General Info

Simon J. Hall, MD, joined Northwell Health in 2015. He is a urologist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate, bladder and kidney cancers. After receiving his medical degree from the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Dr. Hall completed a residency in urology at Boston University School of Medicine and a fellowship in urologic oncology at Baylor College of Medicine. “I was drawn to urology because of the variety of procedures and conditions involved, as well as the ability to take care of a patient from evaluation through medical or surgical treatment,” he says. “Urologists also tend to have lifelong relationships with their patients, and that helps with the type of shared decision making that’s necessary for care.” Dr. Hall is especially drawn to providing clear, effective communication that advances patients’ understanding of their diagnoses and treatment options. “Health literacy is about giving patients options that help guide them to the decision that fits them best,” he says. Another passion is research and treatment that advances the field. Dr. Hall has focused on new therapies for prostate and bladder cancer, and has participated in numerous clinical trials, some of which generated data resulting in FDA approval of abiraterone (Zytiga) and enzulutamide (Xtandi). Currently, he’s helping develop a prostate cancer risk calculator to allow urologists to better assess risk levels for cancer in patients with an elevated PSA and determine when a prostate MRI and biopsy is appropriate. Another innovation is a collaboration with Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory to develop biomarkers that identify those at higher risk for aggressive prostate cancer. “The goal of these advances is always improved patient care,” says Dr. Hall. “We’re passionate about educating ourselves and evaluating how things are done so we can continue to advance our care.”