Perspectives from Females in Urology at University Hospitals

July 08, 2021

By UH

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Innovations in Urology | Special Issue | September 2021

How has the University Hospitals Urology Institute supported you and your path? Inspired you to push the envelope and do more, or something different?

"Our Chairman, Dr. Lee Ponsky is my mentor and has been my inspiration. His best advice was telling me to create a niche, and that is exactly what I did. I started our prostate cancer survivorship program, meeting with patients and families prior to surgery to educate and prepare them. The feedback is extremely positive. teaching and education. I've never had a patient say it was a waste of time."

-Sue Flick, CNP

Who or what inspired you to go into Urology?

“I pursued a surgical specialty in urology because I value the female patient perspective. In a historically male dominated field, women can naturally champion the cause for women’s health in different and effective ways. There are also multiple disparities in urologic cancer and benign disease that effects females disproportionally, yet very little research has been focused on addressing those disparities. My goal is to change the status quo for patients and future trainees.”

-Laura Bukavina, MD, Chief Urology Resident 2021 & Incoming Faculty 2023

Have you had to overcome any barriers or challenges as a female provider in a historically male-dominated field?

"I have walked into a room to an apprehensive adult or adolescent male to speak about sensitive issues. Over the course of our discussion, not only do I have to address their medical concerns, but I also have to gain their trust and respect as a physician of the opposite sex, which often is no easy task. This challenge doesn't stop on the patient level, but extends to working with trainees, colleagues and administrators. As a woman I feel I have to balance having a measured, confident demeanor while not coming off as too opinionated, demanding, or aggressive relative to my male colleagues."

-Jessica Hannick, MD, MSc, Pediatric Urology

How has UH Urology Institute supported you and your path and inspired you to push the envelope?

"For years, I have wanted to expand my practice to include caring for women with decreased desire, orgasm issues, and vulvar skin conditions. University Hospitals Urology Institute has helped make that a reality. They have inspired and supported me taking classes in sexual health and have supported development of a Female Sexual Health division as part of the Urology Institute where women who struggle with these concerns can get quality care from a dynamic multi-disciplinary team of providers"

-Anna Myers, CNP

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Tags: Innovations in Urology | Special Issue | September 2021, Female urology

University Hospital's Women Urologists are Leaders in Their Field

In a specialty long dominated by men, female physicians are taking on key roles - Innovations in Urology | Special Issue | September 2021

7/7/2021 By UH

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