By Uma Mazar

Special to the Business Times

Dr. Scott Tobis is a urologist with Sutter Health.

Dr. Scott Tobis is the third generation of doctors in his family. His grandfather practiced physical medicine and rehabilitation, and both of his parents were physicians as well.

Now, as a urologist and robotic surgeon with Sutter Health in Santa Barbara, CA, Tobis is welcoming the future of cancer care to the Central Coast. 

Tobis played a key role in bringing robotic outpatient surgery to Foothill Surgery Center more than a decade ago, and most recently helped introduce one of the country’s first da Vinci 5 systems, expanding access to minimally invasive procedures. This technology allows patients to undergo complex procedures without a hospital stay, often returning home within hours.

“One of our first patients was incredibly anxious about surgery,” Tobis said. “But when we told him he could avoid a hospital stay and go home the same day, he was relieved. His recovery went beautifully with less disruption and more dignity, which was important for me.”

For Tobis, innovation matters if it improves quality of life, and for that reason, every decision, new tool, and treatment plan comes with a conversation.

“No two patients are the same. We treat each case as its own, and that means building a plan that fits the person, not just the diagnosis,” Tobis said. “We analyze every small detail in each case to ensure that we will help our patients feel whole again.”

Tobis leads the Urology Department at Sutter Health and credits much of his work and impact to all the nurses, colleagues, front office staff and operating room team who surround him daily. 

“For me to succeed, we all need to succeed,” Tobis said. “It’s never just me. It’s the entire team showing up with the same commitment to care.”

Tobis also acknowledged the importance of guidance and mentorship, citing the example set by his own parents and colleagues throughout his training. For him, practicing in this region is a privilege and important responsibility. 

“Patients travel from across the Central Coast for care, and the medical community, while small, is built on strong relationships,” Tobis said. “We know each other well. We trust each other. That makes all the difference.”

Tobis works hard to properly train the next generation, model integrity, and ensure that patients feel seen. His goal is to create a lasting effect that ripples out from the work being done on the Central Coast, and his colleagues appreciate his work.

“When Dr. Tobis joined our department over a decade ago, we knew that his depth of experience and expertise would greatly enhance the care and treatment that we could provide to our patients,” said Dr. Alex Koper, a longtime urologist at Sutter Health. “He continues to shine and excel in this work and in his inspiring commitment to the health and longevity of each and every one of his patients.”

“Great cancer care requires a village,” said Dr. Kurt Ransohoff, president of the Greater Central Coast Division. “Dr. Tobis is an important part of that village, and we are proud to see him recognized.”

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