Stephen Summers, MD

PGY-4 Urology Resident (Resident 2010 - 2015)

I don’t think many people enter medical school with aspirations of becoming urologists, but luckily a few of us figure things out and match into this exciting specialty. I was drawn to the opportunity to make a difference in my patients’ lives and actually fix problems as opposed to simply managing them. The variety of procedures, new technology and chance to interact with so many outstanding people are added bonuses. This is perhaps what initially drew me to the University of Utah.

The University of Utah employs urologists that are leaders in their field. These individuals are patient-focused and care about achieving the best outcomes for the individual. As a visiting medical student I was impressed with the time each faculty member took to explain things to me as well as to the patients. As opposed to being intimidated, I was immediately welcomed and made to feel part of a team. It was the exact environment where I felt I could thrive. Since matching here, these feelings have only grown. As an intern I was welcomed to general surgery and had every opportunity exposed to the categorical surgery residents. I gained invaluable skills in patient assessment, management of complex comorbidities in the perioperative period, and participate in a variety of surgeries. The general surgery faculty was respectful and easy to interact with. This prepared me well as I started urology the following year. Now as a full time urology resident I enjoy the challenge of learning my individual specialty. I felt like there was a departmental investment in my education. I have spent countless hours with each faculty member and feel like they all are genuinely interested in my success. Each brings different talents and skills to the division and collectively makes the University of Utah a terrific place to train.

Other draws to our residency program include: integrated research throughout all years, weekly teaching conferences, great experience in pediatrics, independence in practice, six months of community urology, terrific support staff, support for resident travel to conferences and meetings, dues for AUA membership and, of course, amazing co-residents!

If training at the University of Utah were not enough, the surrounding environment is unparalleled. The campus sits at the base of large mountains, running and biking trails that cover the valley, and some of the nation’s best skiing. Initially from Idaho, I was certain that this would be the exact environment to fulfill my extracurricular endeavors. With my family I enjoy mountain biking, hiking, fishing, camping and all winter sports. I have three children ages nine, six and three. They attend great schools and we can afford to live in a nice community on a resident salary.