Urologic cancers require a careful balance of technical expertise and personalized care. Jamaal C. Jackson, MD, brings both to his urologic oncology practice at UTMB, combining advanced surgical training, active research involvement, and a patient-centered approach shaped by personal experience.
“My grandmother was a nurse anesthetist, and she really sparked my interest in medicine,” Dr. Jackson says. “When she was later diagnosed with muscle-invasive bladder cancer, I saw firsthand how important timely, expert urologic care can be.”
That experience helped guide him toward a specialty that allows for long-term patient relationships, adaptation of new technology, and meaningful impact.
Dr. Jackson earned his medical degree from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, followed by urology residency training at Rush University Medical Center. He completed advanced fellowship training in urologic oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, where he gained extensive experience treating complex genitourinary cancers.
Having arrived at UTMB last fall, Dr. Jackson treats the full range of urologic cancers, including prostate, bladder, kidney, adrenal, penile, and testicular cancers. His practice includes some general urology as well, but his main focus is oncology.
“I’m comfortable using robotic or open approaches,” he explains. “I’ve always been into technology, and urology was one of the early adapters of robotic surgery. Having that flexibility allows us to choose the best option for each patient, rather than forcing a single technique.”
Bladder cancer is a key focus of his practice and research. His approach to bladder cancer treatment begins with determining whether or not the cancer is muscle invasive.
“For non-invasive disease, we work hard to use bladder-sparing treatments. Once it becomes muscle invasive, we may need to be more aggressive – but the patient’s goals and overall health always guide that decision,” he says.
Dr. Jackson says that individuals who detect blood in their urine or experience irritative voiding symptoms – such as a sudden and intense need to urinate, increased frequency, and pain – should consider a full evaluation to rule out bladder cancer.
He also urges primary care physicians to perform a urinalysis and urine culture on patients with these symptoms, which are often mistaken for a urinary tract infection.
Partnering with primary care is one component of the collaborative treatment philosophy that Dr. Jackson emphasizes. He believes in a multidisciplinary approach that also includes medical and radiation oncology, nutrition, physical therapy, and more to optimize the patient’s health.
He places particular emphasis on mental health, as a cancer diagnosis can represent a major life change. Connecting patients with support groups and other mental health resources is key to their successful recovery.
“It’s not just about treating the cancer,” he says. “It’s about supporting the whole person.”
 | Jamaal C. Jackson, MD, sees patients at UTMB Health Urology at League City Campus. He performs surgeries at the League City and Galveston campuses. Learn more about Urology services at UTMB Health. |