Tope Rude, MD, Named 2025 APP Physician Champion of the Year

Stanford Urology is proud to recognize Temitope Rude, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor, on being selected as the 2025 Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Physician Champion of the Year. This prestigious honor, awarded annually by Stanford Health Care, celebrates physicians who demonstrate exceptional commitment to advancing the professional growth, collaboration, and clinical impact of Advanced Practice Providers across the health system.

The Physician Champion Award recognizes a physician who has meaningfully contributed to the development and clinical success of APPs, serving as a role model for interprofessional teamwork and supporting APPs in expanding access to high-quality care. Dr. Rude’s selection demonstrates her consistent advocacy, leadership, and dedication to creating a supportive environment where APPs can thrive and excel.

During the nomination process, the APP team highlighted Dr. Rude’s transformative influence across Stanford Urology’s clinical programs. They described her as an accessible and trusted partner who generously shares her knowledge, encourages open communication, and ensures that APPs feel comfortable seeking guidance. Her volunteer efforts in training new APPs have strengthened their ability to manage complex cases and perform procedures, ultimately improving patient access and enhancing the overall clinical experience. She has also championed standardized schedules across the urology clinics, an effort that has improved work-life balance and reduced burnout, and continues to involve APPs in quality-improvement projects that advance patient care.

Reflecting on the award, Dr. Rude emphasized that the recognition represents far more than individual achievement. “I feel very fortunate to work alongside such an outstanding group of APPs - whether it’s in the OR, in clinic at the main campus, in our multidisciplinary pelvic health clinic, or at our outreach sites in the East Bay,” she shared. “Across all these settings, you’ve been true partners - helping us move initiatives forward and always willing to problem-solve together so we can give our patients the best care possible.”

Dr. Rude added that the collaboration she experiences daily is the true foundation of this recognition. “I’ve learned so much from you, not only about patient care but also about what it means to work as a real team. This recognition means a lot to me, but it really reflects the collaboration we share every day.”