Lee Ponsky was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1971.  He grew up in Shaker Heights, Ohio and graduated from Shaker Heights High School. He did his undergraduate training at University of Rochester, Rochester N.Y.   In the summer of 1991 Lee lived and worked in Ogbomosho, Nigeria, where he acted as a surgical assistant.  Upon returning to the University of Rochester he helped start an organization that collected unused medical supplies for donation to third world countries.  He then moved back to Cleveland for medical school where he attended Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.  Once back in Cleveland, Lee founded MedWish International (formerly InterVol of Cleveland) in 1993.   MedWish International was run completely on a volunteer basis from 1993 until 2001, at which time MedWish International hired its first employee. 

In 1997, Lee graduated medical school and began his training in Urology at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio.  In 2003, Lee completed his residency and extended his training to do a research fellowship in Urologic Oncology for one year, followed by an additional one-year fellowship in advanced urologic laparoscopy and endourology.  After completing his formal training Lee joined the staff of University Hospitals Case Medical Center as an Assistant Professor of Urology at Case University School of Medicine and is currently the Director of the Center for Urologic Oncology & Minimally Invasive Therapy, and the Co-Director of the Institute for Surgery and Innovation.  Lee has authored over 35 publications and 5 book chapters.  He has received a K12 NIH Career Development grant in Clinical Oncology.  He has given over 45 presentations at national and international meetings.  He has been an invited faculty and/or course director for 26 national and international courses.  He serves as a consultant editor for Urology.  Lee is an active member of 6 medical societies.

Lee was a Bruce Hubbard Stewart Fellow for recognition for compassionate and humane care of patients. He was recognized as a Praecis Gerald P. Murphy Scholar for distinction in the study of prostate cancer.  On behalf of MedWish International, Lee received Special U.S. Congressional Recognition, for dedication to the international health community and overall commitment to quality health care and volunteerism.  In 2005, Lee was recognized as a Cleveland City Year Community Champion for ongoing commitment to serving the greater Cleveland community. 

Lee is currently working on his newest idea, MedWorks, which would help provide organized health care for the uninsured in the city of Cleveland, while at the same time help local hospitals comply with their charity care obligations. 

Lee and his wife Monica (from Mexico City, Mexico) have three children: Ilan, Eric and Maiya. They reside in Moreland Hills, Ohio.