Tracy M. Downs, MD, FACS, is a board-certified urologist specializing in the surgical treatment of urologic cancers, with a sub-specialty focus in the treatment of both prostate and bladder cancer. He also has extensive experience in taking care of patients with general urology health concerns and overseeing clinical trials. 

In addition to providing patient care, Dr. Downs joined UVA in 2021 to serve as UVA’s first Chief Diversity & Community Engagement Officer. In this role, Dr. Downs serves as UVA Health’s leading voice on diversity, equity and inclusion and as an advocate for related initiatives across the health system and the local community.

Dr. Downs comes to UVA Health from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, where he was Associate Dean for Diversity and Multicultural Affairs and Professor of Urologic Oncology. At UW, Dr. Downs played an instrumental role in overseeing the recruitment of and medical education support programs for individuals from ethnically diverse backgrounds underrepresented in medicine. He also served as Faculty Director of the Cancer Health Disparities Initiative at UW’s Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Dr. Downs earned his medical degree from the University of California San Diego, completed his residency at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston, and completed a fellowship at the University of California at San Francisco. He earned his undergraduate degree from California Lutheran University.

Dr. Downs was born in Portsmouth, Virginia while his dad was serving in the U.S. Navy. He grew up in San Diego, California where he enjoyed playing baseball and football and BMX dirt bike racing. His life has been positively impacted by his family, and especially his mother and grandmother. Dr. Downs pursued a medical degree because of his interest in health and science, but most of all so he could use this knowledge “to help take good care of people from various backgrounds,” he shares.