Genitourinary Fellowship for Family Medicine Physicians

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Urology
• Primary Care

Background:

• National shortage of urologists limits patient access to urological care.
• Need for innovative training models to expand the urologic care workforce.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish and evaluate a novel fellowship program.
• To train family medicine physicians in basic urologic counseling and procedures.

Main Methods:

• 18-month fellowship for family medicine residency graduates.
• Curriculum included rotations in andrology, endourology, urogynecology, and urologic oncology.
• Seven fellows enrolled starting in 2017.

Main Results:

• Four of five DO fellows completed the program; two MDs did not.
• Graduates practice genitourinary medicine independently, with high salaries and job satisfaction.
• Practice breakdown: 80% outpatient, 15% bedside procedures, 5% OR procedures.
• Graduates perform procedures and take urology call independently.

Conclusions:

• Family medicine physician urology fellowship effectively addresses urologic care access gaps.
• Graduates can safely provide essential urologic care in various settings.
• Program demonstrates a viable pathway to expand the urologic care provider pool.