Urologists specialize in treating diseases and conditions of the urinary tract and also may subspecialize in men’s reproductive health. But what qualities should you look for when you need one of these top-notch doctors?
Here’s a guide to help you make this important healthcare decision.
Quality #1 Ability to Ask Good Questions
Frankly, any medical doctor resembles a detective in many respects. The first step in solving a problem is asking the right questions of the patient and listening carefully to the answers given. For instance, a patient may say, “I urinate too much.” As this is somewhat ambiguous in meaning, the urologist should follow up with, “Do you mean you go to the bathroom frequently or that you produce a large volume of urine each time you go?”
The doctor’s targeted question can direct the diagnosis in a couple of different directions–enlarged prostate, diabetes, or even something else. So, if your prospective urologist asks many follow-up questions, that’s the mark of a physician who wants to base diagnosis on clear facts and truth.
Quality #2 Excellent Listening Skills
This quality is closely related to asking good questions. A great urologist will allow patients to speak, listening carefully to what is said, how it is said, and what is not said. Listening yields valuable subjective patient data with which the doctor can follow up with the right assessments.
Quality #3 Compassion and Empathy
Urological health is very private, embarrassing, and important to overall health and well-being. So, an excellent urologist will understand that genitourinary issues need a gentle, positive approach when communicating one-on-one with patients and when performing examinations and procedures.
Quality #4 Always Learning
A board-certified urologist is always learning. When a doctor is board-certified, you are assured of a high level of education and years of hands-on hospital training. Add fellowship training in a subspecialty, such as robotic surgery, and you know you’re receiving expert care from one of the best.
Also, board certification with the American Board of Urology and membership in professional organizations, such as the American Urological Association, mean that the urologist:
- Meets the highest professional standards of medical care
- Values peer accountability with other urologists
- Participates in continuing education to refine existing skills and to learn new ones
- Values published literature and medical research and even works toward developing a database of important information on drugs, surgical techniques, radiological assessments, and responses to a wide range of treatments
- Takes an avid interest in the newest and most successful means of treating both acute and chronic urologic and sexual health diseases and conditions
Quality #5 The Best Diagnostic and Treatment Skills
This quality can take time to gauge. This also depends on the recommendation of your primary care physician, your reading of the doctor’s skills and services listed on the professional website, and the recommendation of someone you trust who may see a urologist regularly for a problem similar to yours. Check online reviews, too, through Google or Healthgrades.
Your Top Urologist in Phoenix and Gilbert, AZ
If you have urinary tract or men’s health issues, please don’t wait for a proper evaluation and treatment by an experienced urologist, Dr. Desiderio Avila, at Ironwood Urology. He is a board-certified physician by the American Board of Urology and is fellowship-trained in male reproductive medicine and microsurgery. He’ll review the findings from your PCP and continue with assessments specific to your genitourinary tract.
Here at Ironwood Urology, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and tailor-made care for your urinary and reproductive problems. From male infertility to prostate cancer, we have the means and the skills to help you get back to your healthy life. You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Avila by calling us at (480) 961-2323 or using our online appointment request form.
