Father and Daughter Work as Urologists at the Same Hospital — with Rooms Beside Each Other: ‘He‘s the Original Girl Dad’

**Father-Daughter Duo Enriches Urology Field at HCA Florida Kendall Hospital**

Dr. Shirin Razdan, a pioneering robotic surgeon, reflects positively on her father’s influence in her medical career, emphasising that he has always treated her as an equal. Dr. Sanjay Razdan, a seasoned urologist himself, initially had reservations about his daughter’s choice to pursue a speciality in urology. However, he later came to embrace her ambitions, resulting in a unique collaborative relationship in the operating room at HCA Florida Kendall Hospital.

Dr. Shirin Razdan serves as the director of the hospital’s Robotic Kidney Program and regularly works alongside her father, who leads the Robotic Prostate Cancer Program. Their professional partnership has allowed them to strengthen their familial bond while advancing the field of urology. Despite his initial hesitations regarding her eagerness to enter a predominantly male-dominated speciality, Sanjay ultimately recognised his daughter’s tenacity and talent.

Reflecting on his early reservations, Sanjay expressed, “I never wanted her to get into urology. It’s too much.” He had initially hoped she might choose a field like cardiology or dermatology, believing that these paths would be less stressful and more suitable for her well-being. Despite her father’s concerns, Shirin remained steadfast in her decision to pursue urology, explaining, “When I told him, ‘Dad, I think I’m going to do urology,’ he was devastated.”

Raised in a medically inclined environment, Dr. Shirin found inspiration in her father’s career and aimed to carve her own path in medicine. After earning a degree in Urology and Robotics Operations, she gained valuable experience through her work with the Comprehensive Kidney Cancer Program at Mount Sinai Health System in New York City. Her areas of expertise now encompass conditions ranging from enlarged prostate symptoms to kidney stones and cancer.

Despite the initial hesitancy, Shirin credits her father for always supporting her ambitions and nurturing her aspirations. She affectionately refers to him as the “original girl dad,” highlighting that he never allowed her gender to define her capabilities. “He’s never once made me feel that I was any less than any other doctor out there just because I’m a woman,” she affirmed.

Both Shirin and Sanjay take pride in the diverse and complex procedures they undertake, though their specialities often lead them to work on separate cases. Nevertheless, their operating rooms are located adjacent to each other, allowing for frequent interactions. “I like to pop into his room and be like, ‘What’s up? Hi, it’s me,'” Shirin said, noting the light-hearted nature of their relationship amidst the seriousness of their work.

Their collaborations extend beyond the operating theatre; the two also engage in discussions about surgical techniques while watching videos together, and they share insights during family dinners. Such exchanges enrich their professional lives and forge a deeper connection.

Reflecting on their partnership, Sanjay expressed awe at his daughter’s skills. “The complex cases that she does, I’m fascinated. It’s not because she’s my daughter; she’s just amazing with the robot,” he noted, revealing his emotional pride when observing her at work. The mutual admiration fosters an environment of continuous learning and growth for both.

Shirin reciprocates her father’s sentiments, seeing him as not just a parent but a mentor and partner in her professional journey. “He is my shining star,” she said, affirming their close-knit relationship, which provides her with unwavering support both in her career and personal life.

Ultimately, this father-daughter duo exemplifies how mutual respect and encouragement can break down barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields. They embody a shared dedication to advancing medical knowledge and patient care while inspiring future generations in the realm of urology.