Raevti Bole

What inspired you to work in sexual medicine?

My light-hearted answer is that the SMSNA academic conferences are so much fun, I had to pick a subspecialty that would allow me to attend forever! If I reflect back seriously, I have to say that I benefited from a large andrology section at the Mayo Clinic that was extremely devoted to resident education. Dr. Toby Kohler taught multiple efficient and elegant techniques for penile prosthetics, Dr. Landon Trost and Dr. Matthew Ziegelmann inspired my interest in complex Peyronie’s disease, and Dr. Sevann Helo taught both sex med and infertility. Each one of them is a skilled surgeon, and very engaging instructor - it was only natural for me to want to follow in their footsteps.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your career?

The nature of symptoms in sexual medicine is very personal, and patients are sometimes hesitant to visit the doctor at all. It’s so rewarding to me when my patient tells me, “I didn’t want to see a doctor, but now I’m really glad I came in!”. I also find it extremely rewarding when patients tell me that treatment has helped them to reconnect with their partner, or to feel confident enough to start dating again. I love to help people get back to living their best lives. I also really enjoy the level of collaboration in academic sexual medicine – I’m fortunate to have partners at the Cleveland Clinic with whom I routinely discuss complex patients, share research interests and continually improve processes for patient care. It’s a very fulfilling environment in which to practice.

What is something most people don’t know about you? 

I love action movies (even the totally unrealistic ones). It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve seen it, I can always watch again.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Paraphrasing the words of Dr. Will Mayo: If ever in doubt about a clinical decision always remember - the needs of the patient come first.

What would your ideal vacation be?

For my family an ideal vacation includes good company, good food and good wine – we’d love to visit the Loire Valley next!