[Urology specialization. Part I. Current status and perspectives]

At present the only official way for training and obtention of a degree of specialist in Urology is through the Resident In-house Physician (MIR) program. Although in general terms, the MIR program offers the best way to train specialists, we believe a review and self-evaluation of this system aimed both to elucidate the existing problems and to improve the programme would be useful and necessary. Three different questionnaires were prepared and sent to the Heads of Training Services, to the Residents in all the Urology Services where certified training is being given, or has been given over a five-year period, and to a random sample of Heads of Services who have no Residents appointed. The objective was to get to know the state of opinion on the specialization system, the attitude with regard to other possibilities, as well as to shape a resident's profile, make an evaluation of the professional and working environment, and obtain a general objectivization of the Spanish hospitals. Although the level of response was not consistent in all three groups, it was sufficient to be able to state that the system is considered good and the training correct. However, not all centres fulfill the requirements to have a Teaching Service. Training is not as consistent as it should be in a MIR-type system.