In the state of Florida, the ratio of urologists to patients is higher than the national average. In fact, Florida ranks third in the country for the number of practicing urologists, just behind California and New York, according to the American Urological Association.
There’s a reason for this: Our state has a high demand for all urologic care, from bladder infections and erectile dysfunction to overactive bladder and prostate cancer, and we aim to meet it.
It’s why Advanced Urology Institute operates more than 30 offices in six regions, with 115 providers throughout Florida. Our cross-Florida footprint is comprised of the top urologic experts in the country.
In 2024, our AUI team – along with our patients and community – helped us complete a number of important milestones. We want to share these achievements with you.
6 Milestones From 2024 To Celebrate Into 2025
A smarter, faster check-in experience.
Waiting in line can be frustrating – it’s why millions of people use self-checkout at the store. So, we’ve implemented self-check-in. It’s called Phreesia and it’s designed to get you in front of your doctor sooner. Prior to your visit, you will receive a reminder about your appointment. You’ll also have the ability to review and update your health information. If you haven’t completed the information when you arrive for your appointment, no worries – we will give you an iPad to do so there. Our staff will happily help if you need it.
New practice management and electronic medical records system.
On September 30, we converted to a new scheduling and billing computer system across AUI. Panama City transitioned to a new electronic medical system (EMR) at the same time, with our other offices converting throughout the first half of 2025. We sincerely appreciate your patience as we navigate through converting to these new computer systems. We know it has temporarily impacted on your experience with our offices; however, these changes will provide an enhanced and efficient paperless experience for our patients.
The AUI in-house pharmacy.
While officially opened in late 2023, our in-house pharmacy proved its value to patients throughout 2024. The pharmacy is specifically dedicated to providing essential prescriptions to prostate cancer patients as well as certain medications for erectile dysfunction patients. Our pharmacy also offers home delivery service under qualifying insurance plans. If you need additional funding assistance, our resource department will apply for it on your behalf.
Our clinical research division.
In 2024, we officially opened our clinical trials research division at our Daytona, Largo, and Oxford regions (with Tallahassee coming soon). These trials carry out research into leading-edge treatments as well as conditions such as interstitial cystitis, bladder cancer, and prostate cancer. They also present opportunity because they offer qualifying patients early access to expert knowledge and promising care procedures. In time, we expect clinical trials will be offered throughout our remaining regions.
Our ever-expanding team.
We’re fortunate to continuously recruit leading providers to our practice. In 2024, the following physicians joined these AUI care centers:
- Daytona Care Center: We welcomed Dr. Robin Vasan, who specializes in uro-oncology, reconstructive surgery, and robotics; and Dr. Luke Fifer, who specializes in men’s and women’s health, robotics, and bladder and kidney issues.
- Oxford Care Center: Joining our staff are Dr. Aamir Hussain and Dr. Michael Sombeck, radiation oncologists who specialize in prostate cancer treatment; and Dr. Milton Williams, a specialist in men’s and women’s health, bladder problems, and kidney problems.
- SWFL Care Center:We welcomed Dr. Joanna Chon, a longtime Naples urologist who specializes in urogynecology and reconstructive pelvic surgery as well as female voiding and pelvic floor disorders.
- Panama CityCare Center: In January 2025, Dr. Michael Corea will become a member of our team, bringing expertise in urinary conditions as well as kidney stone treatment.
- We have also added numerous Advanced Practice Providers (nurse practitioners and Physician assistants) throughout offices in AUI to provide additional opportunities for urologic care.
Our resilience.
Hurricanes Milton and Helene upended life for many of our patients and care teams throughout the state. As a result of the damage, AUI was forced to temporarily move our medical services from our Largo and Pasadena offices to other AUI offices. We also temporarily relocated our pharmacy to a separate location. We are thankful to our team members who seamlessly transitioned care in these locations and are grateful to our patients for their understanding. We hope to get back to our normal locations soon. If you and your family were deeply affected by the 2024 hurricanes, we hope that recovery is in your near future.
Expect Even More in 2025
In the coming year, our team plans to continue exploring new frontiers of treatment through our clinical research and by investing in leading technologies. We’ll share these updates with you in our six regional newsletters throughout the year, and you also can keep informed through our blog and webinars.
As long as Floridians need urological care, we’ll be there, where you need us.
Did you know your doctor can provide resources to improve your overall urinary health in addition to diagnosing and treating you? You can quickly request an appointment here, or search AUI’s convenient office locations here.
