Dr. Arthur L. “Bud” Burnett II, Professor of Urology and Oncology and Director of the Male Consultation Clinic at Johns Hopkins, is a recognized men’s health expert and urologic surgeon-scientist. A co-discoverer of nitric oxide’s role in erectile function—the breakthrough that enabled Viagra—he has performed more than 3,000 radical prostatectomies for prostate cancer and thousands of additional surgeries for genitopelvic disorders and reconstructions. He has authored over 500 peer-reviewed papers and directs the Male Consultation Clinic at the Johns Hopkins Brady Urological Institute. His book, The Manhood Rx, translates decades of science into practical strategies that optimize strength, stamina, intimacy, and longevity for men over 40. Burnett reframes aging, masculinity, and self-care through evidence, survivorship, and resilience, and is a frequent contributor to media.
Scott Douglas Jacobsen: How should fitness priorities shift after 50 to preserve strength and mobility?
Dr. Arthur L. “Bud” Burnett II: Priorities may well emphasize regular physical activity and exercising for agility and muscle tone, not muscle mass …and avoidance of musculoskeletal injury …as one gets older.
Jacobsen: Which lab and imaging baselines do you recommend?
Burnett II: Routine health screening as advised by a regular primary health care professional.
Jacobsen: What is the relationship between sleep, stress physiology, and erectile function?
Burnett II: Adequate physical and mental recuperative time in accordance with a regular and sufficient sleep schedule is a fundamental aspect of general well being, which is also in line with healthful sexual functioning.
Jacobsen: What recovery framework sustains training adherence?
Burnett II: Regularity and moderate levels of physical exercise.
Jacobsen: How do mindfulness and purpose improve outcomes for men over 50?
Burnett II: Mindfulness implies mental health preservation. As one ages, mental acuity functions can decline such that real efforts to maintain physical and mental wellbeing and likewise reduce bodily stress will be beneficial in this regard.
