A Conversation with Dr. Joseph Dall’Era

What drives your work and approach to patient care at Colorado Mountain Medical? 

I thoroughly enjoy being part of a smaller community, especially one that has exceptional healthcare offerings. I approach care by partnering with my patients, emphasizing their preferences and goals to create personalized treatment plans. Colorado Mountain Medical (CMM) and Vail Health provide our team with the most advanced tools available for urologic care, including state-of-the-art diagnostics and treatments. Prior to joining CMM, I practiced urology in a large medical group in Denver. I appreciate the ability of our organizations to support me in a way that we can provide timely access to superior urologic care, which is uncommon in many healthcare systems. 

What drew you to urology? 

I was initially attracted to urology for the range of surgical procedures. I was also drawn to the breadth of clinical conditions we treat and the ability to help patients with both benign and malignant conditions. I happen to come from a family of urologists. My grandfather was a urologist in the U.S. Army and later ran a successful private practice in San Francisco. I also have two uncles and an older brother who are urologists in the Bay Area. They are all extremely successful and have been role models who have inspired me throughout my career to be the best I can be.

For Urology Awareness Month, what first steps do you recommend most people take to support urinary and reproductive health? 

Our community of active people living at high altitude is at increased risk of dehydration. I consistently advise my patients to remain well hydrated and to urinate often (avoid holding urine). This can help reduce the risk of kidney stones and urinary tract infections and support kidney health. For men, I recommend annual prostate cancer screening with PSA testing and exams. Prostate cancer is often highly treatable when caught early.  

Give us a quick snapshot of your training and background.  

I moved to Colorado in 1998 to attend medical school at the University of Colorado, where I later completed my residency in urology. After training, I spent 13 years with Colorado Permanente Medical Group (Kaiser Permanente) in Denver before joining CMM. I am board-certified in urology and treat the full spectrum of conditions, including kidney stones; benign prostate disease; prostate, kidney, and bladder cancers; urinary incontinence; and male sexual dysfunction.  Outside of work, I enjoy skiing, biking, and hiking with my wife, Tara, and spending time with our two rambunctious Jack Russell terriers. I also enjoy live music and playing guitar.