Overview of the Specialty
Urology is the medical and surgical specialty involving disorders of the male genitourinary tract, female urinary tract, and the adrenal gland. Urologists see patients with kidney, ureter, bladder, prostate, urethra and male genital structure disorders and injuries. They also investigate and treat infertility and male sexual dysfunction.
At a Glance
Training
- 5 years of residency
- Includes general surgery internship year
These are minimum requirements. Some programs may have longer residencies.
Fellowships
| Subspecialty | Length |
|---|---|
| Pediatric Urology | 1 year |
Lifestyle
| Median, Academic Salary | $385,000 |
| Median, Clinical Salary | $422,000 |
Source: Association of American Medical Colleges
Training Requirements
Training consists of a minimum of five years of postgraduate education including one-two years in an ACGME-accredited general surgery training program and three-four years in a urology training program. There were 126 urology residency training positions accredited by the ACGME for 2014/15 that offered 296 categorical positions.
Matching Program Information and Match Statistics
Urology residency training programs participate in the American Urological Association (AUA) Match. Match results through the AUA and competitiveness information for urology residency training positions are summarized in the U.S. Match Statistics table below. The urology matching process is one of the “early match” programs: the matching process is generally completed in late January (about six weeks prior to the NRMP).
US Match Statistics |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 |
| Competitiveness | High | High | High | High |
| # Categorical positions available for U.S. Seniors | 296 | 285 | 279 | 278 |
| % U.S. Seniors matched | 77% | 68% | 69% | 77% |
| # Unfilled Categorical Positions | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| # Unmatched U.S. seniors | 77 | 131 | 122 | 75 |
Source: American Urological Association (AUA). *Competitiveness is based upon the percentage of U.S. Seniors who ranked each specialty as their only choice.
WUSM Match Statistics
For a list of WUSM match statistics for the past several years, please visit Search for WUSM Statistics. (password protected)
Subspecialty/Fellowship Training
Subspecialty/fellowship training following completion of a urology residency training program is available in pediatric urology. Detailed information about the scope of these subspecialty training programs, number of positions offered, and length of training is available at the FREIDA website.
Visit AMA website »
Visit FREIDA website »
Career Information
FREIDA physician workforce information for each specialty includes statistical information on the number of positions/programs for residency training, resident work hours, resident work environment and compensation, employment status upon completion of program and work environment for those entering practice in each specialty.
Washington University Resources
- Washington University Office of Graduate Medical Education (GME): Information about graduate medical education at Washington University
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urologic Surgery
- Urology Elective Recommendations
- Database of WUSM alumni searchable by Specialty, Year, and/or State (password protected)
Faculty Contacts
| Faculty Contacts: Division of Urologic Surgery | |
| Robert S. Figenshau, MD | 454-2235 |