SUMMARY
Boyd R. Viers, M.D., is a urologist who studies methods to improve outcomes and quality of life for patients with complex genitourinary injuries, especially those related to prostate cancer therapy, radiation and trauma.
Dr. Viers conducts both translational and clinical research. His work explores mechanisms of radiation-induced tissue injury, innovation in reconstructive surgical, and the role of perioperative optimization to enhance surgical recovery.
His research includes integration of robotic reconstructive techniques, regenerative medicine and imaging analysis driven by artificial intelligence (AI). Using these techniques, Dr. Viers aims to develop personalized, multidisciplinary treatment strategies that restore urinary function and improve survivorship for patients facing severe lower urinary tract complications.
Focus areas
- Radiation-induced genitourinary injury and reconstruction. Dr. Viers leads clinical and translational research on urinary tract reconstruction after prostate cancer therapy and pelvic radiation. His work focuses on defining mechanisms of radiation-induced tissue injury, optimizing wound healing and tissue perfusion, and developing reconstructive algorithms that restore urinary function while improving cancer survivorship and quality of life.
- Advanced robotic and fluorescent-guided reconstructive surgery. Dr. Viers and his research team pioneered the use of singleport and multiport robotic platforms and intraoperative fluorescent imaging to enhance surgical precision in complex genitourinary reconstruction. These innovations enable minimally invasive solutions for urethral, bladder neck and ureteral conditions traditionally managed with open surgical techniques.
- Artificial intelligence and predictive modeling in surgical planning. Dr. Viers collaborates with imaging scientists to apply AI-driven deep learning models for perioperative risk stratification and treatment planning in reconstructive urology. These algorithms analyze preoperative imaging to predict surgical complexity, functional outcomes and recovery trajectories. Together, they help advance data-driven personalized care.
- Prehabilitation, surgical nutrition and tissue optimization. Dr. Viers explores how preoperative nutrition, conditioning and hyperbaric oxygen therapy can improve surgical outcomes in irradiated or ischemic tissues. Enhancing local tissue oxygenation and systemic health before surgery may be able to improve wound healing, reduce complications and accelerate recovery.
- Innovation in surgical education and simulation. Dr. Viers investigates the impact of simulation-based training on the performance and confidence of urology residents. His projects compare porcine, cadaveric and virtual robotic simulation platforms to identify optimal training modalities that enhance surgical readiness and patient safety.
Significance to patient care
Dr. Viers' research helps patients who experience urinary concerns after cancer treatment, radiation or trauma. These conditions can greatly affect quality of life by causing pain, infection and loss of bladder control. Dr. Viers and his team develop new ways in surgery to safely rebuild the urinary system using advanced robotic techniques and innovative healing strategies. He and his team also apply imaging and AI tools to better plan surgery and predict recovery. Through this work, Dr. Viers aims to restore comfort, confidence and regular function for patients with complex urologic injuries.
Professional highlights
- Mayo Clinic:
- Program director, Urology Residency (Minnesota), 2022-present.
- Trauma and Genitourinary Reconstruction Fellowship (Minnesota), 2022-present.
- Vice chair of education, Department of Urology, 2022-present.
- Principal investigator, "Artificial Intelligence Analysis of Body Composition After Radical Cystectomy," Small Grants Program, 2019-2021.
- Teacher of the Year, Department of Urology, 2019.
- American Urological Association:
- Panel member, Urotrauma Guideline Committee, 2025-present.
- Best Video Abstract Award, 2019, 2023.
- Co-investigator, "Concomitant Renal and Urinary Bladder Allograft Transplantation," U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity Grant, 2020-2026.
- Academic Exchange Program Scholar, American Urological Association and European Association of Urology, 2024.
- Best Video Award, American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, 2021.