Definition
Urology is a surgical specialty which deals with diseases of the male and female urinary tract and the male reproductive organs. Although urology is classified as a surgical specialty, a knowledge of internal medicine, pediatrics, gynecology, and other specialties is required by the urologist because of the wide variety of clinical problems encountered.
The specialty of urology is constantly changing. Much of this change has been the result of improved technology. Refinements in the area of ureteral and renal endoscopic surgery have already revolutionized the therapy of urinary tract stones and, working in conjunction with the new generation of extracorporeal lithotriptors, many of the traditional surgical and even endoscopic approaches to the problem of renal and ureteral calculi are now largely obsolete. Other traditional urologic procedures, specifically vasovasostomy and hypospadias repair have improved results in selected cases with the use of the surgical microscope. Skill and experience using the surgical microscope will undoubtedly be an important part of urologic practice in the future. Lasers are in their infancy, but will influence the practice of urology in the management of neoplasms and, in a somewhat different context, the management of ureteral calculi. Much recent research effort has evolved in the area of laparoscopic surgery. Many urologic operations which have been done by open surgery in the past can now be performed through the laparoscope. The development of new cancer chemotherapeutic agents has significantly altered therapy for some urologic cancers. In summary, urology is a rapidly changing and exciting area of medicine which requires practicing urologists to be actively involved in continuing education. This information was adapted from the American Urological Association website.
Program
- Length of training: 5 years (including PGY-1)
- Match: AUA (American Urological Association)
- Application service: ERAS
Ohio State Department of Urology
- Department Chair: Cheryl Lee, MD
- Residency Director: David Sharp, MD
- Education Director: Fara Bellows, MD
- Education Coordinator: Katie Garcia, 614-293-4889
Specialty Champions
- Frank Begun, MD
- Bara Fellows, MD
- Geoffrey Box, MD
- Lawrence Jenkins, MD
- Bodo Knudsen, MD
- Cheryl Lee, MD
- Ahmed Shabsigh, MD
- David Sharp, MD