A Moment of Thanks Between Appointments

Recently, as I hurried between appointments in our Norwood facility, it struck me just how much my work and surroundings have changed in the past year. And I felt surrounded by fortune.

The year began, after all, with concrete and color swatches — a building in the early stages of construction and a brand image forming (and changing) on paper.

Now, the year ends with the Urology Group’s expanded headquarters and state-of-the art surgery facility, a new website and a notably heightened awareness of the preventative care needed to improve the health of men and women in the region.

We at the Urology Group have so much for which to be thankful, and a lot of it was delivered through the care and dedication of our staff and community:

• Reduced prostate cancer deaths. According to the American Cancer Society, about one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime. But thanks to heightened awareness and preventative care, only one in 36 men die from the disease.

• New state-of-the-art equipment. The Urology Group’s $3 million investment in kidney stone treatment, including a diagnostic imaging system and a high-tech lithotripter that uses shockwaves to break down the stones, make us one-of-a-kind in North America.

• Community outreach. Between the Urology Group’s sixth annual Great Prostate Cancer Challenge race and walk, and our fundraising efforts this month through Movember (during which 11 doctors grew mustaches for the cause), we have raised nearly $90,000 toward prostate health and awareness.

• Improved investment in care. The global urology devices market is expected to double in size from 2011 to 2012 — to $8.6 billion from $4.4 billion, according to the business-intelligence firm Visiongain. Much of that investment — $3 billion — will be earmarked toward urinary continence treatment.

• I am grateful for a full schedule of appointments, and for the improved health of my patients, who understand the importance of making regular, preventative visits.

Our year started with color swatches, but it is ending in flying colors, and for that we are all very grateful — to our families, friends, patients and partners.

Best wishes for a warm, wonderful Thanksgiving, shared with those you love.