[Interdisciplinary education in urology: innovations for better training]

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Urology

Background:

• Current urology residency programs emphasize surgical and diagnostic procedure numbers.
• A revised training model focuses on outpatient competencies and specific subspecialties like andrology and cancer therapy.
• Concerns exist about institutions maintaining full residency programs due to subspecialty limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the future of urology residency training in light of evolving program demands.
• To explore alternative training structures that address institutional limitations and ensure comprehensive skill development.
• To propose improvements for residency training and board examinations.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of current urology training program requirements.
• Discussion of potential new training models, including interdisciplinary and combined programs.
• Exploration of a two-tiered residency structure: general outpatient and specialized inpatient training.

Main Results:

• Institutions lacking all urology subspecialties may struggle to meet new training demands.
• Interdisciplinary programs and collaborations between regional departments and private practices are viable solutions.
• A common core curriculum followed by specialized tracks could cater to different career paths.

Conclusions:

• Adapting urology residency training is crucial to meet new competency-based requirements.
• Innovative approaches like interdisciplinary and collaborative programs are necessary for future training.
• Open-mindedness, interdepartmental respect, and shared curriculum development are key to successful implementation.