AI Technology Helps Police Strength and Performance Coach Return to the Gym Pain-Free After Prostate Procedure

(Gilbert, Ariz. - June 30, 2025) - Doug Christofis, 58, a strength and performance coach is pain-free and back in the gym training local law enforcement officers after urologists at Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center used advanced artificial intelligence and water-jet technology to treat a common condition in aging men – an enlarged prostate. Mercy Gilbert is the first and only Arizona hospital that has access to the latest AI technology to perform water-jet prostate ablations.

“Through this procedure, I regained what most men take for granted - a normal, functioning body,” said Christofis. “I am so grateful to have my everyday life back.”

Christofis is a lifelong athlete and built his career as a strength, performance and fitness coach. However, in 2015 he joined nearly 167 million other men in the United States who suffer from an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

“Like most men probably do, I brushed it off when I was diagnosed with an enlarged prostate,” said Christofis. “I was fit, maintained a healthy diet and it wasn’t impacting my day to day life severely enough to raise concern. But, that all changed as the years went on and the sleep became less and the pain became greater.”

In the summer of 2023, Christofis was suffering from debilitating bladder infections which forced him to regularly use a catheter to empty his bladder. Fearful of undergoing surgery, he began to research and learned about water-jet prostate ablation on social media. Christofis decided it was time he stopped trying to tough it out on his own.

“My life’s work has been helping people become the strongest and healthiest versions of themselves both physically and mentally," said Christofis. “I was losing that battle to a certain degree and it was time I took my own advice. I needed to see a doctor to find relief and I’m so glad I found that through water-jet prostate ablation.” 

For years, water-jet prostate ablation procedures have been used to treat patients with BPH. The minimally-invasive procedure allows urologists to use the power of water to gently remove excess prostate tissue. Now, urologists at Mercy Gilbert have access to the latest AI technology which gives real-time ultrasound imaging to provide an even more detailed and precise view of the prostate during the procedure.

“At Mercy Gilbert, we are committed to embracing cutting-edge technology,” said Dr. Yagnesh Patel, chief medical officer for Dignity Health in Arizona. “Technological advances, such as AI allow our care team to provide even more targeted treatments. We’re proud to be on the forefront of medical innovation.”

Christofis says his daily life dramatically improved after undergoing the procedure last year. He was able to go home the day after his procedure and experienced a quick recovery which allowed him to get back to work quickly doing what he loves - training local law enforcement agents who protect our community day in and day out. . This Men’s Health Month, he wants to encourage other men to prioritize their wellbeing.

“It is a sign of strength to recognize what is going on to our bodies and mind and to take charge of your overall health and well-being,” said Christofis. “Don’t wait to get the help you need to live a long, happy and healthy life.”

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