Dr. Carol Bennett Retires From UCLA Medicine
The pioneering urologist concludes her tenure at the David Geffen School of Medicine in September 2026.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Stroke
Dr. Carol Bennett, the first Black woman certified by the American Board of Urology, retired from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA in September 2026. Her departure marks the end of a decades-long career focused on academic medicine and specialized clinical care.
Why it matters
Dr. Bennett is recognized for her significant contributions to medical research and her leadership in urology. Her career included developing the Spinal Cord Injury Fertility Program and earning national recognition for physician leadership.
Dr. Bennett secured nearly $4,000,000 in research funding and authored more than 80 peer-reviewed articles during her career. These metrics reflect her research output throughout her tenure at major academic institutions.
The players
Dr. Carol Bennett
She is a trailblazing urologist who became the first Black woman certified by the American Board of Urology.
David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
It is a prominent research and teaching institution located in Los Angeles that serves as a hub for medical education.
The details
During her tenure, Dr. Bennett served as the Henry E. Singleton Chair in Urology and mentored numerous students while overseeing facility improvements at the West Los Angeles VA. She gained national prominence after receiving the Planetree Physician Leadership Award in 2010.
Timeline
1983: Dr. Bennett joined the University of Michigan Medical School faculty.
1988: Dr. Bennett began her role as an assistant professor at USC.
1996: Dr. Bennett joined the UCLA department of urology as a clinical professor.
September 2026: Dr. Bennett retired from her academic position at UCLA.
The Big Picture
Dr. Bennett’s career followed the successful implementation and institutionalization of the Spinal Cord Injury Fertility Program she pioneered. This work established a lasting precedent for integrating specialized reproductive technology into clinical urology practice.
Patients who relied on the Spinal Cord Injury Fertility Program may see changes in departmental administration following Dr. Bennett’s retirement. Future clinical care standards will be shaped by the infrastructure and mentorship models she established at UCLA and the West Los Angeles VA.
The takeaway
Dr. Bennett’s career highlights the impact of sustained mentorship and focused research in specialized medical fields. Aspiring medical professionals can view her path as a guide for balancing clinical excellence with academic leadership.
Further reading
Learn more about advancements in specialized medical care on the Los Angeles Stroke section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Los Angeles Sentinel.
