Biography
Peter Liu, D.O., is a member of the medical staff at MyMichigan Medical Center – Gratiot. He specializes in urology, a broad specialty that covers numerous issues from prostate cancer to kidney stones to incontinence.
“The variety in my specialty allows me to see men and women of any age, from any background,” Dr. Liu said. “Many urologic problems affect an individual’s quality of life and can be difficult to talk about. I like being someone that people can trust with these deeply personal issues, and then being able to offer them something to make their lives better.”
Dr. Liu enjoys the challenges of his work, and said the most satisfying aspect of his job is seeing the positive difference a medication or surgery can make to a patient.
“Minimally invasive surgery and office procedures have revolutionized urology,” Dr. Liu said. “Previous generations often only had major surgeries with long recoveries as their treatment options. Now, we often can avoid hospital stays and get people back to work almost immediately with office procedures that are just as effective. And if they do need surgery, many people are able to go home just one to two days after a robotic procedure – with small incisions that can be very hard to see once they are healed.”
Philosophy of Care
“I see medicine as a partnership between me and my patients – one built on trust and the understanding that I want what’s best for them,” Dr. Liu said. “I want to know about someone’s values, hobbies and family, because it helps me understand how a urologic problem is affecting them. From there, we can come up with a plan to get them back to living how they want to live. I want people to know that I am available to them 24/7, not only when I see them at their appointment.”
Medical issues can be difficult to understand, and figuring out how to approach a newly diagnosed problem can be overwhelming to patients. It’s Dr. Liu’s goal to help his patients understand what’s going on and then work with them to come up with their ideal, individualized solution.
“I want people to know that I will be there for them,” Dr. Liu said. “They can ask any question, at any time. If a patient has feedback on how they’re doing or something they’d like done differently, they can always share with me.”
Special Interests and Procedures
During residency, Dr. Liu was trained in robotic-assisted, laparoscopic procedures. “The robot has become an essential part of treating many urologic cancers, congenital abnormalities and injuries requiring reconstruction,” he said.
Before medical school, Dr. Liu was a piano performance major at Michigan State University. He enjoys playing the piano, and technology, including his 3D printer and drone. He is newly married to his wife, Abi, who is an elementary school music teacher.
