University of Rochester / Strong Memorial Hospital

Intense surgical training. High volume of adult and pediatric urology cases, diverse pathology from urban setting with large rural referral base, and wide exposure to endoscopic, minimally invasive, and open surgical techniques. Outstanding robotic training – with 5 robots spread over 3 hospitals, tremendous opportunity to learn and excel at robotic urologic surgery. Graduating residents are well-prepared for entry either into further academic training or immediate professional practice. Resident autonomy and camaraderie. The resident team has strong faculty support but tremendous independence when it comes to call schedules, conferences, educational calendars, etc. There is a strong sense of team mentality and accountability. This leads to a fair amount of flexibility when managing resident issues like attending national conferences, job/fellowship interviews, family and/or health emergencies. By the time a resident has reached chief year, she or he will have mastered the strong leadership skills necessary to succeed in most health care and hospital settings.

Energy and motivation. Initiative and enthusiasm. Professionalism and intelligence. Strong communication and organizational skills.

Academic excellence, letters of recommendation, and prior experience in some sort of research.

Because the urology match is both a competitive match and an early match, it does require significant energy and commitment on the part of the candidate. Make sure to seek out urology residents at your own medical school for advice on a career in urology and do a couple of electives (at your home program as well as one outside institution). It goes without saying that your USMLE scores and your academic record will be under intense scrutiny. Seek out letters of recommendation from faculty who have worked with you and can write honestly and positively about that experience. Research is a big plus—even if it’s just an abstract that you submitted to a national conference. Not only does it show initiative and energy, but during the interview, it is often an opportunity to show your passion for our specialty.