LOS ANGELES, Calif., July 05, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Western States HIFU, in partnership with HIFU Prostate Services, the first and most experienced company to provide HIFU treatment for prostate cancer, is proud to announce that physician partner, Robert Pugach, MD, has treated the most HIFU patients in the western United States.
Pugach is one of the most experienced HIFU practitioners in the U.S. and one of only a few certified HIFU teachers and proctors. He first trained with Sonablate® HIFU in 2006 and since then has treated or been involved with approximately 400 HIFU cases.
“I traveled outside of the country for several years in order to make this outpatient, non-invasive treatment for prostate cancer available to my patients. Once patients understand their treatment options, they are always interested to learn more about HIFU,” said Pugach. “It is incredibly gratifying to now be able to offer it to patients here in Southern California.”
Tony Bayus, 58, a La Mirada, CA resident and retired aerospace manufacturing manager, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in April 2014. After undergoing a biopsy, Pugach explained his treatment options ranging from watchful waiting and surveillance to HIFU. Even though his prostate cancer was in the early stages, Bayus decided to be treated with HIFU.
“I’m not the type of man that can wait and watch,” says Bayus. His HIFU procedure was performed in June 2014 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. “I'm very thankful that I was in the hands of one of the most experienced HIFU doctors in the country,” continues Bayus. “I’m a strong advocate for prostate cancer screening and will do all I can to help educate men about HIFU.”
In addition to treating patients with HIFU, Pugach has been vital in training other physicians how to do the procedure so they can offer it for their patients.
“With any new technology, experience really matters in being able to deliver the highest quality outcomes for patients. It is my extensive experience with HIFU that makes my patients feel confident with the procedure that I can provide for them,” said Pugach.
About Robert Pugach, MD
Dr. Robert Pugach is the medical director of Pacific Coast Urology Medical Center, the first urology practice centered on minimally invasive treatments of urological conditions. It continues to be at the forefront of new, innovative technologies like high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). Pugach is also active in many medical executive capacities, including his position as a member of the Board of Trustees of the California Medical Association, a member of the Medical Executive Committee of the Los Alamitos Surgery Center and an active member of the American Association of Clinical Urologists (AACU). He served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Community Hospital of Long Beach and led the effort to re-open this valuable neighborhood hospital. He was also honored as an educator with a lifetime membership in the Harvard Men’s Health Forum. Lastly, Pugach received a Bachelor of Science Degree from New York University. Upon completing his medical studies at the College of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, he went to New York University-Booth Memorial Medical Center where he completed a general surgery residency. He completed his urology training at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine-Montefiore Medical Center in New York.
About Pacific Coast Urology
Pacific Coast Urology is one of the leading practices in the United States in procedures that minimize discomfort and allow patients to achieve the same benefits as with more invasive procedures. It has pioneered minimally invasive therapies for many urological conditions and remains at the forefront of new advances. Pacific Coast Urology strives to always provide special, personalized care that puts patients at the center of what the practice does. Dr. Pugach performs HIFU at Los Alamitos Surgery Center near Los Angeles, CA. For additional information visit www.pacificcoasturology.com.
About HIFU Prostate Services, LLC
HIFU Prostate Services (HPS) is the first, largest, and most experienced HIFU team in the U.S. and was founded to provide men access to a less invasive treatment option for prostate cancer that has the ability to eliminate cancer and preserve patient quality of life. Our mission is to deliver the highest quality of care, support, and technology to the patient and to the urology community for the treatment of localized prostate cancer using Sonablate HIFU. The company is headquartered in Charlotte, NC and has established partnerships with physicians and urology practices throughout the country. More info: http://www.hifuprostateservices.com.