The field of urology has long been a desirable specialty, attracting some of the most competitive medical students. The urology match typically takes place in January, in contrast to the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) match, which usually occurs in March. Due to this timing, the urology match is commonly referred to as an "early" match. The early match allows students who do not match with a urology training program to enter the NRMP match for alternatives without having to wait a full year until the next match takes place. Applicant interviews with urology training programs typically occur October - November. Individuals participating in the urology match are encouraged to rank several programs to increase their chances of obtaining a training position. In 2003 urology residency programs began participating in the matching program administered through the American Association of Medical College's centralized Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) matching system. Previously, resident applicants were required to submit separate applications to each prospective program in formats that varied from institution to institution. Access to the ERAS system. For individuals who have already completed a portion of residency training in urology or other fields and are seeking vacancies in urology residency programs, see a current list.
First and second year medical students considering urology as a specialty should identify members of the urology faculty at their medical school who are willing to review their curriculum vitae and offer specific advise regarding enhancing their application. Generally, if the student's schedule allows, participation in a research project will improve the chances of matching with a program high on their list. The more in-depth the research, the more the application is enhanced. Research does not necessarily have to be in the field of urology to boost one's application. If the student is unsure of having adequate time to complete a project, however, they should not obligate themselves. Failing to follow-through on the research commitment will reflect more poorly on the applicant than the lack of any research experience.
Classroom performance is important as many top programs use class rank or other honors as criteria for an invitation for an interview. Similarly, a student's performance on Parts 1 and 2 of the National Board of Medical Examiners licensing examination is also considered during the review of applications by urology residency programs.
Medical students interested in urology should participate in a urology rotation at their home institution late in their junior year or early in their senior year. Students should strive to perform their best during this rotation. Once becoming familiar with the faculty, prospective urology residents should solicit letters of recommendation from the urology leadership at their medical school. Participating in a urology rotation at an institution other than the student's home institution may be beneficial if it is a program at which the student is particularly interested completing residency training. A visiting student rotation can also give students the chance to impress the urology faculty at another institution if their clinical skills outweigh their academic record or who attend a medical school of lesser reputation. Other elective clinical rotations to consider during medical school include general surgery, renal transplantation, pediatric surgery, nephrology, neurology, gynecology, radiology, pathology, and anesthesia.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact any member of the urology faculty or join an on-line discussion group with other students interested in urology.
Medical College of Georgia's Urology clerkship at Augusta University - Junior medical student
The Urology department hosts groups of 2-3 junior medical students for three-week blocks as a component of the SURG 5000 - Surgery Core. Each student completes 1-week rotation at each of the Urology services:
Each student is expected to function as a member of the Urology team, engaging in all aspects of clinical care from outpatient clinics to inpatient wards to operative cases. Students generally follow 2-3 patients and are responsible for morning pre-rounds, completing daily SOAP progress notes, and morning presentations to the chief resident. After morning rounds, daily tasks are assigned to each team member; some students may be assigned to operative cases while the remaining students assist in Urology clinic.
-pass Urology student assessment at end of clerkship
Conferences
The Urology department generally holds conference on Monday morning and afternoon as well as Wednesday morning. Contact the resident for the official schedule.
Typical schedule:
| Monday | 7:00 am |
Surgical Indications conference |
Rinker library (8th floor) Room 8407 |
| 5:30pm | Didactics/Journal Club/Morbidity and Mortality |
Rinker library (8th floor) Room 8407 | |
|
Wednesday 2nd and 4th |
4:00 pm | Multidisciplinary Genitourinary Tumor Board | 2nd Floor Radiology Amphitheater |
|
3rd Tuesdays Quarterly: Jan, April, July, October |
Radiology Conference | Off campus |
Students interested in a visiting medical student rotation should apply through VSLO. A list of required documents will be in VSLO for you download. Once your application is submitted, it will be sent to the residency coordinator to approve and schedule. VSLO will open on April 1, 2024. Application review period is from April 1, 2024 - April 29, 2024. Any application submitted past April 29th will not be considered for a rotation. All acceptances/denials will be sent on April 30, 2024. Please be sure to respond right away. Below is a list of documents, among other criteria, that needs to be submitted in VSLO:
To arrange an elective rotation with the Medical College of Georgia's Section of Urology at Augusta University, contact the Curriculum Office at 706-722-4805 or check their website. Click here for non-Augusta University students.
We would like to offer a stipend for which Minority students from outside institutions can apply to assist with the expenses of relocating for a month. We will award 2 Grants of $500.00 each. Dr. Sherita King will be reviewing applications and selecting awardees. Please send your CV, personal statement and letter of intent to kimaddox@augusta.edu.
You may contact Kim Maddox, Residency Coordinator, for more information.
