University of Illinois

Hello,One of the UIC residents here. I would recommend taking a close look at this program. It has really grown quite fast in the last few years and they are doing some very interesting things. They are still looking to grow further.The autonomy and the volume are excellent. The cases are very complex because it's a tertiary referral center in a very underserved area. The university service, which has only 3 residents, frequently runs multiple ORs per attending, with at least 2 attendings operating most days of the week. Very energetic and friendly attendings who are passionate about teaching and who are continuosly pushing the envelope. The program strength has traditionally been Infertility. Dr. Ross (former chair) and Dr. Niederberger (current chair) are quite well known in the field. We also have well known Female/Male reconstructive Urologist in Dr. Kocjancic, a dedicated lap/robotics Urologist in Dr. Crivellaro and a dedicated Urologic Oncologist in Dr. Abern. There is also a part time General Urologist on the university service to cover the General Urology cases. Again, keep in mind this is for just three residents. For the robotics cases, usually the PGY 2 will bed-side. If the PGY 2 is not available (cysto room/clinic/etc), then the attending or chief will take turns bedsiding for each other. The attendings are pretty good about bed-siding to make sure the chiefs get a good operative experience on the console.There is only one fellow in Andrology/Infertility under Dr. Niederberger and Dr. Ross. They don't poach any of the residents' cases and are sometimes given their own OR to run where they can take the junior residents through the bread and butter cases (Varicoceles, TESEs/micro-TESEs, IPPs, Peyronies reconstructions, vasectomies, etc). The residents have always really liked that experience and if the university service residents are not available to cover these cases, the research year residents are happy to volunteer to be able to work with the fellow. I've personally learned a lot from operating with the fellows over the years.This is one of the few programs around the country with a dedicated research year. Abundance of clinical/basic science or translational research projects available with mentorship from sub-specialized experts mentioned above or well distinguished PhDs. There are also two very well known and well funded basic and translational science labs run by Dr. Gail Prins and Dr. Carol Podlasek (our newest faculty member).The Peds experience is also second to none at Lurie Children's Hospital. This is where almost all of the Chicago programs go. Very good exposure to General Urology and private practice with rotations at Illinois Masonic and St. Francis. Both have PAs/NPs to assist for floorwork and handle pages during the day. Surprisingly good autonomy for community hospitals in and out of the OR. We have a great relationship with the private practice groups at these hospitals. Most private practice attendings love having the residents around and are happy to provide autonomy in the OR. The St. Francis rotation (where a PGY 5 is stationed) also allows the residents to hold their own clinic comprised of Public Aid patients. No attendings directly involved in clinic, but they are available to answer questions/provide support if needed. When cases are booked through the resident clinic, the resident can book them under whichever attending they prefer.Weekly didactics with sub-specialized attendings. Weekly conferences to discuss interesting cases/preop, grand rounds/M&M etc...same as other places. All in all, they have their bases covered and the chiefs coming out are pretty well rounded in all aspects of Urology.Our website is below:http://chicago.medicine.uic.edu/departments___programs/departments/UIC_U...