Dr. Robert Fisher Serves Bismarck-Mandan Through Urology Care

Dr. Robert Fisher has been part of St. Alexius Health in Bismarck for the past two years, but his journey to North Dakota is much longer. The path that would lead him to becoming a urologist – a doctor who specializes in kidney, bladder, prostate, and women’s health concerns – started more than 20 years earlier. However, you can feel Dr. Fisher's passion for the Bismarck community and can’t help but get caught up in his excitement about living here.

“My wife, Jenny, and I really love North Dakota,” he says. “Everyone is friendly, there’s no traffic, and it’s just an easy place to live. I never would have expected it, but Bismarck has become our home.”

The Bismarck-Mandan community made its mark on Dr. Fisher, and now he gives back when he can. Read about his journey here and how he makes a difference in his patients' lives. 

Dr. Fisher Had No Idea What to Do After High School 

Dr. Fisher wasn’t born a urologist. In fact, like most people, he had absolutely no clue what he wanted to do after graduating high school. Instead of going to college, he enlisted in the army in 2006 as an infantryman and was deployed to Afghanistan.

Robert was on combat patrols during his first years in the army, but then the mission shifted toward community building. This is where he realized he wanted to be a doctor. During free clinics that were open to the public, Robert saw how big a difference the army doctors made in the lives of Afghan citizens, who otherwise had no access to medical care. As soon as he returned home, Robert enrolled in college and went on to complete medical school.

He Pivoted from Surgery to Urology During His Residency

As Dr. Fisher completed his internships and residencies, he debated which field of medicine to enter. At first, he was called to surgery. “The intensity of the operating room reminded me of combat,” he says. He initially liked the high-stakes environment of these procedures.

However, during a rotation with a urologist, he realized this field was perfect for him. Urology still involves surgery and advanced technology, but is more laid back than working in trauma or emergency response.

Dr. Fisher also appreciates the intimate nature of urology. This field covers a lot of intimate and often embarrassing ailments, including incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and infertility. Robert strives to make his patients feel comfortable around him so they can have open conversations about their bodies and symptoms.

“I try to make patients feel like I’m a regular guy who happens to be a doctor,” he says. “I want people to be comfortable around me.” 

Robert Came to North Dakota as a traveling Urologist 

Once he had found his calling in urology, Dr. Fisher started building his career. He worked in private practice, but realized he preferred more community-focused clinics and opportunities. For a few years, he and Jenny traveled across the country as locum tenens, where a doctor temporarily serves different regions to provide care. This is what brought him to Bismarck.

“I am currently the only urologist in the area,” he explains. “Patients travel three to four hours from across the state to see me. If I weren’t here, they would have to go even farther, maybe even to Minneapolis, for urology care. For many people, that’s too much time and money.”

This isn’t unique to North Dakota. There is a national shortage of urologists, exacerbated by an increasingly aging population. Demand for urology is high, but the number of practitioners is low.  

After a few months here, Robert and Jenny fell in love with Bismarck. They kept extending their stay here, and even tried to leave by accepting a contract in another state – only to return a few months later when they realized they were homesick for North Dakota.

“We’ve fallen in love with the community,” he says. “And this is a great opportunity for me to serve the entire state while making a difference locally. The hospital supports my practice, and I get to give back to the people of North Dakota.”

Robert adds that this isn’t just about being a urologist. It’s about following a calling to serve people and make a difference in their lives.

Fully settled in, the Fishers see their future in Bismarck-Mandan. They’re expecting their first child (a baby boy) in January. 

See How Others Make Their Mark

Dr. Robert Fisher is a great example of passionate individuals making their mark in Bismarck-Mandan. Read about other residents, from zookeepers to water management professionals, who are excited to live here and give back to their communities. Anyone can make a difference here and find people who are ready to cheer them on.

How do you Make Your Mark? Let us know, and we might feature you here! And if you’re thinking about moving to Bismarck-Mandan, take the leap. You might be surprised by how easy it is to fall in love with this community.