Case Western Reserve University / University Hospitals of Cleveland Program

Diversity of experience in both clinical and research training is one of the greatest strengths of the residency program at Case Western Reserve University. The program has been tailored to maximize training in both surgical urology and translational urologic research with residents spending eight months in General Surgery, more than four years in urology, and one year dedicated to urologic research. Once in urology, residents gain experience in all subspecialties, including urologic oncology, pediatric urology, female/reconstructive urology, neurourology, infertility, endourology, and minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopy & robotic-assisted laparoscopy). Furthermore, residents train in a variety of hospital settings and work with diverse patient populations. Rotations occur across a number of different hospital settings, including University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, Louis Stokes Cleveland V.A. Medical Center, MetroHealth Medical Center (county hospital with Level I trauma), and the Southwest Urology Group (private practice). It is this breadth of experience that contributes to the high success rate of our graduates in securing first-choice competitive fellowships in desired subspecialties, top academic appointments, and the best long-term career positions in the private practice arena. The program is also dedicated to resident education. In addition to structured weekly didactic and teaching sessions, there is also integration of education with other departments, such as Transplant Medicine, General Surgery (particularly Colorectal Surgery), and Nephrology. The different rotation sites also have rotation specific educational activities. The residency program offers a robust clinical, translational, and basic science research program. All research residents are provided with a year-long research curriculum, including tailored instruction on epidemiology, statistics, medical decision-making, grant preparation, and manuscript writing. Opportunities for basic science and translational research are available at three fully funded laboratories, including those of Dr. Firouz Daneshgari, Dr. Adonis Hijaz, and Dr. Sanjay Gupta. Clinical research with our faculty is also abundantly available. A full-time clinical research team has been developed to provide support for clinical research activities. The residents in our program are well-represented at regional and national conferences for their work.

We are looking for intelligent, hard working, team players who are interested in contributing to and benefiting from our growing program. As we offer a diversity of training experiences, we look for residents who are strong in their abilities to be adaptable, independent, reliable, and efficient. It has been a tradition for our faculty and residents to work well together in a collegial environment. Many of the residents from Case Western Reserve and Cleveland Clinic are friends inside and outside the hospital, with monthly dinner gatherings and frequent informal get-togethers. Therefore, we value applicants who demonstrate the capacity to work well and communicate effectively with others both professionally and socially. Intelligence and a critical/analytical approach to problem-solving Someone who demonstrates an inquisitive nature and is a hard worker

We consider all aspects of the application process important. Letters of recommendation from faculty who know the applicant well and a strong academic record in all areas of medical school (USMLE scores, core curriculum, and clinical clerkship grades) are critical. The interview process is intended to ensure that applicants are a good fit for the program as much as the program is a good fit for them.

Urology is a fantastic surgical subspecialty that continues to be competitive. Speak with other medical students who have recently matched in urology to help guide you through the career decision-making and application processes. Do a sub-internship at your home institution, and find a faculty mentor to help provide support and guidance. Consider doing an away rotation to diversify your exposure to the field of urology. You can also strengthen your curriculum vitae by participating in a project that demonstrates your interest in urologic research. Do not limit yourself. All accredited urology residency programs offer excellent training. Choose the program that is the best fit for you. This may mean choosing a program based on location, curriculum, or even “the right feel”. An unhappy resident will do poorly anywhere, while a happy resident will flourish regardless of the training program