Nathan Michael Shaw, MD

Provider is directly employed by MedStar Health

Nathan Shaw, MD, is an expert Urologist in genitourinary reconstructive surgery. He sees patients at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, and MedStar Health at Lafayette Centre.

Dr. Shaw specializes in complex reconstruction and cancer survivorship. He sees men and women who have experienced urinary symptoms following complications of cancer diagnosis, cancer treatment, radiation, and trauma. The conditions he treats include urethral and ureteral strictures, buried or hidden penis, urinary incontinence in men, and general urological trauma.

His treatment methods include surgical interventions that combine novel and emerging techniques including the use of robotic surgery. Dr. Shaw is trained in the use of the Optilume® procedure to treat urethral stricture and in techniques to repair buried/hidden penis, a procedure that requires skin grafting and other plastic surgery techniques. He also performs urethroplasty, ureteral reconstruction, implants to address male incontinence, and erectile dysfunction.

Dr. Shaw’s clinical interests focus on helping both men and women navigate urinary complications of cancers and cancer treatment. He is passionate about helping patients rebuild their urinary and sexual health following cancer treatment and treatment for obesity. Dr. Shaw has a special clinical and research focus on helping men with urinary incontinence. He is recognized as the only Center of Excellence for the AMS800™ Artificial Urinary Sphincter in the Washington DC region.

As Director of clinical research, he helps the department develop new research endeavors that advance the urology field. His specific research interests include understanding how to manage urinary incontinence in men and how physicians can improve outcomes for these patients, the role of weight loss in urinary and sexual health, understanding the longstanding effects of radiation on urinary health, and how to improve the outcomes of men and women who experience urologic trauma. He has published dozens of publications and abstracts in peer-reviewed journals as well as a book chapters, and has presented his findings in conferences and symposiums. Dr. Shaw is a reviewer for multiple journals including the Journal of Urology, European Urology, and Urology.

Dr. Shaw received his medical degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine. He completed a five-year urology residency at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, where he was recognized as Resident of the Year, awarded the Dr. Matthew Love Resident Teaching Award, and named a String of Pearls recipient for his role as a resident teacher. He then completed a specialty fellowship in male genitourinary reconstruction and trauma fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Shaw won faculty teacher of the year in 2025.

When not dedicating his time to improving the quality of life of his patients, Dr. Shaw enjoys spending time with his family, skiing, and rooting for the 49ers.

Philosophy of Care

“I believe in being straightforward and clear with my patients. Through active listening, I hope to learn my patients’ goals, as well as their families’ goals for treatment, and how I can help them achieve those goals.

“I’m a father and a husband, and I want to treat my patients the way I would expect to be treated. I feel proud when my patients say that I was honest, clear, and respectful.”