Dr. Dave Ellis… Lifting LUGPA and All of Us

by Dave Carpenter, January 2026 

	David J. Ellis, MD, FACS
	Dave Carpenter, CEO of Minnesota Urology

As the incoming Chair of LUGPA’s Communications Committee, I would be booting the handoff without taking a moment to recognize the contributions of my predecessor, colleague, and friend, Dr. Dave Ellis.

Dr. Ellis became Chair of LUGPA’s Communications Committee in 2017. During his tenure, Dave led numerous initiatives, including the modernization of the organization’s website, and enhancing the committee’s industry news review process to ensure that commentaries consistently aligned with LUGPA’s core positions. He promoted effective communication between the Board of Directors and committee chairs, fostering organizational alignment on key issues. Dr. Ellis also played a pivotal role in developing Media Monitor into a respected weekly e-newsletter, guiding the committee to deliver clear and relevant commentary that provided valuable context and perspective to LUGPA members.

From 2018 to 2024, Dr. Ellis served on LUGPA’s Board of Directors and was recognized with the LUGPA Advocate of the Year Award in 2019 for his commitment to advocacy in Washington. In 2022, he hosted the “Benefits of LUGPA Membership” video, effectively promoting the organization’s mission and expanding membership engagement. Dr. Ellis continued to lead the Communications Committee through 2025, further strengthening LUGPA’s public profile and outreach.

Dr. Ellis retired from both the Communications Committee and his urology practice at MidLantic Urology at the end of 2025. Colleagues have extended their best wishes, with LUGPA President Dr. Scott Sellinger noting that “Dr. Ellis has been an outstanding contributor to the LUGPA board, the Communications Committee, and as a vocal participant at nearly all of our regional and national meetings. LUGPA is stronger because of Dave’s efforts, and we are indebted to him.”

Dr. Ellis now looks forward to a well-earned retirement, likely enjoying time on the golf courses near his home in Pennsylvania.

On a more personal note, I will miss Dave’s booming voice (no mic needed here!), warm demeanor, hearty laugh, and poignant conversations we’ve shared over the years. He is a true gentle giant of independent urology. When I think of him, I’m reminded of something I once heard Denzel Washington say: “In the end, it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished. It’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back.”

Thanks for everything you’ve given back, Dr. Ellis. We are all better because of you.

David J. Ellis, MD, FACS

As the president of Academic Urology (AU), Dr. Ellis has been principally involved in the group’s establishment and ongoing operations, resulting in steady growth and success. His direct oversight of this ‘hub and spoke’ modeled organization has led AU to being a strong multifaceted LUGPA member practice.

Dr. Ellis, along with other likeminded Philadelphia urologists, has been integral in the creation of and merger into MidLantic Urology (MLU). MLU is comprised of almost all of the independent urology practitioners in the Philadelphia region. It is continuing to grow and is extending beyond the Pennsylvania Commonwealth boundaries.

“I am honored to expand my contribution to LUGPA by joining its Board of Directors,” said Dr. Ellis in 2018. “As a fierce supporter of independent urology, I look forward to continuing to promote LUGPA’s priorities as it works to protect and defend the private practice of urology for years to come.”  He served on the LUGPA Board of Directors from 2018 -2024 and received LUGPA's Advocate of the Year award in 2019.

For more than five years, Dr. Ellis served as chair of the LUGPA Communications Committee. The committee reviews news articles for LUGPA's weekly Media Monitor and provides comments to provide context, clarification or even points of contention to what is being popularly reported. He will retire from the committee and from his urology practice at the end of 2025.  

Dr. Ellis graduated from Jefferson Medical College and the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital Urology residency program under the late Dr. S. Grant Mulholland. He has multiple related educational certificates including ultrasound, laparoscopy, lasers, and minimally invasive therapies.