Rapid communication: minimally invasive urologic surgery curricula

Surgical education programs are being challenged to provide comprehensive training in the ever-expanding technologies and techniques. We present dedicated training curricula for several aspects of minimally invasive urologic surgery in an effort to provide a uniform training experience for all residents.

Five components of the curricula were developed, namely, cognitive objectives, skills objectives, competency of procedures, cognitive evaluation, and proficiency or skills evaluation.

The five components of the curriculum were defined specifically for cystoscopy and transurethral surgery, ureterorenoscopy and intrarenal surgery, renal access surgery, and laparoscopic urology.

This standardized curriculum overview for minimally invasive urologic surgery is an initial attempt to define one aspect of a urology training program. We hope these curricula will serve as a basis for further discussion and development of a comprehensive urology training program.