Meet the Team at Urology Specialists of the Carolinas: Matthew DiLizia, MD

by | Sep 19, 2023

Exclusive Interview with Matthew DiLizia

It is our pleasure to present an exclusive interview with Dr. Matthew DiLizia of Urology Specialists of the Carolinas. As an expert in his field, he has consistently demonstrated a strong passion for improving the urological health and well-being of his patients.

In this interview, we delve into Dr. DiLizia’s expertise, experiences, and dedication and why this makes him such a vital part of our team.

Q. What initially sparked your interest in the field of urology and motivated you to pursue it as a career?

As a medical student, I found that my personality and interests matched the urologists around me –– so my career developed from there. Urology is an exciting field of medicine that is rapidly improving with new technology. There is also a push for clinical research to improve the treatments available for patients. Most urologists share a common interest in using both technology and research to serve their patients as well as a friendly personality. 

Q. In your experience, what are some of the biggest challenges or obstacles you have faced in urology practice and how do you overcome them?

Unfortunately, there is a lot of negative information on the internet and social media about many urologic conditions, especially UTIs, prostate conditions, and sexual health. Patients may be unknowingly following poor advice from low-quality sources. This can be a challenge for urologists when helping their patients. I would advise anyone dealing with a urologic condition to seek a trusted physician or advanced practice provider and to get their information from quality sources. The American Urological Society (AUA) has good information with easy-to-read handouts for patients. And, as always, you can also access the Urology Specialists of the Carolinas’ educational resources, including blogs, videos, and guides –– all conveniently online. 

Q. How do you approach patient education and involvement in their own care? How important is patient education in managing urological conditions?

I truly believe that patient education is about meeting each patient where they are, so to speak. To do this, I start with simply listening. From there, I like to adapt the information to best suit the patient. If the patient is a visual learner, I’ll draw a diagram for them. If the patient likes data and numbers, I’ll pull up a chart of their lab values. 

No matter how a patient is counseled, they need to be comfortable with their treatment plan. Patients should always understand their own healthcare to the level where they feel most comfortable –– that’s my goal when counseling my patients. 

Q. Do you have any specialized expertise or particular interest in any specific areas within urology?

As a general urologist, I see all types of patients, yet I have a particular interest in advanced kidney stone disease and enlarged prostate, also known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). 

Q. What types of urological conditions do you commonly diagnose and treat in your practice?

The most common conditions I see in practice are: 

Q. Urology often involves discussing sensitive and personal topics with patients. How do you approach these conversations and ensure patients feel comfortable discussing their concerns?

Many people feel uncomfortable when discussing sensitive issues. I tell patients that it’s entirely natural for men and women to feel embarrassed when discussing urinary or sexual issues, especially with a doctor who they have just met. 

Patients may not realize that these sensitive issues can be quite common and that urologists see many patients every day with similar issues. I also remind patients to take their time in unpacking sensitive issues. This tends to make things more comfortable and enables us as providers to better understand and help.

Q. How do you involve patients in the decision-making process regarding their treatment options, and how do you balance their preferences with medical recommendations?

It’s definitely with a shared decision-making approach. One of my medical school professors used to say that “a doctor knows more about illness, but a patient knows more about their illness,” and I find this to be true. The patient is in the driver’s seat and the physician is in charge of monitoring for safety and effectiveness of the treatment.

It’s important to lay out all the available accepted treatment options and talk about the pros and cons of each. At the end of the day, it’s about making a shared decision that is driven by the patient.

Q. What advice would you give to patients who are looking for a urologist or seeking urological care for the first time?

Find a physician who you feel comfortable talking to and who makes you feel confident in their care. There are many great urologists out there, especially at Urology Specialists of the Carolinas, who fit that description –– which, by the way, is one reason I am very happy to have joined this group!

Q. What do you find most rewarding about being a urologist and what keeps you motivated in your profession?

It is incredibly rewarding to make a real impact on someone’s life. It makes every day worth it when I see a patient who was struggling and is now living a much better life after treatment. Whether that is a man who has an improved relationship with his wife after treatment for erectile dysfunction or a woman who can finally continue exercising without fear of urine leakage. 

It’s also exciting to see the new research and technology which can make our treatments even better. Urology is constantly evolving. For urologists, our patients are our motivation to keep up with new research and technology.

Q. What attracted you to Urology Specialists of the Carolinas and how do you envision contributing to the growth and success of the practice?

It was an easy choice to join Urology Specialists of the Carolinas. They have a great reputation in the community and bring a professional, yet personal ethic to patient care. The partners work as a team and take care of each other. This is exactly how I envisioned my career because I saw this effective, collaborative approach throughout my training. I’m excited to make an impact as a team player with Urology Specialists to take care of our community.

Urology Specialists of the Carolinas

Urology Specialists of the Carolinas is a leading medical practice dedicated to providing exceptional urological care to patients in the Carolinas region. Through a team of highly skilled urologists, advanced treatment options, and state-of-the-art facilities, we provide comprehensive services for various urological conditions. Our goal is to help you maintain optimal urological wellness and achieve a happier, healthier life.

Our specialists are committed to delivering personalized and compassionate care, tailoring treatment plans to meet each patient’s unique needs. Whether you require diagnostic evaluations, minimally invasive procedures, or ongoing management for any current urological conditions, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Discuss Your Needs with Our Team

We understand the sensitive nature of urological health issues and take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and provide thorough explanations about your diagnosis and treatment options. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about your urological health. To discuss your medical needs with our team, simply click on the button below to contact us.

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