In this episode of BackTable Urology, Dr. Jose Silva and Dr. Petar Bajic speak about various ways that the men’s health field is evolving, such as the rise of direct-to-consumer services, the need for more community urologists, and ways to de-stigmatize common men’s health conditions.

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SHOW NOTES

First, the doctors discuss the popularity of direct-to-consumer (DTC) healthcare. Both doctors agree that this option may seem appealing to some patients because of anonymity, privacy, and convenience. However, Dr. Bajic notes that DTC services may be dangerous because DTC services do not routinely identify red flags of other major medical issues and do not provide preventative health care or routine screenings. Additionally, Dr. Silva and Dr. Bajic reflect on their own experiences of treating patients who have experienced avoidable complications after receiving DTC treatments and prescriptions. Furthermore, they brainstorm ways to educate patients about dangers of DTC medications without proper medical consultations. They agree that spreading awareness to patients and families and breaking down boundaries that men may have about incontinence and erectile dysfunction may be good places to start. However, Dr. Bajic notes that there is a beneficial role in integrating licensed medical care with the use of e-pharmacies to lower the cost of medications for patients.

Next, they discuss the growing need for community urologists in rural and urban areas. They weigh the pros and cons of a shorter surgical residency and the creation of purely medical urology fellowships. Then, they discuss potential a need for advanced practice providers and implications for the scope of urological practice.