If you were an applicant, why would you choose to train in your residency program? As one of the only programs in the country to employ only fellowship trained urology attendings (Female Urology, Oncology, Laparoscopy) at the University Medical Center, we offer excellent subspecialty training. We also send our residents to a large private practice group, which teaches a more "general urology" rotation. The Arizona VA Hospital provides the residents with an experience concentrating on continuity of care--you meet the patient, evaluate the patient, schedule the surgery, perform the surgery, and follow-up the patient with attending supervision. We also rotate with fellowship trained pediatric urologists at an outside site, and in Tucson with two fellowship trained infertility specialists.
What is your program looking for in a graduating medical student? We are looking for applicants with a desire to enter academic medicine, willing to produce during residency, and who show an interest in teaching.
What part of an application do you consider most important in ranking applicants? We take the entire application seriously, and we do not necessarily make any specific scores for grades, boards, personal statement, or extracurricular activities. But clearly, those applicants who demonstrate a desire for academic endeavors enjoy an advantage.
What advice do you have for medical students hoping to match in Urology? My advice to applicants hoping to match in Urology is to realize that the field has become quite competitive. Do not limit yourself to too few applications and interviews. Be the shopper--rank the programs in the order you want, rather than figuring who wants you. Enjoy the interviews, learn about the programs, and FEEL FREE TO CALL the attendings or residents for any further questions.
