Despite growing patient demand, urology has consistently struggled to recruit and retain female urologists. A recent interview in the Urology Times suggests that gender biases may be a driving factor.

According to Dr Jennifer Miles-Thomas, M.D., female urologists are often the subject of offensive comments and gender-stereotypic perceptions at work*.

Listening actively and developing a retention strategy are some ways that urology practices can help women tackle these unseen barriers!

*Source:
Dr. Jennifer Miles-Thomas addresses the gender gap in urology

Kidney stones can strike at the most unexpected time, and some parents from our kidney stone patient community have been delaying treatment due to a lack of childcare arrangements.

Studies have shown that patients who delay treatment by more than 45 days are up to 15 times more likely to have an unplanned clinic visit, and 5 times more likely to develop infections*. Offering some flexibility in treatment scheduling can help to ease patients’ stress and help them to receive timely care.

*Source:
MP75-15 The Consequences Of Delaying Stone Treatment

A recent NHANES study found significantly more symptomatic stone cases in the U.S than expected, with a 12-month incidence rate of 2.1% — double that of year 2000!​
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A rapidly expanding kidney stone patient population would require more healthcare resources, as emergency department visits and demand for treatments surge. Understanding patients’ needs will help urologists allocate resources more effectively.​
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Download the 2022 Global Urology Survey report to find out more.

*Sources:
Direct and indirect costs of nephrolithiasis in an employed population: opportunity for disease management?
US Kidney Stone Rate Higher Than Expected

Osteoporosis patients are typically treated with Denosumab injections (e.g. Prolia), which can cause hypocalcemia. As such, patients are often prescribed calcium and vitamin D supplements. However, these supplements can promote stone formation*, and some patients in our community have developed more stones as a result.

*Source:
Vitamin D, Calcium, or Combined Supplementation for the Primary Prevention of Fractures in Community-Dwelling Adults: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement

Kidney stones in children are often an indication of serious anatomical and blood disorders. Worried parents in our community have been consulting multiple specialists about their children’s kidney stones!

A recent study by Önal et al found that various disciplines adopt different approaches when presented with pediatric kidney stones. This results in conflicting decisions that may impede therapeutic outcomes. Urologists, it may be helpful to develop a multi-disciplinary team for your pediatric patients!

Read more here: Different approaches among physicians to treat pediatric stone disease: a survey-based study

Potassium citrate is usually only prescribed to patients with Renal Tubular Acidosis, who are at higher risk of forming kidney stones. However, many patients in our community have been self-medicating with potassium pills, in hopes of reaping similar benefits. ​

​Without medical advice, patients may be putting themselves at risk of hyperkalemia, a potentially life-threatening condition. Advise your patients to obtain potassium from natural sources such as banana and cantaloupe instead*!​

*Source: Should I take a potassium supplement?