Yahir Santiago-Lastra, MD

Bio

Yahir Santiago-Lastra is a urologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of urogenital conditions in both men and women, including those caused by neurologic disorders. These include neurogenic bladder, pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, voiding dysfunction, overactive bladder, ureteral stricture, and post-prostatectomy incontinence, among other pelvic floor disorders.

Dr. Santiago-Lastra completed a fellowship in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery at University of Michigan Medical School and a residency in urology at Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, where she was selected for her clinical and leadership skills to serve as chief resident. Following her residency, Dr. Santiago-Lastra served as a clinical instructor in surgery in the Department of Urology at Harvard Medical School. She completed her medical school training at the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, where she graduated magna cum laude and was a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society.

As an Assistant Professor in the Department of Urology at UC San Diego Health System, Dr. Santiago-Lastra’s research interests focus on the development of Transition Care programs for patients with congenitally-acquired neurogenic bladder, such as those patients with spina bifida, pediatric spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy and bladder exstrophy. She was awarded a Faculty Development Award from the Academy of Clinician Scholars for her work in developing a program for these patients, which is the first to exist in Southern California. Another focus of interest is in improving care delivery for patients with health disparities, especially in patients with impaired health literacy.