Meet Dr. Lee

Dr. David Lee

Dr. David Lee specializes in robotic surgery for prostate cancer. He has one of the leading experiences in the world, having completed more than 6,300 cases. He recently served as Chief of Urology at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center and an Associate Professor of Surgery and Urology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Lee graduated as part of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society from Loma Linda University School of Medicine. After completing his urology residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Dr. Lee completed an endourology fellowship with Dr. Ralph Clayman and Dr. Tom Ahlering at UCI Health, where he was part of one of the pioneering experiences of robotic surgery. In his initial practice in Texas, he established the first major robot prostatectomy program in the south central United States. He was then recruited to the University of Pennsylvania to build a robotic program where he routinely performed more than 400 robotic cases per year.

Dr.-David-Lee-MD

Dr. Lee has published over 200 articles, abstracts, and book chapters in the field of minimally invasive urologic surgery. He directed the Penn Robotic Urologic Surgery Fellowship, was Surgeon Champion for NSQIP, and CLP for the Cancer Committee and member of the Abramson Cancer Center. He has been recognized in Best Doctors in America, Castle Connelly Top Doctors, and Top Docs in Philadelphia Magazine.

View CV

Medical Services

  • Prostate Cancer
  • BPH
  • Elevated PSA
  • Robotic Prostatectomy

Language

  • English

Locations

UCI Urology – Orange
Pavilion III, Building 29,
101 The City Drive South
Orange, CA 92868

UCI Urology – Newport Beach
20350 Birch Street
Newport Beach, CA 92660

Professional Positions

  • Vice Chair of Academic Affairs & Clinical Operations
  • Professor of Urology
  • Director of Comprehensive Prostate Cancer Program
Excellent
David Lee, MD I UCI Prostate Cancer Center
5.0
Based on 32 reviews
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Luis Litonjua
Dr. David Lee is a brilliant physician and surgeon. He have a great bedside manner. I highly recommend him.
Andrew Immerman
Dr. David Lee is a brilliant physician and surgeon, and a consummate professional, with an incredible and generous bedside manner. I highly recommend Dr. Lee.
Dan Baker
I had researched a great deal about the UCI robotics program and when my active surveillance was at an end, I felt relief when I was referred to the program. Dr. Lee challenged me to look past my apprehension of prostate removal and focus on the mental benefits of no longer being burdened with the thought of walking around with cancer. Dr. Lee was masterful and I had such little pain afterwards. I was back at work in two weeks. His support staff was also very responsive and answered all questions in a ridiculously short time frame. I can honestly say, I feel I have been given a second chance.
B C G
The West Coast is very fortunate to have such a world class RALP surgeon here. My father had brachytherapy over twenty years ago so I was leaning more towards radiation therapy. But after meeting Dr. David Lee and getting an MRI, I decided to have surgery. It went exceptionally well: full functionality and pad free status within 4 months with undetectable PSA levels. Every patient is different but highly recommend at least consulting with Dr. Lee. He is very calm and reassuring with tremendous knowledge and skill.
Bruce Carson
The entire team at UCI lead by Dr Lee did an excellent job of helping me through the radical prostatectomy process. Pre-op, surgery and post-op processes were all handled with professionalism and care. Dr Lee's extensive experience with this process convinced me he was the right choice.
Felipe Perez
Dr. Lee did a wonderful job. My recovery went much better and faster than I expected. Dr.Lee and his entire team are very professional and thorough. They explained everything about the procedure in a very easy manner to understand. I am VERY grateful to him and his team.
Michael Russo
Dr Lee is compassionate and empathetic and has a great sense of humor. He is a world class urologist and surgeon who took the time to make sure I understood the Robotic Prostatectomy procedure and the follow-up treatment plan. I had relatively little pain post surgery. Dr Lee is a caring physician and made the surgery as painless as possible. The entire team working with Dr Lee is outstanding and very helpful pre and post-op.
BC Chen
I really appreciate Dr. Lee's great work. The surgery went well and my recovery was fast. Dr. Lee is very kind and patiently answered all my questions and concerns. He is very skillful and is the one of the best doctors I have ever visited.
Don Radcliff
From the moment my wife and I met Dr Lee, we felt as he had been my Dr for a long time. He was professional yet also personable and caring. He explained everything about prostatectomy surgery and answered all the questions we had. He advised that my Gleason score was just in the middle of the 0-9 rating. He recommended surgery over other options due too family history and slow raising PSA level. I chose to do the surgery and after the colon was biopsied post surgery the true Gleason score was 9. That's highest and worst score possible! In trusting Dr Lee he most possibly saved me from future treatment and possibly death.
paul clifford
Dr. David Lee was thorough with all of his explanations, had a calm demeanor surgery day, and called me personally with the pathology report. The surgery was a tremendous success and I am so glad that I had it completed with Dr. Lee and his staff at UCI.
MICHAEL MARTINEZ
Dr Lee, is experienced and professional, with a kind and straightforward demeanor. He instills great confidence in his work and clarity in his processes.
Rudi Weber
Dr Lee is great!
He took the time to explain treatment options with pros/cons specific to my cancer. His input was key to my treatment selection. His humor is great, helped me to feel comfortable through the entire process. Surgery went smoothly, no issues with recovery.
Thank you very much, I'm cancer free!
James Ghoulam
I've been to few doctors, had 4 surgeries. the last one was a prostate surgery, The day I met Dr David Lee I felt very safe and comfortable, God bless him and his team, he's really a great surgeon. I tell you from experience that he doesnt do what he does best for the money like other doctors, He even called me himself to check on me and to see how I was doing after the surgery. The only doctor or surgeon that did that. I thank you so much for caring and saving peoples lives God Bless you and your team at UCI. you all are the best.
David Cruz
Dr. David Lee is an excellent Surgeon, and Urologist my surgery went very well and painless Dr. Lee’s staff was great, I would recommend Dr. Lee to anyone who needs a skill surgeon.
hank rams
Wonderful, skillful, excellent and caring surgeon who made the surgery as painless as possible. Would recommend 125% of the time.
Neil Matheson
Dr Lee is a world class urologist and urologic surgeon who takes time to ensure his patients understand their medical condition and are 100% comfortable with the treatment plan. He is compassionate and empathetic with a calm bedside manner and great sense of humor. Dr Lee is one of the best robotic surgeons in the world, completing more than 300 robotic prostatectomies each year. I had virtually no pain post surgery, I was completely dry within 4 weeks, and my erectile function returned at 5 weeks. I cannot thank Dr Lee enough for taking care of me beyond my expectations. He is the best.
Sean Vann Yik
We took a family member to see Dr. David Lee, and it was the best decision we ever made! We researched 2 other options for the procedure. We are forever blessed that we found Dr. David Lee! To have Dr. Lee return from the East Coast back to SoCal is a gift to us here living in Orange County!
Rod Leslie
Dr. Lee was very professional, knowledgeable, and caring. He is the perfect antidote when confronted with the uncertainty of a medical problem. I would highly recommend him for your urology needs. In my opinion, he is a “Top Doc”.
Doug Paulson
I highly recommend David Lee for robotic prostate surgery. The televisit provided all the information I needed and I was secure in my decision. I had done a lot of searching with my associates in the medical research and clinical world and David had the best recommends from UPenn from others doing similar surgery. I again HIGHLY recommend David Lee for prostate surgery. His associate also answered my post surgery within 10 min over the following weeks. This decision was the result of a great deal of research on my part.
Michael Bautista
Having researched so many options for treating my Gleason 9 Prostate Cancer, I chose a nerve sparing Prostatectomy with Dr. David Lee.
My decision was made in part due to his amazing surgical skills as he ranks among the very top elite surgeons in the country.
Second to this I enjoyed his down to earth humble personality and his willingness to answer my every question without the feeling of ever being rushed.
He always spent extra time with me and I truly appreciated it. When communicating with him thru the UCI, My Chart, he was very responsive and excellent on follow-up. He also met with me before and my family after the surgery.
He is a really terrific doctor who genuinely cares about his patients!
Did I make the right decision? Absolutely, I am one month out of surgery and really doing great! My abilities are slowly returning and good news on the pathology report, no sign that cancer had spread.

Dr. David Lee saved my life and I will be forever grateful to him!
Tim Buzbee
Doctor David Lee is very kind and compassionate as well as very skilled in his field of expertise with robotic prostatectomy. He took the time when meeting with me and my wife to answer all of our questions and concerns. He spoke to us as friends and family members. This is a rare find in Medicine today. It was a refreshing change. I highly recommend Doctor David Lee and his amazing staff, if you are faced with the need for a radical prostatectomy as I was. Thank You for the opportunity to recommend Doctor David Lee.

Testimonials

Couldn’t find any better or more competent surgeon than Dr. Lee. We are blessed to have him and his excellent staff in our area. Prostate cancer is a scary diagnosis—Dr. Lee and his folks guide you through every step of the difficult process with knowledge, caring and confidence. We are so glad we used him for the surgery — he is the best.

via Vitals.com

Dr. Lee is a master specialist at removing the prostate robotically. Super efficient, smart and funny too. Superior support staff. I highly recommend for this surgery.

via Healthgrades.com

Dr. Lee has been my husband's urologist for quite a few years. As far as we are concerned, he is absolutely the best! The top notch professional and a wonderful person! What a combination!

via Vitals.com

Dr. Lee and his staff provide excellent, professional care. Dr. Lee is a very experienced and skilled surgeon.

via Healthgrades.com

Excellent bedside manner, took the time to answer all questions before and after surgery, excellent staff that are very knowledgeable and organized. Great outcome from surgery. The Dr. and his team really understand the concerns of their patients and are well prepared to address them. They made me feel very comfortable that I was working the best in the world.

via Vitals.com

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