Careers in Medicine: Specialty Information

Urology

Nature of the work

According to the American Urological Association, "urology is a surgical specialty which deals with diseases of the male and female urinary tract and the male reproductive organs." This specialist has comprehensive knowledge of, and skills in, endoscopic, percutaneous, and open surgery of congenital and acquired conditions of the urinary and reproductive systems and their contiguous structures.

Urologists can receive training in the following subspecialties:

• Pediatric Urology - involves all aspects of congenital anomalies, childhood acquired urologic problems and overlapping problems of adolescence.

Training/residency information

The residency training for urologists is five years. Although urology is classified as a surgical specialty, a knowledge of internal medicine, pediatrics, gynecology, and other specialties is required. Practice in the pediatric urology subspecialty requires one additional year of training.

Workforce and salary information

According to the American Urological Association, the results of the 2000 residency match process show that obtaining a urologic training position is competitive. The annual salary for urologists ranges from $267,300 to $419,715.

For more information

• American Association of Clinical Urologists, Inc.
• American Board of Urology
• American Foundation for Urologic Disease
• American Urological Association

Source: The American Board of Medical Specialties, the American Urological Association, and the "2006 Physician Compensation Survey," Modern Healthcare. July 17, 2006. (Based on surveys conducted by American Medical Group Association; Cejka Search; Daniel Stern & Associates; Delta Physician Placement; Hay Group; Hospital & Healthcare Compensation Service; Jackson & Coker; Martin, Fletcher & Associates; MD Network; Medical Group Management Association; Medicus Partners; Merritt, Hawkins & Associates; Pcific Cos.; Pinnacle Helaht Group; and Sullivan, Cotter & Associates.)

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