BackTable / Urology / Contributor

Dr. Suzette Sutherland
Urogynecologist
Dr. Suzette Sutherland is a urogynecologist with Arizona Urology Specialists in Scottsdale, Arizona.
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About Dr. Suzette Sutherland
Dr. Sutherland comes to us from the University of Washington in Seattle where she was Director of Female Urology at the UW Medicine Pelvic Health Center, and Associate Professor in Urology at the University of Washington School of Medicine for 11 years. Her professional interests are dedicated to the betterment of women’s pelvic health, locally, nationally and globally. She is committed to Women’s Global Urological Health, having worked to train surgeons in Senegal and Rwanda, and won an AUA/UCF Humanitarian Grant in 2023. She is also passionate about national and global advocacy for gender equity and diversity in Medicine, Surgery and Urology.
Dr. Sutherland completed her medical degree and urologic training at Case Western Reserve University / University Hospital of Cleveland. She gained further specialty fellowship training in female urology/urogynecology (FPMRS) from the Center for Continence Care and Female Urology in Mpls/St. Paul, MN, and from the Institute for Sexual Medicine at Boston University. After 10 years with a large multi-specialty urology practice in Mpls/St Paul, she joined the academic community at the University of Washington in Seattle (2013), and now transitions to Arizona Urology Specialists / United Urology Group in Scottsdale, AZ. She has made numerous contributions to the medical literature: presentations, papers, and book chapters on urinary incontinence, pelvic prolapse and sexual health; she is currently the Global Health Section Editor for Current Bladder Dysfunction Reports, and on the Editorial Board for Neuro-urology and Urodynamics (NAU - SUFU Journal). She received a 2022 AUA/Journal of Urology Best Reviewer Award for her quality contributions over the years.
She takes an active role in training future female urologists both at the resident and fellowship level. She serves as a consultant for pharmaceutical and medical/surgical device companies and remains active in associated clinical research through multi-center national and international clinical trials, staying abreast of the newest developments in her field. With this, she has participated in many FDA-approval trials for various medications and surgical devices, bringing them to market for the betterment of patients. As an advocate for patients and fellow colleagues, she has worked at the local, state, national and international levels through key leadership positions with the Society of Women in Urology (President 2012-2013), the Board of Directors for the AUA Urology Care Foundation (2024-present), the Washington State Urology Society (House of Delegates 2023-present), the Minnesota Urology Society (President 2012-2013) and International Volunteers in Urology (IVUmed) to increase awareness about important urological, gender and workplace diversity issues, and to effect policy that governs both medical care and practice. As a regular host for Backtable Urology Podcast (www.backtable.com) she uses this platform to elevate these issues within the general medical community and the public.
Learn more by visiting Dr. Suzette Sutherland's practice:
Podcasts Featuring Dr. Suzette Sutherland
OBGYN Episode #90
When it comes to menopause care, the facts are better than the fears. In this Urology/OBGYN crossover episode of the BackTable Podcast, host Dr. Suzette Sutherland welcomes renowned urologist Dr. Rachel Rubin to explore various aspects of sexual health and hormone replacement therapy (HRT), particularly for menopausal women.
Urology Episode #258
When it comes to menopause care, the facts are better than the fears. In this Urology/OBGYN crossover episode of the BackTable Podcast, host Dr. Suzette Sutherland welcomes renowned urologist Dr. Rachel Rubin to explore various aspects of sexual health and hormone replacement therapy (HRT), particularly for menopausal women.
Urology Episode #251
Is one outdated warning label standing between millions of women and safe, effective care? In this episode of BackTable Urology, Dr. Yahir Santiago-Lastra, a urologist specializing in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery at UC San Diego, joins host Dr. Suzette Sutherland to discuss the black box warning on vaginal estrogen, its historical context, and the ongoing advocacy efforts to update outdated FDA guidelines
OBGYN Episode #88
Menopause isn’t just a diagnosis—it’s a transition, and the way we treat it needs to change. Dr. Kelly Casperson joins Dr. Suzette Sutherland in this urogynecology crossover episode of BackTable to challenge outdated beliefs about menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). They revisit the impact of the 1990s Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study and explain how its findings—especially around synthetic hormones—were widely misinterpreted and continue to adversely influence patient and provider decisions today.
Urology Episode #246
Menopause isn’t just a diagnosis—it’s a transition, and the way we treat it needs to change. Dr. Kelly Casperson joins Dr. Suzette Sutherland in this urogynecology crossover episode of BackTable to challenge outdated beliefs about menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). They revisit the impact of the 1990s Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study and explain how its findings—especially around synthetic hormones—were widely misinterpreted and continue to adversely influence patient and provider decisions today.
OBGYN Episode #87
Vaginal estrogen is not the enemy. Outdated data is. In this crossover episode of the BackTable Urology and OBGYN podcasts, Dr. Suzette Sutherland and Dr. Yahir Santiago-Lastra delve into the persistent challenges and ongoing advocacy efforts surrounding the FDA's black box warning on vaginal estrogen.
Urology Episode #217
How does the microbiome affect urologic health, and what role does it play in urinary tract infections (UTIs)? In this episode of BackTable Urology, Dr. Lennie Ackerman from UCLA joins host Dr. Suzette Sutherland to discuss the bladder microbiome and innovative methods for detecting UTIs.
Urology Episode #212
Are you interested in building an academic niche within global surgery? Dr. Catherine deVries, Professor of Urology and Global Surgery at the University of Utah and founder of International Volunteers in Urology (IVUMed), shares her journey and provides a blueprint for the aspiring academic surgeon. This episode is hosted by Dr. Suzette Sutherland in collaboration with the Society of Women in Urology.
Urology Episode #192
Inequality persists in pay and career advancement between male and female urologists. In this episode of the BackTable Urology Podcast, Dr. Suzette Sutherland hosts Dr. Yahir Santiago-Lastra from the University of California San Diego. They discuss the gender wage gap in medicine, particularly amongst urologists.
Urology Episode #187
Hot off the press! The results of the 2023 American Urological Association Census findings will likely surprise listeners. In this episode of the BackTable Urology Podcast, host Dr. Suzette Sutherland is joined by Dr. Amanda North (The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore) and Dr. Matt Nielsen (University of North Carolina) to dive deep into the census data and offer a call to action for all urologists.
Urology Episode #186
What is the role of blue light cystoscopy in bladder cancer? In this episode, Dr. Suzette Sutherland interviews Dr. Suzanne Merrill from Colorado Urology about the benefits of this technology in the diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer, and how to implement it into your practice.
OBGYN Episode #61
With contemporary treatment options, your female patients don’t have to live with urinary incontinence! In this crossover episode of BackTable Urology and OBGYN, host Dr. Suzette Sutherland from University of Washington interviews Dr. Sarah Boyles, a urogynecologist at The Oregon Clinic, regarding female urinary incontinence, its diagnostic criteria, and various treatment options to help improve quality of life in the incontinence patient.
Urology Episode #182
With contemporary treatment options, your female patients don’t have to live with urinary incontinence! In this crossover episode of BackTable Urology and OBGYN, host Dr. Suzette Sutherland from University of Washington interviews Dr. Sarah Boyles, a urogynecologist at The Oregon Clinic, regarding female urinary incontinence, its diagnostic criteria, and various treatment options to help improve quality of life in the incontinence patient.
Urology Episode #164
In this episode of Backtable Urology, Dr. Suzette Sutherland invites Dr. Seth Cohen (City of Hope) and Dr. Michelle Leach (UC San Diego) to explore the importance and impact of advocacy work in the field of urology, highlighting how physicians can wield their influence to affect change within their communities and the healthcare system at large.
Urology Episode #161
This week on BackTable Urology, Dr. Suzette Sutherland (University of Washington) and Dr. Drew Peterson (Duke University) explore the psychological and clinical challenges faced by genitourinary cancer survivors dealing with the urological consequences of cystectomy and urinary diversion.
Urology Episode #144
In this crossover episode of BackTable OBGYN with Urology, Dr. Suzette Sutherland, Director of Female Urology at the University of Washington, and Dr. Anne Cameron, Professor of Urology at the University of Michigan, share their insights on the prevention and management of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Articles Featuring Dr. Suzette Sutherland
OBGYN
Urinary incontinence is a common yet underreported condition among women, significantly affecting quality of life, mental health, and relationships. Dr. Sarah Boyles explores its prevalence, the different types of urinary incontinence, and effective diagnostic strategies to empower patients and improve care.
OBGYN
Management of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in patients with indwelling catheters requires an understanding of bacterial colonization, symptom differentiation, and antibiotic resistance. Learn more about UTI management in catheterized patients, the presentation and risks of urosepsis, and the current challenges in antibiotic development and resistance.
OBGYN
Effective management of urinary tract infections (UTIs) involves tailored antibiotic treatments and robust preventive strategies. Learn more about treatment protocols for uncomplicated and complicated UTIs, the role of urine cultures, and preventive measures such as hydration, cranberry juice supplements, toileting habits, and maintaining vaginal health.
OBGYN
A critical challenge of uterine-sparing prolapse surgery is preventing recurrence and reoperation. Recent clinical data has shed light on the importance of adopting the right surgical approaches, and new technologies have emerged with the potential to help operators achieve consistent outcomes.
OBGYN
The field of gynecology is moving away from a reliance on hysterectomies and towards the evaluation of uterine-sparing treatments as vital alternatives. Doctors Olivia Chang and Suzette Sutherland advocate for the clinical advantages of hysteropexy and illuminate the technical modifications that need to be made to ensure patient safety and efficacy of uterine-sparing surgeries.
OBGYN
The various complexities of uterine preservation in gynecological care necessitate exploration of the ethical, cultural, and medical considerations surrounding the decision-making process. From questioning traditional practices to advocating for patient empowerment, the evolving landscape of uterine-sparing procedures requires a focus on informed decision-making and tailored treatment approaches.
OBGYN
Is vaginal estrogen safe? Misconceptions about vaginal estrogen have long influenced clinical practice. Dr. Rachel Rubin, urologist and sexual medicine specialist, clarifies these misunderstandings and sheds light on the realities of vaginal estrogen use, particularly in the context of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), systemic hormone therapy, and cancer history.
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Disclaimer: The Materials available on BackTable.com are for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for the professional judgment of a healthcare professional in diagnosing and treating patients. The opinions expressed by participants of the BackTable Podcast belong solely to the participants, and do not necessarily reflect the views of BackTable.


















