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Specialties

Urologic Oncology

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Our urologic oncology providers offer you skill and experience unmatched in the region for treatment of cancers affecting the urinary tract, bladder, kidneys, and male reproductive organs. Surgical expertise includes fellowship training in minimally invasive and robotic surgery for procedures such as nephrectomy, cystectomy, and prostatectomy. We also offer high dose brachytherapy for the treatment of prostate cancer.

Whatever your diagnosis, we’ll work closely with your primary care provider to treat your cancer, ease your symptoms and side effects, and strengthen you physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Highlights & Resources

Providers

  • Urology

    Biography

    Gregory T. Adams, MD performs full-spectrum urology with an emphasis on minimally invasive and robotic surgery. He treats a wide range of urologic diseases, including BPH (enlarged prostate), kidney stones, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and tumors of the kidney.

    Dr. Adams has extensive experience with the da Vinci® surgical robot for treatment of prostate cancer, tumors of kidney/ureter/adrenal gland, BPH (enlarged prostate), and obstruction of the ureteropelvic junction. His robotic procedural expertise includes radical nephrectomy, partial nephrectomy, pyeloplasty, radical prostatectomy, simple prostatectomy (BPH), adrenalectomy, nephroureterectomy, and urinary tract reconstructive procedures. He also has advanced training in image-guided and minimally invasive treatment of kidney tumors.

    Dr. Adams is passionate about patient-centered care and improving the quality and experience of health care for his patients. In his free time, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his family, being active in his church, and preparing gourmet meals.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Urology

    Biography

    Stephen A. Brassell, MD, FACS is a urologic oncologist with expertise in minimally invasive and robotic surgery and the management of complex urologic cancers. He is the medical director for urologic oncology, as well as medical director for St. Luke’s Cancer Institute in Boise.

    During his Army career, Dr. Brassell completed an internship at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, followed by two years as battalion surgeon with the 10th Special Forces Group. While at Walter Reed he also served as a urologic oncologist, and was appointed the associate director of the Center for Prostate Disease Research, a multi-institutional national prostate cancer program, and assistant professor at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.

    His military courses include airborne, flight surgery, dive medical, and cold weather/mountain warfare training. He has received a Meritorious Service Medal and Army Commendation Medal among other awards. Dr. Brassell chaired over 30 research studies and has published and presented over 70 articles in the urologic literature with a focus on urologic cancer.

    • Robotic and open prostatectomy
    • Robotic and open nephrectomy
    • Robotic and open partial nephrectomy
    • Robotic and open radical cystectomy
    • Robotic and open partial cystectomy
    • Robotic and open excision of retroperitoneal tumors
    • Robotic and open adrenalectomy
    • Robotic and open ureteral surgery
    • Radical orchiectomy
    • Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection
    • Penectomy and organ sparing approaches to penile cancer
    • Inguinal lymph node dissection
    • Excision of any genitourinary malignancy

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Urology

    Biography

    Autumn Bridger, DO concentrates her practice in the evaluation and management of a wide spectrum of adult urologic disorders, including prostate, kidney, and bladder cancer; enlarged prostate (BPH); kidney stone disease; and other urologic conditions.

    Dr. Bridger's skills include use of the daVinci robotic surgery for urologic cancers and procedures such as robotic assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, radical nephrectomy, partial nephrectomy, pyeloplasty, sacrocolpopexy, ureteral reimplantation and renal cyst decortication. She also enjoys offering medical and surgical treatment options for BPH, endoscopic treatment of kidney stones, and voiding dysfunction treatment and evaluation.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Urologic Oncology

    Biography

    Derek Derkacs, PA-C has experience in family practice; multiple surgery specialties, including urology; and orthopedics. 

    Derek earned his bachelor's degree in nutrition and dietetics from the University of Northern Colorado, and his master's of degree in physician assistant studies from the University of Utah Physician Assistant Program. He is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and has served in numerous roles with the Idaho Academy of Physician Assistants. 

    Derek also has over 10 years of service with the Idaho Army National Guard. His military training includes Basic Officer Leadership Course, Captain Career Course, Flight Surgeon Course, and Tactical Combat Medical Care. He currently serves in the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team. Additionally, Derek was part of the National Guard Marathon Team for two years. 

    In his free time, Derek enjoys spending time with his wife and children, running, listening to music, and learning about automobiles.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
    • St. Luke's Health Partner
      St. Luke's Health Partner

      These providers work together to achieve patient-centered care, using proven best practices to offer better care to you and your family.

    • Specialties, Conditions & Treatments

  • Urology

    Biography

    Jared G. Heiner, MD has a special interest in prostate cancer treatment and extensive experience using the da Vinci® surgical robot for laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

  • Urology

    Biography

    Michael Morris, MD has special interests in all aspects of adult urology, including minimally invasive surgical techniques (laparoscopy, endoscopy, and robotic surgery), kidney stone disease, genitourinary cancer, BPH, female urology, prosthetic surgery, and infertility. Dr. Morris is a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. He completed his residency at Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center and Brooke Army Medical Center, and served in the Air Force as a urologist.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Biography

    Misty Neisen, PA-C specializes in surgical oncology. She is certified by the National Commission of Certification of Physician Assistants. 

    Misty earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Boise State University and her master’s degree in physician assistant studies from Idaho State University. She is an avid outdoors person, and loves biking, hiking, and rafting in Idaho with her family.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Urologic Oncology

    Biography

    Christina Ricci, PA-C specializes in the care of hospitalized adults. She is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

    Christina earned her bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and her master's degree in PA studies from Grand Valley State University.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
    • St. Luke's Health Partner
      St. Luke's Health Partner

      These providers work together to achieve patient-centered care, using proven best practices to offer better care to you and your family.

    • Specialties, Conditions & Treatments

  • Urology

    Biography

    Craig R. Spencer, MD provides care in all aspects of adult and pediatric urology, including urologic oncology, male and female voiding dysfunction, and stone disease. He performs open, laparoscopic, endoscopic, and robotic surgery, and is experienced in the minimally invasive Rezum™ treatment for BPH. 

    Dr. Spencer continues to serve as a commander in the Naval Reserves.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • General Urology

    Biography

    Sean P. Stroup, MD, MBA, FACS is an expert in urologic oncology and specializes in the evaluation and management of prostate, kidney, testicular, and bladder cancer, as well as benign conditions like BPH, and strictures. He is highly skilled in da Vinci® robotic surgery, management of kidney stones, and a wide array of reconstructive urologic surgery. Listening to patients and compassionately helping them through their treatment is the hallmark of Dr. Stroup’s approach to patient care.

    Dr. Stroup served 21 years in the United States Navy, retiring with the rank of captain. During his military career, he was the 1st Marine Division assistant surgeon, the 15th MEU surgeon, and advance team surgeon for Pacific Partnership 2012. He also served as chairperson of urology at Naval Medical Center San Diego, published over 67 articles, and was promoted to professor of surgery at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. Dr. Stroup also received a Meritorious Service Medal and five Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, including one with a Combat “V” Distinguishing Device. 


    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Urology

    Biography

    Michael B. Taylor, MD treats all aspects of adult urology with a special focus in benign prostatic hyperplasia, otherwise known as BPH or enlarged prostate. He was the first physician in Idaho to perform HoLEP procedures (Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate) and was the first physician in the Treasure Valley to be trained in Rezum and Urolift. These are all highly minimally invasive procedures. He trains other physicians in HoLEP procedures, given his expertise and extensive experience. In addition, Dr. Taylor performs vasectomies and treats kidney stones, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and urinary incontinence in males.

    Dr. Taylor received his bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University where he graduated summa cum laude. He then went to medical school at the University of California, Irvine where he was elected part of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and recognized with the Surgical Student of the Year Award. He completed his urology residency at the University of Utah and is a member of the American Urologic Association.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     

Procedures & Treatments

  • Minimally invasive and robotic surgery for prostate, bladder, kidney, testis, penile, and urinary tract cancers.

Supportive Oncology

Supportive Oncology

Caring for the Whole Person

Supportive oncology is an integral part of the St. Luke’s Cancer Institute philosophy that healing comes from caring for the whole person, not just the disease.


You can count on a team of experts who will work alongside your physicians to help you and your family be as strong and stable as possible during your cancer diagnosis, treatment and beyond.


Articles & Resources

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Support the Patients and Families at St. Luke's Cancer Institute

Support the Patients and Families at St. Lukes Cancer Institute

You Can Make a Difference

You can make a real difference in the lives of patients and families facing cancer. We hope you’ll help us provide the exceptional healthcare and support they deserve. We encourage you to get involved by making a financial gift, sponsoring or attending events, or volunteering your time.