From Operating Room to Living Room: Dr. Edwin Youngstrom Balances Medicine and Family with
Dr. Edwin Youngstrom
He battles cancer, maintains dignity, and helps patients restore their lives—all before dinner. Dr. Edwin Youngstrom isn’t just a urologist; he’s a family man with a scalpel in one hand and a grocery list in the other. From tackling kidney stones and prostate cancer to performing life-changing surgeries, this Seven Oaks resident brings compassion, precision, and purpose to every patient he sees. And while his days are spent in operating rooms and exam rooms, his heart is at home—with four energetic kids, a loving wife, and a dog that enjoys his nightly walks. How did a Long Island native and Michigan-trained surgeon land in sunny Bakersfield? As Ed tells it, “We were done with snow, and ready for something—and somewhere—better.” Nine years later, he’s not just practicing medicine here. He’s building a legacy.
When you meet Ed, it doesn’t take long to realize two things: he’s passionate about medicine, and he’s just as devoted to his family. A respected urologist with Dignity Health Medical Group and a longtime Seven Oaks resident, Ed has spent nearly a decade serving the Bakersfield community with expert care and heart.
“I always knew I wanted to be a doctor,” he shares. “I had some really great pediatricians growing up on Long Island, and that inspired me early on.” While in medical school at Midwestern University in Chicago, he discovered his love for surgery—and urology quickly became the perfect fit. “I liked being able to take a problem and address it head-on with real, tangible results. Urology allows for that, plus the opportunity for long-term care and connection with patients.”
From Michigan Winters to Bakersfield Sunshine
Ed and his wife Kelly met while attending the University of Pennsylvania. After medical school in Chicago and a residency at Michigan State University, the couple had one goal: no more snow.
“My wife is originally from Ridgecrest, and we had family in Bakersfield,” he says. “We figured we’d come here as a stopgap while we figured out our next move. That was back in 2016. Nine years later, we’re still here—and really happy about it.”
What started as a temporary landing spot has become home. Their neighborhood of Windermere in Seven Oaks has grown right along with their family. “We were the first house on our block,” says Ed. “It’s been amazing to watch the area blossom. The location is perfect—close to Target, the kids’ schools, and all the places we go. But what we love most is the community feel. People are super friendly, and it’s a great place to raise a family.”
Life in the OR—and at Home
In his role with Dignity Health, Ed splits his time between surgery and clinic work. “It’s about 50/50,” he explains. “I see both men and women, mostly adults. Common issues include kidney stones—especially in the summer when people get dehydrated—prostate and bladder cancers, urinary dysfunction, and sexual health issues.”
He also performs vasectomies and educates patients about screening for prostate cancer. “The joke I always tell is: if you live long enough, you’ll need a urologist,” he says with a smile. “Men should start screening for prostate cancer at 50—and anyone experiencing urinary changes should get checked out. Don’t be a stranger to your doctor.”
Family First
When he’s not in scrubs, Ed is immersed in family life. He and Kelly, who works as a business consultant, have been married since 2010 and are proud parents to four children: Charlotte (13), twins Jacob and Matthew (10), and Benjamin (7).
“It’s a lot of fun—and a lot of activity,” Ed laughs. “We’re a big camping family, and we love outdoor activities and traveling.” Weekends off are often spent grocery shopping together, attending kids’ activities (like being a child’s golf caddy), or hosting Sunday dinners with extended family. And then there are the pets: two cats and a dog who gets nightly walks.
“It’s a good rhythm. We try to stay connected, even with busy schedules. The best part about living in Windermere is spending time in the beautiful parks and seeing our wonderful neighbors.”
Looking Ahead
For Ed, the future is rooted in family and service. “Who knows what the future holds,” he reflects. “But we’re here at least until the kids go off to college. Bakersfield has been good to us. My brother-in-law, who’s an ER physician, encouraged us to come—and we’re glad we listened.”
As for his career? “I love being a urologist. It’s a fulfilling blend of acute care and long-term relationships with patients. I take a lot of pride and joy in that.”
From the OR to his home in Seven Oaks, Ed Youngstrom is a man grounded in purpose—serving his patients with excellence, raising a thriving family, and building a life he loves in the heart of Bakersfield.