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Compared to heart and lung health, people may not fully understand the importance of good urological health. Health experts believe that’s due to the stigma surrounding many urological problems like urinary tract infections, incontinence and erectile dysfunction, especially in men, which result in delays in seeking medical attention.

Maintaining good urologic health is essential for an individual’s overall well-being because it involves the proper functioning of the urinary and reproductive systems, which directly impact various bodily functions and quality of life.

The urologic system, which includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters, urethra and male reproductive organs, is responsible for filtering waste and excess water from the blood, regulating fluid balance, and enabling reproduction. 

Unfortunately, urological problems can affect daily activities, self-esteem and overall quality of life, with some requiring timely treatment to avoid long-term complications.

In the United States, more than 25 million adults experience temporary or chronic urinary incontinence, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, while urologic diseases like urinary tract infections, kidney stones and prostate problems affect a sizable portion of the population.

In its commitment to providing all-encompassing healthcare services for the people of the Rio Grande Valley, South Texas Health System is proud to welcome to Phillip Kim, MD, a board-certified urology specialist providing comprehensive treatment for the urinary system and male reproductive organs through his practice, Rhize Urology.

A member of the American Urological Association (AUA) and a fellow of the Endourological Society, Dr. Kim completed his residency at the University of California Davis and a fellowship in Minimally Invasive Surgery/Robotics at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a Harvard Medical School teaching hospital.

“Urology manages a broad range of critical organs and conditions related to the urinary and reproductive systems in men and women. Therefore, maintaining the proper function of the urological system is essential to optimal health,” says Dr. Kim. “From the prevention of infections to the early detection of conditions, overall well-being and quality of life is dependent on the functionality of urological system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.”

Extensively trained to treat a multitude of conditions, including kidney stones, lower urinary tract symptoms and erectile dysfunction, Dr. Kim is prepared to meet the urological needs of residents in the Rio Grande Valley.

“Prostate cancer and kidney cancer are among the most common conditions I treat,” says Dr. Kim, who has seen advanced urologic issues in his patients since opening his practice in Edinburg. “I’ve noticed that there’s a lack of awareness surrounding urological health, with many people having limited access to a primary care physician. That’s part of the reason I wanted to practice in this region… to provide important access to urological services. Beyond providing care to patients, I’m hoping to help the community better understand common conditions, the importance of early detection and seeking appropriate medical care.”

Dr. Kim’s practice, Rhize Urology, is in the STHS Medical Office Building located next door to STHS Edinburg at 4302 S. Sugar Rd., Suite 201, Edinburg.