Forging his path

From the vibrant streets of Mexico City to the forefront of patient care in Canada, Dr. Jesus Cendejas-Gomez has followed a path shaped by curiosity and a commitment to helping others. His rigorous and transformative journey reflects not only personal ambition but a broader vision for the future of urology.

Born and raised in the heart of Mexico’s capital, Cendejas-Gomez was inspired early on by the power of medicine to make a real difference in people’s lives. 

“Growing up in Mexico City instilled in me a strong sense of community and a passion for medicine,” he says. Backed by the unwavering support of his family, he set his sights on a career that combined science, service and human connection.

His medical education began at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), one of the country’s top medical schools, where he developed an interest in urology. After completing his residency and a year of specialized training in urologic oncology at institutions in Mexico, he knew he wanted to take his training further.

That next chapter brought him to Canada to pursue a fellowship. It was during this time that he also completed a research-focused Master’s degree in Medical Sciences.

His hard work and dedication haven’t gone unnoticed. In 2023, Cendejas-Gomez received the Dr. John Denstedt Masters' of Surgery Research Excellence Award—a major honour made possible through donor support.

“It was incredibly humbling,” he says. “Knowing that others believe in the future of medical education and research means a lot. It inspires me to continue contributing meaningfully to the field and to mentor future generations of urologists.”

The Denstedt Masters’ Award was established to recognize Dr. John Denstedt's many contributions to scholarship and academic surgery in London. Dating back to 2018, the award has supported individuals enrolled in the MSc in Surgery program at Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, while they are also completing their surgical residency or fellowship. 

Upon receiving the news, his thoughts immediately turned to those who have walked this path with him, including his family, who he calls his pillars, and the mentors across Mexico and Canada who guided him.

His Master’s research tackled an issue felt around the world: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. His study explored the pandemic’s impact on bladder cancer outcomes. The findings offered a glimmer of hope, that effective prioritization strategies appeared to have shielded patients from the worst potential impacts.

Cendejas-Gomez has had the opportunity to engage in a wide range of surgical techniques—from open and endoscopic procedures to advanced robotic surgeries—and found a field that seamlessly integrates technological innovation with patient-centred care. Witnessing positive outcomes firsthand continues to inspire his dedication to excellence and ongoing learning in the field of urology.

But for Cendejas-Gomez, the most powerful lessons often come from the bedside. He recalls caring for a patient with spinal cord compression due to metastatic prostate cancer—guiding him from a crisis point to recovery. 

“That experience stayed with me,” he says. “Seeing that transformation, and the impact on his family—it reminded me why I chose this path.”
As he looks ahead, he’s more excited than ever about where the field is going. 

“We’re at the start of something incredible,” he says. “With robotics, AI, and precision medicine, we’re not just improving care—we’re changing lives in ways we couldn’t imagine a decade ago.”

Cendejas-Gomez isn’t just along for the ride—he’s helping steer the future of urology. And whether he’s in the operating room, mentoring students or pushing forward with research, he’s still driven by the same values he had back home in Mexico City: compassion, community and a commitment to doing good.