Tracy M Downs, MD

Tracy M. Downs, MD, FACS, is a board-certified urologist specializing in the surgical treatment of urologic cancers, with a sub-specialty focus in the treatment of both prostate and bladder cancer. He also has extensive experience in taking care of patients with general urology health concerns and overseeing clinical trials.

In addition to providing patient care, Dr. Downs joined UVA in 2021 and serves as UVA’s Chief Community Engagement and Health Outcomes Officer. In this role, Dr. Downs is the leading voice on community collaboration, improved access, and health outcomes. Within UVA Health, he guides efforts to address the most pressing health needs of the communities we serve by undergoing community needs assessment surveys and understanding social determinants of health.

Dr. Downs comes to UVA Health from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, where he was Associate Dean for Diversity and Multicultural Affairs and Professor of Urologic Oncology. At UW, Dr. Downs played an instrumental role in overseeing the recruitment of and medical education support programs for individuals from ethnically diverse backgrounds underrepresented in medicine. He also served as Faculty Director of the Cancer Health Disparities Initiative at UW’s Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Dr. Downs earned his medical degree from the University of California San Diego, completed his residency at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston, and completed a fellowship at the University of California at San Francisco. He earned his undergraduate degree from California Lutheran University.

Dr. Downs was born in Portsmouth, Virginia while his dad was serving in the U.S. Navy. He grew up in San Diego, California where he enjoyed playing baseball and football and BMX dirt bike racing. His life has been positively impacted by his family, and especially his mother and grandmother. Dr. Downs pursued a medical degree because of his interest in health and science, but most of all so he could use this knowledge “to help take good care of people from various backgrounds,” he shares.

He adds, “I am incredibly fortunate that others entrust me with helping to make a positive impact in their overall health. We are a team, and make decisions together. I am grateful to be a member of their healthcare team. While I am by nature ‘easy going,’ I take the responsibility to provide the best care to my patients very seriously.”

Gender

Male

Languages

Spanish, English

Age Groups Seen

Adults (21-65)
Older Adults (65+)

Primary Education

University of California, San Diego School of Medicine

Residency

Harvard Longwood Program in Urology - Senior and Chief Resident

Fellowships

Brigham and Women's Hospital - Surgical Nutrition Fellowship, University of California San Francisco - Urologic Oncology Fellowship

Certification

American Board of Urology (Urology)

Appointment

Chief - Community Engagement and Health Outcomes Officer

Additional Specialties

Urologic Oncology