Is a "Urology Intern Boot Camp" Needed?

The preparation of medical students for internship during medical school is variable, which can negatively affect the performance and confidence of new urology residents year 1. The primary objective is to assess the need for a workshop/curriculum to prepare medical students transitioning to urology residency. Our secondary objective is to identify the appropriate workshop/curriculum design and to identify the needed topics.

A survey was developed to evaluate the utility of a Urology Intern Boot Camp for incoming first year urology residents utilizing 2 existing intern boot camp models from other surgical disciplines. Urology Intern Boot Camp content and format and programmatic structure were also considered. The survey was sent to all first- and second-year urology residents and urology residency program directors and chairs.

A total of 730 surveys were sent, including 362 first- and second-year urology residents and 368 program directors/chairs. Responses were received from 63 residents and 80 program directors/chairs for an overall response rate of 20%. Only 9% of urology programs provide a Urology Intern Boot Camp. Interest in participating in Urology Intern Boot Camp was high with 92% of residents interested. Programmatic support for a Urology Intern Boot Camp was also high with 72% of program directors/chairs willing to allow time off and 51% willing to financially support intern participation.

There is significant interest from urology residents and program directors/chairs in providing incoming urology interns a boot camp. The format of the Urology Intern Boot Camp preferred was a combination of didactics and hands-on skills, and a hybrid delivery model of virtual and in-person carried out in multiple sites around the country.