Cook County Health and Hospitals System Program

The Cook County Urology Residency program is designed to develop proficient and compassionate urologists through comprehensive training in a five-year program. The program emphasizes medical knowledge, surgical skills, and patient care, especially engaging with diverse and underserved populations in Cook County.

The mission of the program aligns with the broader objectives of Cook County Health, focusing on high-quality care while aiming to reduce health disparities related to urologic diseases. Ultimately, the program cultivates leaders in urology who are autonomous practitioners and lifelong learners in both clinical and academic settings.

Curriculum Overview

The residency is structured over five years, with rotations designed to provide residents with a breadth of experiences:

PGY-1

During the first year, residents spend five months on the Urology Service and seven months off-service, rotating through General Surgery, Interventional Radiology, Trauma, Plastic Surgery, and Surgical Critical Care. This year focuses on inpatient consultation management, enhancing surgical skills, and engaging in clinic-based procedures.

PGY-2

In the second year, residents remain on the Urology Service at John H. Stroger Hospital, managing inpatient consultations and refining their clinical and procedural skills, including endoscopic techniques and pediatric urology.

PGY-3

For the third year, residents will allocate eight months at John H. Stroger Hospital focusing on advanced endoscopic surgeries and begin practicing open surgery skills, while also spending four months at Christ Hospital managing inpatient consults.

PGY-4

The fourth year consists of six months at John H. Stroger Hospital, mastering complex oncological and reconstructive surgical skills, and four months at Christ Hospital for continued development in General Urology. Residents also gain experience at Northwestern University Memorial Hospital through elective rotations focusing on male sexual and reproductive health.

PGY-5

The final year positions residents as chiefs at both John H. Stroger Hospital and Christ Hospital, overseeing the Urology Service while refining their skills in robotic, oncologic, and reconstructive surgery.

Training Sites

The primary training institutions include John H. Stroger Hospital and Christ Hospital, supplemented by opportunities at Northwestern University Memorial Hospital. This diverse training environment allows residents to gain exposure to a wide variety of urological cases and advanced surgical procedures.

Research Opportunities

The program encourages residents to engage in research activities, aiming to contribute to the advancement of urology. Research participation is integral to fostering a culture of inquiry and continuous learning among residents.

Faculty

The program boasts a diverse and accomplished faculty with expertise in various areas of urology, including reconstructive surgery, oncologic surgery, endourology, and female pelvic medicine. Faculty members are committed to mentorship and guiding residents through their professional journeys.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Cook County Urology Residency program is competitive, with a commitment to inclusivity for DO and IMG candidates. Specific application requirements may include a graduation year limitation or acceptance of a certain number of, for instance, failed STEP exams. For an optimal application experience, potential candidates should be proficient in U.S. medical education standards and demonstrate resilience and adaptability.

Visa Support

The program offers support for certain visa types for international medical graduates, facilitating their participation in the residency training.

Sub-Internship Opportunities

Fourth-year medical students may apply for Sub-Internship rotations at Cook County Health, typically available from July to September. These rotations provide valuable clinical experience and insights into the workings of the residency program.