Zderic, SA. Donor Nephrectomy. In Baskin, LS, Hinman, F. Atlas of Pediatric Urologic Surgery, Philadelphia, Elsevier, 2008, 201-207.

Zderic, SA. Ureteral Tailoring Techniques. In Baskin, LS, Hinman, F. Atlas of Pediatric Urologic Surgery, Philadelphia, Elsevier, 2008, 265-266.

2007

Zderic SA: Pediatric Voiding Function and Dysfunction. In Hanno PM, Malkowicz, SB, Wein AJ (eds.): Penn Clinical Manual of Urology, 1st Edition. Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier, 2007, 877-892.

Zderic SA: The endoscopic management of urethral valves. In Smith AD, Badlani GH, Bagley D, Clayman RV, Jordan GH, Kavoussi LR, Lingeman JE, Preminger GM, Segura JW (eds): Smith's Textbook of Endourology, 2nd Edition. St. Louis: Quality Medical Publishing, 2007, chapter 84.

2006

Lassman, J, Zderic, SA: Embryology of the Female Urinary Tract. In Cardozo, L, Staskin, D, (eds) Textbook of Female Urology and Gynecology, 2nd edition, Abingdon Oxon, UK, Taylor and Francis, 2006, 127-140.

Zderic, SA, Canning, DA: Posterior Urethral Valves. In Canning, DA, Docimo, S., Khoury, A. (eds) Clinical Pediatric Urology, 4th edition, Philadelphia, Elsevier, 2006, 1059-1079.

Cronan KM , Zderic SA: Manual detorsion of the testes. In Henretig F (ed.): Textbook of Pediatric Emergency Medicine Procedures, Second Edition. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins, 2006, 895-900.

2005

Zderic SA: Infections of the urinary tract and vesicoureteral reflux. In Ballard R, Tausch WI (eds): Avery's Textbook of Neonatology. Philadelphia: WB Saunders, 2005, 1314-1319.

Zderic SA: Developmental abnormalities of the genitourinary system. In Ballard R, Tausch WI (eds): Avery's Textbook of Neonatology. Philadelphia: WB Saunders, 2005, 1282-1297.

2002

Austin JC, Zderic SA: Penile and foreskin problems. In Schwartz MW (ed): The 5-Minute Pediatric Consult,3rd Edition. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2002, 906-907.

Zderic SA, Chacko S, DiSanto M, Wein AJ: Voiding function: relevant anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and molecular aspects. In Gillenwater J, Grayhack J, Howards S, Mitchell M (eds.): Adult and Pediatric Urology, Fourth Edition. Philadelphia: Lippincott, 2002, 1061-1114.

Zderic SA: The intersex states. In Polin R, Spitzer A (eds.): Neonatology Secrets. Philadelphia: Hanley & Belfus, 2002, 107-112.

Zderic SA: The management of ambiguous genitalia; shifting paradigms for a new millennium. AUA Update Series, Volume 21, lesson 21, pages 162-167, 2002.

2001

Zderic SA, Snyder HM: Disorder of sexual differentiation. In Hanno PM, Wein AJ (eds.): A Clinical Manual of Urology, Third Edition. New York: McGraw Hill Publications, 2001, 757-778.

Zderic SA: Female urethral embryology with clinical applications. In: Staskin DC, Cardozo L (eds.): Textbook of female Urology and Urogynecology. Oxford, UK: ISIS Medical Media, 2001, 103-110.

2000

Hutcheson JS, Zderic SA: The Children’s Hospital experience with cloacal exstrophy. The In Wienner J (ed.): Dialogues in Pediatric Urology 23(3):2-3, 2000.

1999

Canning DA, Lanchoney T McKitty S, Zderic SA, Snyder HM, Duckett JW: Bladder exstrophy closure without osteotomy in Philadelphia. In Gearhart JP, Matthews R (eds.): The Exstrophy Epispadias Complex – Research Concepts and Clinical Applications. New York: Kluwer-Plenum Publishers, 1999, 77-82.

Macarak EJ, Zderic SA, Snyder HM, Canning DA, Howard PS: The response of bladder smooth muscle to increased bladder neck resistance. In Gearhart JP, Matthews R (eds.): The Exstrophy Epispadias Complex – Research Concepts and Clinical Applications. New York: Kluwer-Plenum Publishers, 1999, 25-31.

1998

Zderic SA: Infections of the urinary tract and vesicoureteral reflux. In Ballard R, Tausch W, (eds.): Avery's Textbook of Neonatology. Philadelphia: Saunders, 1998, 1171-1176.

Zderic SA: Developmental abnormalities of the genitourinary system. In: Ballard R, Tausch WI (eds.): Avery's Textbook of Neonatology. Philadelphia: Saunders, 1998, 1144-1157.

1997

Cronan KM, Zderic SA: The acute scrotum. In Henretig F (ed.): Textbook of Pediatric Emergency Medicine Procedures, First Edition. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins, 1997, 1003-1006.

Fine JA, Zderic SA: Zipper injuries. In Henretig F (ed.): Textbook of Pediatric Emergency Medicine Procedures, First Edition. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins, 1997, 1014.

1996

Zderic SA: The endoscopic management of urethral valves. In Smith AD, Badlani GH, Bagley D, Clayman RV, Jordan GH, Kavoussi LR, Lingeman JE, Preminger GM, Segura JW (eds.): Smith's Textbook of Endourology. St. Louis: Quality Medical Publishing, 1996, 1323-1332.

Zderic SA, Wein AJ, Levin RM: Voiding function: relevant anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and molecular aspects. In Gillenwater J, Grayhack J, Howards S, Duckett JW (eds.): Adult and Pediatric Urology, Third Edition. Chicago: Year Book Medical Publishers, 1996, 1159-1219.

1994

Zderic SA: Hydrocele and spermatocele. In Hanno PM, Seidmon J (eds.): Current Urologic Therapy, Third Second Edition. Philadelphia: WB Saunders, 1994, 483-485.

Zderic SA: Chancroid, lymphogranuloma venereum, granuloma inguinale. In Hanno PM, Seidmon J (eds.): Current Urologic Therapy, Third Second Edition. Philadelphia: WB Saunders, 1994, 451-453.

Zderic SA: Sexually transmitted diseases. In Hanno PM, Wein AJ (eds.): A Clinical Manual of Urology, Second Edition. New York: McGraw Hill Publications, 1994, 625-646

1992

Zderic SA, Hanno PM: Cutaneous vesicostomy and suprapubic urinary diversion. In Fowler JE (ed.): Mastery of Surgery, Urology, First Edition. Boston: Little, Brown and Co., 1992, 235-240.

1989

Malloy TR, Carpiniello VL, Zderic SA: Treatment of lesions of the external genitalia. In Smith, Joseph, Stein, Barry (eds.): Lasers in

Posters and Presentations

Lectures by Invitation

2015

Zderic SA. Surgical and transgenic approaches for studying bladder wall hypertrophy. The Columbia University George O’Brien Symposium; 2015 Nov.

Zderic SA. The race is long: achieving work life balance for a long career in urology research. The AUA Young Investigator’s Symposium; 2015 Sep; Baltimore, MD.

Zderic SA. Voiding dynamics and neonatal reflux – what have we learned from human and animal studies? International Conference on Reflux Gottenburg, Sweden.

Awards and Honors

2022, Philadelphia Magazine's Top Doctors in Pediatric Urology
ex2011, Second Prize – Basic Research Competition, AAP section on Urology
2010, The John W. Duckett Award of the American Urologic Association
2009, The John W. Duckett Endowed Chair in Pediatric Urology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
2008, First Prize – Basic Science Research Competition, AAP Section on Urology
2005-present, Who’s Who in America
2005-present, Best Doctors in America
1991, Second Prize, Jack Lapides Essay Competition
1990, First Prize – Basic Science Research Competition, AAP Section on Urology
1989-1990, American Foundation for Urologic Disease, Special Scholar, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia/University of Pennsylvania
1980, NIH Summer Medical Student Research Trainee, UCLA School of Medicine
1977-1978, President's Fellowship, University of California
1977, Summer Fellow, The Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology, Shrewsbury, MA

Editorial and Academic Positions

Editorial Positions
British Journal of Urology
Journal of Endourology
Journal of Urology
Pediatric Emergency Care
Urology
Wound Repair and Regeneration
Asian Journal of Andrology
American Journal of Physiology Renal
Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
Pediatric Nephrology
Pediatric Research
Cytotherapy
Nature Urology
World Journal of Urology
PLOS
Journal of Clinical Investigation

Leadership and Memberships

American Urological Association

American College of Surgeons

American Academy of Pediatrics

Society for Pediatric Urology

Society of University Urologists

American Association for the Advancement of Science