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Urology in Undergraduate Medical Education

Current Urology Reports volume 20, Article number: 69 (2019) Cite this article

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Urology is an essential topic in undergraduate medical education (UME). The objective of this article is to review the current state of exposure to urology in medical school, to discuss why it is critical to maintain a urology curriculum, and to review methods in establishing an effective curriculum for all students with limited resources.

Recent Findings

UME curriculum in urology should be geared toward the widest group of students, namely those entering primary care or internal medicine, where patients with urologic complaints are most likely to first present. Hands-on teaching should focus on skills such as the genitourinary exam and Foley catheter placement, while ancillary modules should be utilized for complex concepts.

Summary

Medical schools do not sufficiently incorporate didactics in urology as part of their core curriculum. As such, educators in urology must develop curricula that provide fundamental knowledge to all students, especially those pursuing non-urologic specialties who will undoubtedly treat patients with urologic complaints.

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Affiliations

  1. Department of Urology, Yale University School of Medicine, 789 Howard Ave., Fitkin 307, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA

    Marianne Casilla-Lennon & Piruz Motamedinia

Authors
  1. Marianne Casilla-Lennon
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  2. Piruz Motamedinia
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Correspondence to Piruz Motamedinia.

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Marianne Casilla-Lennon and Piruz Motamedinia each declare no potential conflicts of interest.

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Casilla-Lennon, M., Motamedinia, P. Urology in Undergraduate Medical Education. Curr Urol Rep 20, 69 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11934-019-0937-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11934-019-0937-x

Keywords

  • Undergraduate medical education
  • Urology curriculum
  • Urologic education
  • Spaced education