On this episode of BackTable Urology, Dr. Mike Hsieh (UC San Diego) interviews Dr. Larry Lipshultz (Baylor College of Medicine) about his journey to becoming a renowned specialist in male infertility and reproductive medicine.

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First, Dr. Lipshultz explains how he became interested in urology through working in a basic sciences surgery laboratory with a urologist. He became passionate about doing research in male infertility as an intern after hearing a Grand Rounds lecture. Before his residency ended, he was sent to El Paso, Texas by the military, where he was able to start his own semen analysis laboratory to treat male infertility patients. He then accepted an AUA fellowship and followed a mentor to UT Houston for training in male infertility. He eventually transitioned to Baylor College of mEDICINEand stayed after fellowship to join the faculty.

Next, Dr. Lipshultz reflects on major events in his life, such as the opportunity to perform trailblazing surgeries, like gender-affirming surgeries and vasovasostomies, and graduating productive male infertility fellows. He gives advice on balancing clinical duties and research, the importance of goal setting, and mentoring junior faculty.

Finally, the doctors discuss the future of men’s health. Dr. Lipshultz disagrees with the concept of direct-to-consumer marketing and “low T clinics”, as he believes they do not exist to serve the patient’s best interest. He is excited about new research implicating that testosterone may have other health benefits besides treating erectile dysfunction and that male infertility may be an indirect measure of men’s health. He encourages urologists to explore running their own IVF clinics and incorporate biotechnology into their practices as well.