3 Key Takeaways:
- Board certification protects patients: Studies show board-certified urologists achieve fewer readmissions, shorter hospital stays, and lower mortality rates compared to non-certified practitioners.
- Elite training delivers superior outcomes: Three of our four physicians trained at the University of Pennsylvania, one of America’s top-ranked urology programs, ensuring comprehensive expertise in complex urological conditions.
- Advanced technology meets compassionate care: St Pete Urology pioneered da Vinci robotic surgery in St. Petersburg while maintaining a patient-centered approach that prioritizes sensitivity, discretion, and partnership in care.
Choosing a urologist ranks among the most personal healthcare decisions you’ll make. When urological issues affect your quality of life—whether kidney stones, prostate concerns, or bladder control—you need a physician who combines expertise with genuine compassion. At St Pete Urology, our board-certified urologists deliver precisely that combination, backed by credentials that set them apart in the Tampa Bay area.
What Board Certification Really Means
A board-certified urologist has completed rigorous training beyond medical school and earned recognition from the American Board of Urology. This multi-year process includes passing demanding written and oral examinations that test comprehensive knowledge of urological care.
Studies confirm what patients instinctively understand: board certification matters. Research published in Urology Practice found that patients treated by board-certified urologists experienced fewer readmissions after prostate and bladder cancer surgeries, shorter hospital stays, and lower mortality rates following kidney procedures. Board certification protects patients by ensuring urologists maintain current knowledge through ongoing education requirements.
At St Pete Urology, all four physicians—Dr. Nicholas Laryngakis, Dr. Reid Graves, Dr. Adam Oppenheim, and Dr. Ankur Shah—hold board certification, demonstrating their commitment to excellence in urological care.
Elite Training: The University of Pennsylvania Difference
Training location shapes a physician’s capabilities. Three of our four urologists completed their urology residency at the University of Pennsylvania, consistently ranked among the nation’s top urology programs by U.S. News & World Report.
The University of Pennsylvania program provides comprehensive exposure to complex urological conditions and cutting-edge treatments. This elite training prepared our physicians for the full spectrum of urological care—from routine procedures to challenging reconstructive surgeries.
Dr. Graves extended his training with a fellowship in Robotics and Laparoscopy in Melbourne, Australia, while Dr. Oppenheim trained with world-renowned experts at Fox Chase Cancer Center. Dr. Shah graduated in the top 5% of his class at Albany Medical College and earned the ‘Outstanding Technical Excellence in Urologic Surgery’ award during his University of Pennsylvania residency.
Advanced Surgical Expertise with da Vinci Robotics
Surgical skill separates good urologists from exceptional ones. Our physicians pioneered minimally invasive robotic surgery in the St. Petersburg area, becoming the first clinic to use the da Vinci Xi Surgical System.
The da Vinci system enables our surgeons to perform complex procedures through tiny incisions with enhanced precision. This translates to less blood loss, reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery for patients undergoing prostate cancer surgery, kidney procedures, and bladder operations.
Beyond robotics, our physicians maintain expertise in specialized treatments including GreenLight Laser Surgery for enlarged prostates, sacral neuromodulation for overactive bladder, and advanced prosthetic surgery for erectile dysfunction.
Comprehensive, Compassionate Patient-Centered Care
Technical excellence matters, but exceptional urological care requires more. Many urological conditions carry social discomfort or embarrassment. Our physicians understand this reality and prioritize sensitivity and discretion in every patient interaction.
We treat each patient as a partner in their medical care. From initial diagnosis through treatment and follow-up, our team ensures you understand your condition and options. We centralize administrative services so physicians can focus entirely on providing the highest quality care—no rushing through appointments or impersonal consultations.
Our practice serves the complete spectrum of urological needs: kidney stones, prostate cancer, urinary incontinence, bladder cancer, erectile dysfunction, low testosterone, and general urological disorders. Whether you need a routine vasectomy or complex cancer surgery, you’ll receive the same compassionate, expert attention.
Experience the St Pete Urology Difference
When you choose St Pete Urology, you’re selecting more than a urologist—you’re choosing a team dedicated to advancing patient-centered care. Our board-certified physicians combine elite training, advanced surgical skills, and genuine compassion to deliver exceptional urological care.
Located at 830 Central Ave, Suite 100, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, we proudly serve patients throughout the Tampa Bay area, including St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Pinellas Park, Largo, and surrounding communities.
Call us at (727) 478-1172 to schedule your appointment. Your urological health deserves the expertise and compassion that only board-certified specialists can provide.
References:
- American Board of Urology. (2025). Mission and certification standards. https://abu.org/
- Badalato, G. M., Khan, S., Gorroochurn, P., Lemack, G. E., McKiernan, J. M., Hruby, G. F., & Anderson, C. (2024). The impact of American Board of Urology certification on postoperative outcomes for patients in New York State. Urology Practice, 11(5), 890-899. https://www.auajournals.org/doi/10.1097/UPJ.0000000000000629
- Cleveland Clinic. (2025, June 11). Urologist: What is it, when to see one & what to expect. Cleveland Clinic Health Library. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21884-urologist
- U.S. News & World Report. (2025). Best hospitals for urology. https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/rankings/urology
