Canadian Journal of Urology - Volume 23, Supplement 1

amvery pleased to introduce our latest Supplement in the series:

Urology Update for Primary Care Physicians

. In 2008

we came to the conclusion that the primary care physician (PCP) had a dramatic role and impact in diagnosing and

managing a number of urologic conditions that affect their patients. To that end we have published a number of

updates always looking at needs assessments from the PCP. If anything, the present Supplement only emphasizes

this role.

The PCP, with the knowledge and understanding gained from these reviews should feel comfortable in diagnosing

a number of these conditions and offering strategies of treatment that we have suggested. If the patient does not

respond as expected, or if there are any concerns, then the PCP can very easily refer to the specialist. To provide

backup for the PCP, in certain conditions we have highlighted “RED FLAGS” denoting symptoms or signs that

require early referral.

In this Supplement we have attempted to emphasize the importance in trying to encourage the patient to report

the symptoms suggestive of these pervasive conditions (Overactive Bladder – Radomski,

BPH – Elterman,

and

Nocturia – Barkin

), because there are excellent, effective and safe ways of treating the conditions that can have a

dramatic effect on the patients’ lives.

We also highlight the fact that there have been reports of potential risks and side effects of some of the frequently

prescribed old and new medical therapies. We try to provide the PCP the information needed to dispel some of

the myths associated with, for example, Testosterone Replacement Therapy and increased cardiac risk, (Hassan

Finally, in our review of the old and newmedical therapies for the management of, first castrate sensitive and then

castrate resistant prostate cancer, we highlight the critical role that the PCP plays in helping to identify early and

manage some of the expected and unexpected side effects of these life saving therapies, (Mak

The Canadian Journal of Urology

, (CJU), we continue to promote and support the idea that there is a partnership

between the PCP and the Urologist in the comprehensive care we provide to our patients suffering from the many

common urologic conditions in both men and women.

Jack Barkin, MD

University of Toronto

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Executive Deputy Editor, CJU

INTRODUCTION

The Changing Role of the Primary Care Physician in theManagement of Urologic Conditions

References

1. Eapen RS, Radomski SB. Gender differences in overactive bladder.

Can J Urol

2016;23(Suppl 1):2-9.

2. Blankstein U, VanAsseldonk B, Elterman DS. BPH update: medical versus interventional management.

Can J Urol

2016;23(Suppl 1):10-15.

3. Barkin J. Nocturia: diagnosis and management for the primary care physicians.

Can J Urol

2016;23(Suppl 1):16-19.

4. Hassan J, Barkin J. Testosterone deficiency syndrome: benefits, risks, and realities associated with testosterone replacement therapy

Can J Urol

2016;23(Suppl 1):20-30.

5. Mak V, Barkin J. The primary care physician’s role in the monitoring and management of the potential sequelae of the medical treatment

of prostate cancer: early and late.

Can J Urol

2016;23(Suppl 1):31-36.