David Pfeffer, MD, is a urologist at UVA Health specializing in prostate, kidney, and other urologic cancers. He also treats kidney stone disease and performs vasectomies.

Meet a urologist in Northern Virginia

We asked Pfeffer our 7 quick questions to get to know him better.

1. What has most inspired and shaped your approach to patient care?

We all have mentors in our lives, and those mentors teach you a methodology that you can use with patients. Pick and choose what works for you because no one is the same. Some doctors use one technique or another to communicate with patients, and I try to draw on my experiences with the people who taught me about urology to develop my skills as a doctor, both in the office and in the operating room.

2. What is your greatest fear as a patient?

When I go to the doctor, I usually don’t have many fears. I’ve had major surgeries before, but I put my trust in the doctor because that’s what you do when you go to the doctor. You have to trust them enough to make the right decisions for you, and therefore they are your advocates. They are the ones who take care of you, and that’s how it should be.

3. What do you do to relieve stress?

To relieve stress, I like to travel. I garden. I have a dog that I like to take to the park and I have fun with my children.

4. Dogs or cats?

Dogs.

5. Do you have pets?

A rescue dog.

6. The last program you saw? Thumbs up or down?

I don’t remember, but I know it was a thumbs up.

7. Best advice you’ve ever heard?

Your most important resource is time. You’ll never get it back, so it’s best to use it wisely.