Medical students’ exposure to Urology in the undergraduate curriculum, a web based survey

Summary 

Objective

Urological knowledge and skills are lacking in junior doctors and Urology is undersubscribed for specialist training. Lack of exposure as undergraduates may be responsible. We aimed to assess Urology exposure, confidence about managing common conditions and career prospects, in current UK medical students.

Methods

All UK medical schools were contacted. Final year students were asked to complete an online survey about Urology.

Results

610 responses were received. Only 42% of respondents had a compulsory clinical attachment in Urology, lasting on average 1 week. 46% had compulsory attachments partially based in Urology, mainly with other surgical specialities. Common urological activities had been attended by >50% of respondents, however 6% had not attended any. Over 80% of respondents received teaching on common Urology topics except for urological emergencies (62%). Lectures and anatomy sessions were the main teaching methods. 87% of teaching was from Urologists. Most respondents felt ‘confident’ managing common urological problems, but 32% felt ‘not very confident’ with urological emergencies. Only 14% of respondents would consider a career in Urology.

Conclusion

Urology experience is not compulsory in UK medical schools and is variable. Final year students lack confidence managing urological emergencies and have limited interest in Urology as a career. Development of a Urology undergraduate curriculum should help address these issues.

Abbreviations: BAUS, British Association of Urological Surgeons, CV, Curriculum Vitae, EWTD, Early Working Time Directive, FY1, Foundation Year One Doctor, GMC, General Medical Council, GP, General Practice, JCST, Joint Committee on Surgical Training, MDT, Multi-disciplinary team, ST, Speciality Training, TRUS, Trans-rectal ultrasonography, UK, United Kingdom, US, United States

Keywords: Undergraduate education, Urological emergencies, Junior doctors, Specialist training, Career guidance