I enjoy all aspects of general Urology (kidney stones, cancer, incontinence, men’s health), but BPH, or enlarged prostate, has become more of an emphasis in my practice over the last 4 years. In February 2022, I was attending a Mayo Clinic Urology lecture where they introduced Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate, or HoLEP. The statistics clearly showed it was superior to the treatments offered in Idaho at that time. I turned to the Urologist next to me and said “I’ve got to learn how to do that!” I researched it myself, contacted experts in HoLEP, then flew out to their hospital to observe and be trained. In July 2022, I performed the first HoLEP procedure in Idaho. You can imagine the logistics involved--not just learning the procedure myself, but getting the right equipment and training the staff in the operating room, recovery room, and hospital. There was considerable stress and pressure! If something went wrong, there would be nobody around to help, since nobody local had done the procedure before! Thankfully, the procedure went smoothly and the patient who couldn’t urinate prior to the surgery, is now urinating without difficulty. Since then, I’ve performed approximately 700 HoLEP procedures. While it is impossible to know for sure, it is estimated that only 20-50 surgeons nationwide have done that many, or 0.1-0.3% of all Urologists. Even teaching hospitals in major cities in the West don’t have Urologists with this level of experience, leading patients to seek me out from Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Coeur d’Alene, and Seattle. I never would have thought Meridian, Idaho would be a travel destination for patients living in these cities! It is a privilege to be able to serve the people of Idaho with this cutting edge medicine. In addition to HoLEP, I offer Aquablation, Urolift, Rezum or medical management for my patients. I don’t pressure my patients into any particular procedure. I learn more about your specific issues and we come to a mutual decision based on shared decision making.
I have heard the question, “Why would ANYONE choose to do Urology?!?!” or some variation of it, too many times to count. But as I’ve reflected on my career path, I think I’m right where I’m supposed to be. When I was in my last year of medical school, I told my favorite professor I was pursuing training in Urology. He told me he thought it was a great choice. When I asked him why, he replied, “You have the ability to make people feel comfortable in any situation.” That compliment has stayed with me, as I deal with many uncomfortable and difficult scenarios. Cancer, kidney stones, a bladder full of blood, inability to control your urine, or not being able to urinate at all--these things never come at convenient times! I enjoy helping people navigate these sensitive issues in an expert and dignified manner.
Starting The Urology Clinic with my partner Rob Jackson, MD, has been a transformative experience. We take pride in caring for you and your family and we appreciate that you trust us with your care.
