Brian Shinder, MD, is a urologic oncologist who treats kidney, prostate, and bladder cancer.
Dr. Shinder says he was drawn to urology because of its variety, both in terms of conditions he treats and the types of procedures he performs. “It’s rewarding in that we can treat people and, in some cases, cure them of their disease, but also restore their function so that they can live better lives,” he says.
For most urologic diseases, surgery can be done either with a minimally invasive approach or through traditional, open surgery. “Both options have their place in treatment; it’s a matter of figuring out what is best for each patient based on their outcome and lifestyle goals,” Dr. Shinder says. “I make sure patients understand their options and help them decide the best way to move forward with their treatment.”
It's also an exciting time for the field, Dr. Shinder notes. “Urology has been at the forefront of robotic surgery. And the field continues to push boundaries regarding what can be done with robotic surgery,” he says. “There are also other, newer platforms and technologies to treat various diseases, including kidney stones and enlarged prostates. Urology has also been at the forefront of using genetics and different molecular markers to help diagnose conditions and decide the best treatment for patients.”
