Urology

Urology Residency Questions

What advice would you give about getting letters of recommendation in your specialty?

Most should be from Urologists, and preferably Urologists associated with residency programs.

What is the value of doing audition rotations in your specialty?

I highly recommend a rotation with us, and at two outside rotations. This is where you get to know program directors and chairs at other institutions who will write letters for you. SPEAK TO US before arranging this, as we can talk to you about different programs.

To what extent does research, publications, or presentations affect one’s ability to match in your specialty?

It isn’t absolutely critical, but is helpful. Some residency programs won’t consider you without decent research experience. If you have good grades and a good USMLE, this is less important.

Is a Step 2CK score needed before you will invite someone for an interview?

No.

What does the perfect applicant look like in your specialty?

Top 25% class, USMLE >>240 (although 220 may get you some interviews, 230 much better), AOA, a publication.

Does having a below average Step 1 score doom you in your specialty?

Below 220 makes it difficult to match (but not impossible). This is unfair, and I don’t like it, but it’s unfortunately true. Ideally, the more above 230 the better

Would you ever take someone with a Step 2CS failure?

If step 1 and 2 were very good, I would consider it

Does a student need to Honor in your specialty in order to match?

No. We prefer an Honors in Surgery, but grades are extremely different at different medical schools. Some call an “A” an Honors, or Exemplary, and there may be from 15-60% of the class with that top grade. Some simply give a pass/fail. Sometimes I don’t know what to think. I look more at the overall clinical grades.

The students have significant elective time during their 2nd and 3rd year for career exploration.

Is there anything else I haven’t asked that you feel an applicant to your specialty ought to know?

Urology is very competitive, and a great deal of emphasis is placed on the USMLE. It is an early match, and when we get applications, the deans letter isn’t always out, grades from different schools are so varied that we are comparing apples to oranges. This means that the only thing we have consistently to compare students is the USMLE.

The interview is as important, if not more so, than anything else. Be prepared to go anywhere for interviews, and be happy matching anywhere. All spots are good spots. There really aren't any bad training programs.