Urology
Professor of Urology, Vice Chair of Education
Department of Urology
gary.lemack@utsouthwestern.edu (Preferred method of contact)
About the Specialty
Urology is the branch of medicine concerned with the surgical and nonsurgical management of the genitourinary system. A great portion of urological residency training is surgical including training in robotics and minimally invasive approaches. Subspecialties of Urology include Urologic Oncology, Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPRMS), Endourology/Stone Disease, Genitourinary Reconstruction/Prosthetics, Infertility, and Pediatric Urology. Fellowship training is available in each of these areas.
Answers to Common Questions
- Attributes of a Competitive Student
What factors typically make a student competitive for this specialty?
Ideally, urological research, grades in the top 50% of class, and quality letters of recommendation, including during away rotations.
- Research
How important is research experience in your specialty? If important, does it need to be in the specialty itself?
Research is very important. Best if in specialty but track record of research is equally important.
- Shadowing
How can students identify opportunities for shadowing?
Please contact the Program Director for more information.
- Electives
What electives would you recommend to a student who is interested in pursuing your specialty?
Ambulatory clerkship is more appropriate for someone unsure. Surgery Clerkship in Urology (4th year) more appropriate for students who have already decided on the specialty.
Based on your experience, what tips do you have for students to shine on your electives?
Go the extra mile to help the team. Read up on cases (get OR assignments the day prior) and be informed.
- Away Rotations
Does your specialty recommend doing away rotations?
Yes.
If your specialty recommends doing away rotations, how many “aways” do you recommend?
Two.
If away rotations are necessary, when should they apply and when should they be completed?
Urology is an early match (January). Recommend all rotations be completed by September (or at latest October if necessary)
- Interview Timing
Which month do you recommend taking off to interview?
October/November
- Letters of Recommendation
How many letters of recommendation are needed to apply to your specialty?
Three (not defined).
Does your specialty recommend that all letters of recommendation be written by members of your specialty?
Yes.
If letters can come from other disciplines, do you have a recommendation as to which disciplines are more highly valued?
None.
Does the academic rank of the letter writer matter?
No universal agreement, but my opinion would be yes.
Does your specialty require a letter from the chairman?
Expected, not required.
