Is there a Need for an Undergraduate Urological Curriculum?

Abstract

Objectives: To review Medical student education in urology and assess students self reported knowledge and management competency of common urological conditions. To determine the degree of undergraduate exposure to urology and students intentions to follow a post graduate career in urology. Methods: Questionnaires were completed by final year medical students prior to final examinations over a five year period to assess exposure to undergraduate urology and consideration of urology as a postgraduate career. Students from a single year were asked to rate their knowledge and management competency with respect to a variety of common urological pathologies. Results: Students reported low levels of confidence to manage common and emergency urological conditions. Undergraduate exposure to urology is decreasing year on year, with fewer and fewer students considering urology as a future career option. Conclusions: Undergraduate exposure to urology is poor and as a consequence of this, fewer students are considering a career in urology. This trend needs to be reversed, possibly in part, by the implementation of a defined undergraduate urological curriculum and BAUS needs to foster a greater undergraduate presence to stimulate current medical undergraduates to consider a urological career.