PGY1

The program's first twelve months are dedicated to general surgical training, including rotations on the organ transplant service and exposure to surgical aspects of emergency medical care. Residents develop a firm foundation in basic surgical skills, as well as pre- and postoperative management of the surgical patient. Additional rotations include management of patients on the surgical intensive care unit and exposure to the surgical trauma patient through rotations at John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County.

PGY2 / URO1

The second year of residency is the first year in urology. Emphasis is placed on endoscopy and various special diagnostic techniques that are the backbone of the specialty. Residents gain experience in urologic surgery, usually as a first or second assistant.

At the end of the year, they will be proficient with:

• endoscopic urologic diagnostic procedures
• minor surgical endoscopic cases, transurethral resection and minor ureteroscopic work
• TRUS, ESWL and microscopic surgery
• minor open surgical procedures, including scrotal, inguinal and suprapubic approaches

Although primarily responsible for inpatient care, residents are encouraged to conduct research in association with the urologic research laboratories, and/or to initiate projects involving clinical research. Research opportunities persist for the duration of the program.

After six months, residents begin a 12-month rotation through the andrology clinic. They learn the outpatient work-up and management of patients with male sexual dysfunction and infertility. They also gain surgical exposure to reconstructive urology, microsurgery, and prosthetics, including both penile and incontinence devices.

PGY3 / URO2

Residents assume responsibility for inpatient services at Rush University Medical Center. They perform more complicated endoscopic and open surgical procedures under close supervision, and are introduced to transurethral resection and basic ureteroscopic surgical procedures.

PGY4 / URO3

Residents perform major urologic surgeries and begin their transurethral experience. During the first half of the year, they assume responsibility for a 4-month rotation in pediatric urology service. They will scrub on all pediatric cases as either primary surgeon or first assistant and see pediatric cases in the clinic under the supervision of a board-certified pediatric urologist.

Upon completing the pediatric rotation, residents assume responsibility for the outpatient general adult clinic. Diagnostic skills are fine-tuned, and additional exposure is gained toward the ever-expanding role of office urology. Diagnostic office-based procedures are emphasized, including:

• flexible cystoscopy
• transrectal ultrasound
• prostate biopsy
• testicular ultrasound
• urodynamics
• TURP

Other responsibilities and surgical techniques include:

• transurethral thermotherapy for BPH
• major open surgery
• cryosurgical ablation of the prostate
• biofeedback for urinary incontinence
• transurethral needle ablation of the prostate

Teaching clinics are conducted in private outpatient offices located in the Professional Building.

Chief Resident / URO4

In the fifth year, the senior resident is in charge of all conferences, and delegates responsibilities for education, patient care, and research with the approval and supervision of the program director and department chairperson. Attending urologists are always available for consult and assistance. A vigorous and self-reliant course of patient care and teaching is encouraged. All patients admitted to the service are available. Clinical experience encompasses a broad scope of diseases and surgeries, including:

• all major cancer surgery laparoscopic and open
• robotic surgery: prostatectomy, partial nephrectomy and ureteropelvic junction pyeloplasty.
• stone surgery (treatment by percutaneous ureteroscopic)
• transvaginal pelvic floor reconstruction
• incontinence surgeries
• infertility
• obstructive disease of the urinary tract
• reconstructive surgery
• the use of prostheses