The unparalleled urologist
Sophie Fletcher ( Sophie Fletcher)
By Rheya Bushan, staff writer
A urologist is defined as a physician who specializes in the urinary or urogenital tract—at least, according to several articles and dictionaries. However, this definition completely leaves out the fact that urologists are bright, energetic, and charismatic individuals. Dr. Sophie Fletcher who practices at Sutter Health here in Santa Rosa perfectly embodies this blend. From treating common urinary tract infections (UTIs) to performing intricate surgeries, Dr. Fletcher’s career is a blend of science, compassion, and hands-on surgical expertise.
Her journey to pursue urology wasn’t a childhood dream, but an evolving realization that she wanted to help patients in a profound way. Dr. Fletcher’s dad and brother were doctors, but they were primary care doctors and that involved sitting and talking to people in an office for the majority of their job. She didn’t want to do that. So, for a long time she thought she would go to nursing school or even medical program fundraising.
However, a pivotal moment in her life—the stock market crash of 2008—led to many of her friends losing their homes and she felt that she needed to commit to a job that wouldn’t be impacted as heavily if another crash were to happen.
Medical school was the real turning point. Initially unaware of the specialty, Dr. Fletcher discovered urology during a rotation, where she witnessed the struggles of women with urinary incontinence. Those women, and what they were going through really sparked something within her. The sympathy that she felt pushed her into the field of urology.
“I just felt really sorry for those women and wanted to help,” Dr. Fletcher recalled.
Today, Dr. Fletcher works at the intersection of patient care and surgical operations. Completely content, she commented that the great thing about urology is it’s, “the perfect blend of being in the office every day and talking to people and being in the operating room.”
She’s also quite excited about the influx of new technology that is coming into surgery. For example, kidney stones used to be broken up by shockwaves, but now miniscule lasers are able to go through the urethra and focus their (light/flash/burn) on the kidney stones in order to break them into tiny pieces. These lasers are able to enter the tiny hole in the urethra, using thin robot arms that are maneuvered on the outside by the urologist/surgeon.
Even though technology is something that, “excites and makes her job more interesting,” Dr. Fletcher also emphasizes the human side of medicine. Oftentimes, when she has an elderly or young patient, she gets to know their families and really connect with them as they talk. This focus on patient relationships extends beyond her office and operating room.
She is a strong advocate for preventive care, often sharing advice on how to maintain bladder health, especially for young girls. "It's important to stay hydrated, avoid sitting in wet clothing, and practice proper hygiene. These small steps can make a big difference in preventing urinary tract infections," she advises.
Dr. Fletcher's commitment to her patients is also reflected in her work with children, particularly those with congenital urological conditions. During her residency, she trained in pediatric urology, learning how to treat and operate on newborns and children with complex medical issues. "Pediatrics was a very rewarding part of my training, and I still carry that experience with me in my practice today," she recalls. While she specializes in adult urology, the lessons learned from treating children continue to influence her approach to patient care.
For young people aspiring to enter medicine, Dr. Fletcher offers valuable advice: "It's important to take a variety of classes, not just sciences. Being well-rounded is key to succeeding in medical school and beyond," she suggests. She also emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience, whether it's volunteering, shadowing professionals, or finding a hobby that aligns with healthcare. "It's about showing who you are and your passion for helping others. Medicine is not just about grades; it's about being a compassionate and dedicated individual," she adds.
Balancing a demanding career with personal life can be challenging, but Dr. Fletcher has managed to maintain a strong work-life balance. While medical residency and fellowship years were financially challenging, she appreciates the stability and flexibility that come with her current position. "Being a urologist is hard work, but I love what I do. I get to help people, use innovative technology, and be part of a field that is constantly evolving," she says.
Her dedication to medicine and patient care extends beyond her practice. Dr. Fletcher is involved in outreach programs, helping to raise funds for female teens interested in pursuing medicine and engineering. "When I was younger, I didn’t have these opportunities. Now, I want to help others who have the same dreams," she explains, reflecting on her own journey.
Rather than just being a urologist, Dr. Fletcher has created a persona that is so much more. She has been actively working to recruit young women into STEM fields in Healdsburg through summer programs, mastered different forms of technology, and has impacted Santa Rosa greatly in the field of women’s reproductive health, proving to definitely be more than “just a urologist.”