UPMC Medical Education Program in Urology
Program Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
|
Clinical Track |
5-year residency (AUA Program ID 00923388) |
|
Surgeon Scientist Track |
6-year research residency (AUA Program ID 20478702) |
|
Accreditation |
Continued Accreditation, ACGME |
|
Program Size |
5 residents per year starting with the 2027 incoming class (ACGME-approved complement increase from 4); 3 Clinical Track, 2 Surgeon Scientist Track |
Program Structure
Each year has ten 5-week rotation blocks plus 2 weeks of holiday coverage. As the program grows from 4 to 5 residents per year, some rotation assignments may be adjusted over the next two academic years. Incoming residents will train under the structure described below:
| Year | Rotation (blocks) |
|---|---|
|
PGY1 |
Urology (5); General surgery (5) |
|
PGY2 |
Urology (8): Shadyside, Presbyterian/Montefiore, Mercy, and Night Float, 2 each; Renal transplant surgery (1); Urogynecology (1) |
|
PGY3 |
Junior resident: Shadyside, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Presbyterian/Montefiore, VA Pittsburgh, and Magee-Womens (2 each) |
|
PGY4 |
Senior resident: Mercy, Children's, Magee-Womens, and VA Pittsburgh (2 each); Community urology (1); Research/elective (1) |
|
PGY5 |
Chief resident: Presbyterian/Montefiore, Mercy, VA Pittsburgh, Shadyside, and Community Urology (2 each) |
Surgeon Scientist Track: Residents complete a 12-month dedicated research year after PGY3, then complete senior and chief years as PGY5 and PGY6.
Call
We use a night float system. One PGY2 or PGY3 resident covers primary call from 6 pm to 7 am every weeknight and two weekend nights per month, with no daytime clinical duties. The remaining PGY2 and PGY3 residents share the other weekend nights.
Growing Faculty
Our department's recent expansion supports the larger residency class and adds subspecialty depth. The newest additions to our faculty include:
- 2 reconstructive urologists
- 2 pediatric urologists
- 1 urologic oncologist
- 1 andrology/infertility specialist
Operative Experience
The Class of 2026 exceeded ACGME minimums in every major category by 2 to 10 times:
| Category | Average Cases Per Graduate | ACGME Minimum |
|---|---|---|
|
Ureteroscopy |
479 |
90 |
|
Reconstructive |
356 |
170 |
|
Oncology |
316 (including 131 prostatectomies and 131 kidney cases) |
130 |
|
Pediatrics, minor |
304 |
30 |
|
Robotic |
286 |
80 |
|
Pediatrics, major |
65 |
15 |
Typical monthly system volume: about 40 radical prostatectomies, 30 nephrectomies, and 20 cystectomies.
Research
- Surgeon Scientist Track residents spend 12 protected months in affiliated labs and programs in oncology, neurourology, immunology, health services research, reconstructive urology and global health.
- University of Pittsburgh partnerships offer coursework through the School of Public Health and the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business, plus global health experiences.
- Residents in both tracks are productive during their clinical years.
Conference Support
- Up to 2 national or sectional meetings per year with an accepted abstract
- NSAUA Annual Meeting - annually
- SWIU Meetings & Conferences - twice during residency
- SAU Annual Meeting - once during residency
Education
- Adult and pediatric visiting professors
- Journal clubs in oncology, pediatrics, and female/reconstructive urology
- Multidisciplinary tumor board at UPMC Shadyside
- Preoperative/indications conferences at each site
- Simulation days and independent opportunity
Additional Resident Benefits
- Custom loupes
- Lead
- UPMC jackets
- Educational Materials
- AUA Review Course
- iPad or Campbells
- Urology Boot Camp
- Meal Stipend
- Parking
- Esprit de corps