To become a urologist, you’ll need to put in a lot of time and effort. People must go to college and medical school (or a combination of both in the UK), and then spend years in residency and fellowship training, usually at least five. They’ll also need board certification to practice this specialty, which entails treating problems with the urinary tract in both men and women, as well as the reproductive system in men. In addition to surgical skill, it’s a field that necessitates a high level of competence and sensitivity.
When a high school student considers becoming a urologist, he or she should strive to excel in math and science in high school. It may also be beneficial to consult with local urologists about this decision. It may be possible to volunteer at a urology office or shadow a urologist for a few days in a local practice. Because this field of practice involves examination of the genitals and urinary tract system, some doctors may be hesitant to allow teenagers to shadow them. They may prefer to take on a college student, but anyone interested in shadowing should maintain a professional demeanor and refrain from doing anything that would embarrass themselves or the patients being examined.
To become a urologist in the United States, students must first obtain a bachelor’s degree before enrolling in medical school. Again, the sciences should be prioritized, and many students major in pre-med to prepare for medical school. On the Medical College Admissions Test, students must achieve good grades and high scores (MCAT). These are critical in order to gain admission to a competitive medical school.
Students will spend four years in medical school learning and training before becoming licensed to practice medicine. Students can begin applying to programs that offer residencies in specialties such as urology during their final year of training. A student must be accepted into a urology residency program to continue on the path to becoming a urologist, where he or she will likely spend another five years. This program is usually divided into three years of general surgery, three years of urology, and a final year of surgery or other specialties.
Even after completing this training and passing the board exam to become a urologist, a person may spend one to two years in fellowship programs to further specialize. Some people choose to specialize in pediatric urology, while others choose to specialize in renal transplants or cancer treatment. There are several urology subspecialties that require additional training.
Most people will need at least 13 years to complete their training as a urologist. This is just the start. This field is always evolving, and doctors must stay current on new techniques, particularly minimally invasive ones like laser therapy. Medical boards will establish specific guidelines for how much continuing education doctors must complete in order to keep their licenses current.