James Ding

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About

James Ding is a leading voice in urological opioid stewardship, whose work has fundamentally reshaped postoperative pain management in robotic surgery. His landmark PENN Prospective Cohort Quality Improvement Initiative demonstrated that the vast majority of robotic surgery patients require no opioids upon discharge, with a simple, standardized nonopioid protocol dramatically reducing narcotic prescriptions. This 24-cited study established a new standard for patient-centered, escalation-based protocols that prioritize safety without compromising comfort. Ding further advanced the field through his stakeholder-driven analysis of barriers and facilitators to opioid stewardship after prostatectomy, published through the Pennsylvania Urology Regional Collaborative. By systematically evaluating the perspectives of surgeons, nurses, and patients, he identified actionable strategies for implementing sustainable, evidence-based prescribing practices. His work bridges clinical innovation and implementation science, offering a replicable model for reducing opioid overprescription across surgical disciplines. Ding’s contributions are particularly impactful in an era of national opioid crisis, providing surgeons with practical, data-driven tools to balance effective pain control with responsible prescribing. His research continues to influence quality improvement initiatives and policy discussions around postoperative narcotic use.