The university is proud to announce Rodrigo Donalisio da Silva, MD, has joined the Department of Surgery, Division of Urology with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.
Donalisio da Silva is a specialized urologist with expertise in kidney stone disease, benign prostatic diseases, and minimally invasive urological surgery.
Born in Brazil, he completed medical and surgical training in Sao Paulo. After moving to the U.S., he completed a research fellowship at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York and an endourology and minimally invasive surgery fellowship at the University of Colorado Denver Health Medical Center. He comes to UTHealth Houston after serving on faculty at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.
Minimally invasive surgery
Early in his medical studies, Donalisio da Silva says he was drawn to the concept of minimally invasive surgery.
“I was always passionate about technology and advances in medicine,” said Donalisio da Silva, an associate professor at UTHealth Houston. “During medical training, I watched people spend days in the hospital for surgeries that could be less invasive. So, I started looking into options to help people recover faster with better outcomes.”
He was further inspired by his own experience as a patient.
“I had an appendectomy when I was in residency and I had to go back to work quickly, so I know first-hand the importance of having minimally invasive options so you can get back on your feet,” said Donalisio da Silva.
Customized medical options
Another priority for Donalisio da Silva is bringing life-changing care to patients in the Greater Houston area. His focus is customizing medical options, no matter what stage of life they are experiencing.
“There are options now so we can tailor the procedures or treatment according to the patient instead of fitting the patient to the procedure,” he said.
With his clinical focus on developing minimally invasive options, he is excited to join the team as a specialized urologist.
“This is what I’ve wanted for a long time – to be able to focus on diseases that I have expertise in, to perform procedures I have a skillset in, and to see my patients do well. I am here to help offer a better quality of life,” he said.
In his free time
Outside of work, Donalisio da Silva enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. He is passionate about endurance sports, such as long-distance triathlons, having completed three full-distance and four half-Ironman races.
He sees patients at UT Physicians Urology in the Texas Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, call
832-325-7280.
