The L. William Ferris, MD, Memorial Lectureship in Pediatric Urology 
Sponsored by The Hohn Family

The L. William Ferris, MD Memorial Lectureship in Pediatric Urology was established in honor of Dr. Ferris, Director of The Wilmington Medical Center’s Department of Urology, who passed away in 1982. A graduate of The University of Virginia and Tufts Medical School, Dr. Ferris entered private practice in 1960, after completing his residency at The Wilmington Medical Center. He was known by his colleagues as a skilled and compassionate physician and surgeon, instrumental in elevating The Wilmington Medical Center’s ability to treat pediatric urology patients. The Delaware Academy of Medicine and Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware are co-sponsoring this lecture in order to perpetuate Dr. Ferris’ legacy of innovation in the area of pediatric urology.

This years distinguished visiting professor is Walid Farhat, MD

Dr. Walid A. Farhat is a pediatric urologist, surgeon–scientist, and academic leader whose career spans four decades and multiple continents, marked by sustained excellence in clinical innovation, research, education, and global leadership.

He began his academic journey at the American University of Beirut, earning a BSc in Biology followed by a Doctor of Medicine, and completing his urology residency in Beirut. Early in his training, he sought international exposure through observerships in the United States and Canada, laying the foundation for a global academic career.

Dr. Farhat pursued advanced clinical and research fellowship training in pediatric urology at the Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Toronto, where he later joined the faculty. Over nearly two decades in Toronto, he rose through the academic ranks to Professor of Surgery, becoming an internationally recognized authority in pediatric urology, minimally invasive surgery, bladder and tissue engineering, and surgical education. During this period, he combined high-volume clinical practice with prolific scholarship, mentorship, and leadership, contributing foundational work in dysfunctional voiding, vesicoureteral reflux, and regenerative medicine.

In parallel with his clinical and scientific work, Dr. Farhat pursued formal training in education, leadership, and law, earning certificates from the University of Toronto, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and completing a Global Professional Master of Laws at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law—reflecting his commitment to ethically grounded, system-level academic leadership.

In 2019, he joined the University of Wisconsin–Madison as Chief of Pediatric Urology and Professor, later serving as Director of Global Urology. In Madison, he expanded his academic impact through translational research, physician leadership development, global health initiatives, and interdisciplinary scholarship spanning pediatric urology, neurodevelopment, and health systems innovation.

In 2026, Dr. Farhat was appointed Professor and Vice Chair of Surgery at Nemours Children’s Health in Jacksonville, Florida, where he continues to shape the future of academic pediatric surgery through mentorship, program development, and international collaboration.

Across his career, Dr. Farhat has authored over 200 peer-reviewed publications, numerous book chapters and monographs, secured major competitive funding as principal and co-investigator, and delivered invited lectures throughout North America, Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. His work reflects a career-long commitment to advancing child health through science, education, and global academic engagement.