As a urologist at Reliant Medical Group, Dr. Simon McRae helps men and women deal with a host of problems that can affect the kidneys, urinary tract, bladder and other areas of the body. “Not everyone realizes that urologists treat so many different diseases,” Dr. McRae explains. “We deal with everything from kidney stones to prostate cancer, as well as various infections, male infertility issues, incontinence in men and women and other problems. It’s a very wide ranging specialty.”

In treating his patients, Dr. McRae utilizes some very sophisticated equipment, including the da Vinci® Surgical Robot to perform prostatectomies (removal of the prostate). Unlike a traditional prostatectomy, which uses one large incision for surgery, the robot allows the surgeon to use minimally invasive laparoscopic instruments, which don’t require large incisions. The surgeon controls the instruments remotely, using the robot for pinpoint control. Comments Dr. McRae, “I believe robotic surgery is a significant advancement, resulting in a quicker recovery period and a shorter hospital stay for patients undergoing a prostatectomy. Previously, it was 4-6 weeks before men were able to resume normal activities and now it is approximately 2 weeks – so it really does make a difference. We use the robot for other types of surgery as well, including certain types of kidney surgeries.”

As well as using the da Vinci Surgical Robot, Dr. McRae also performs other high tech procedures in caring for prostate issues, including microwave treatment for men with enlarged prostates. “This is another minimally invasive procedure that can be done on an out-patient basis. It’s been proven to be a highly effective and convenient treatment for enlarged prostates.”

Dr. McRae earned his medical degree through a combined program at Dartmouth College and Brown University. He performed his residency in Urology at Stanford University. He finds working as a urologist both challenging and highly satisfying. “I really enjoy helping people in need. If you’ve ever had a kidney stone you know how painful that can be. When I first see a patient, they are often in pain or discomfort. After treatment, you can see them beginning to feel like themselves again so it’s very satisfying. As a urologist you really feel like you are making a difference in the quality of a person’s life.”

Dr. McRae clearly enjoys being a specialist at Reliant Medical Group, with all the resources it has to offer. “Working here really allows me to concentrate on patient care, which is very important to me. Plus, I have other colleagues in the department that I can run things by if I need to. We also have a great facility to practice in with all the cutting edge technology and staff we need. Reliant Medical Group is very supportive of our endeavors.”